Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Barrister Shoaib Shaheen has denied reconciling with Fawad Chaudhry after the latter claimed they had made peace following PTI founder Imran Khan’s instructions.
The altercation between Chaudhry and Shaheen took place at Gate No. 5 of Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where a verbal argument escalated into a physical fight. Chaudhry allegedly slapped Shaheen, causing him to fall and injure his arm.
According to sources, Chaudhry called Shaheen a “tout,” prompting Shaheen to tell him to mind his own business. Later, speaking to journalists, Chaudhry said Shaheen had called him a “deserter” on TV and attributed the remark to Imran Khan. However, when Chaudhry verified it with Khan, the former premier denied making such remarks.
Chaudhry further stated that he asked Shaheen not to make false claims in Khan’s name. Later, Khan instructed them to reconcile, after which Chaudhry claimed they had settled the issue.
PTI lawyer Naeem Haider Panjutha confirmed that Khan expressed regret over the scuffle and had reconciled both leaders.
However, contradicting these claims, Shaheen held a press conference outside the jail, denying any reconciliation. Calling Chaudhry a “tout” and “deserter,” he asserted that Khan had condemned the incident. He also claimed that Chaudhry had abandoned the party and was now attempting to create internal divisions.
Shaheen further alleged that Chaudhry had premeditated the attack on him. While he refused to file a complaint with the police or PTI leadership, he made it clear that he would not forgive Chaudhry.
PTI worker Nadia Khattak commented on the incident, stating that while disagreements are normal, physical violence should not have occurred. She confirmed that Shaheen had sustained a hand injury but did not suffer any fractures.
This scuffle comes amid internal rifts within PTI, with senior leadership members increasingly at odds over various issues. Recently, firebrand lawyer-turned-politician Sher Afzal Marwat was expelled from the party over disciplinary violations.
It is noteworthy that Fawad Chaudhry, who has been facing multiple cases, had distanced himself from PTI following the May 9, 2023 crackdown. However, last year, he denied leaving the party, arguing that only those who leave can return, and since he never officially quit, there was no question of rejoining.
