Senator Faisal Vawda has accused PTI leader Imran Khan of being behind Pakistan’s current political turmoil, citing evidence from former Inter-Services Intelligence director general Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed that links Khan to the May 9 vandalism incident.
“I cannot champion law and democracy while facing multiple court cases. Some time ago, I revealed that Faiz Hameed, a close associate of Imran Khan, provided evidence of Khan’s involvement in the May 9 vandalism,” Vawda said during an interview with a private TV channel.
Vawda claimed that Imran admitted to instructing his supporters to march towards GHQ. He noted that parties like PML-N, PPP, JUI-F, and MQM-P had also clashed with the establishment in the past but eventually negotiated.
When asked if Faiz Hameed had suggested the May 9 protest at GHQ, Vawda clarified, “This was not Faiz Hameed’s suggestion; Imran Khan was involved in the entire scheme.”
Vawda stated that the government is threatened not by a technocrat government or martial law but by the ongoing power struggle within the PML-N. He mentioned that the IMF had reached a deal with the finance minister, but the decision on reserved seats would not be implemented.
In his interview, Vawda questioned the origins of discussions about a constitutional breakdown. “It would be better if ministers admitted their incompetence; the nation would respect them more. PML-N should resolve its internal conflicts and not drag the country into political instability,” he said.
Vawda highlighted positive economic indicators, such as a decrease in the interest rate, suggesting reduced inflation. He proposed renegotiating electricity agreements with IPPs, criticizing the contracts that guarantee payments to IPPs regardless of power supply, implying they involve kickbacks. “The decision on reserved seats will not be implemented, with the Election Commission, Parliament, Speaker of the National Assembly, and President standing in the way,” he added.
He emphasized that constitutional amendments are the responsibility of Parliament while interpreting the Constitution falls to the Supreme Court.
Vawda called for dispelling the notion of judicial martial law. “The establishment’s stance on May 9 is clear. Regardless of future army chiefs, the military will remain focused on its battles. There are good people in political parties who should be allowed to come forward,” he remarked.
He concluded by stating that 90% of his predictions had proven accurate and anticipated political upheaval in September and October, but the government was not under threat. Vawda concluded that the PTI did not urgently need a forward bloc, but one would be formed selectively.
