Vawda accuses PTI of using ‘civil disobedience’ to influence Faiz Hamid trial
Senator Faisal Vawda has alleged that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s call for a civil disobedience movement on December 14 is a strategic move to influence the ongoing trial of former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hamid. Speaking at a press conference in Karachi on Sunday, Vawda claimed the date was chosen to coincide with the expected start of legal proceedings against the former spymaster.
“The PTI’s December 14 protest is not about national interests,” Vawda stated. “The date was set based on the belief that legal proceedings against Faiz Hamid would commence after December 14.” He added that these proceedings are expected to begin earlier, undermining PTI’s alleged strategy.
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Faiz Hamid, currently facing court-martial on charges of misconduct related to land grabbing, was arrested in August. The trial, according to journalist Javed Chaudhry, is expected to conclude by March 2025. The former ISI chief has been accused of facilitating PTI during its time in power, both inside and outside Parliament.
The PTI founder, Imran Khan, who remains incarcerated, announced last week the formation of a five-member negotiation committee to engage with the federal government. The committee, comprising Omar Ayub Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Salman Akram Raja, and Asad Qaiser, is tasked with securing the release of political prisoners and demanding a judicial probe into the events of May 9 and November 26.
Khan warned that if these demands were not met, the PTI would launch a civil disobedience movement starting December 14. He also announced a grand gathering in Peshawar on December 13 to honor the “martyrs” of the Islamabad protest, where PTI claims 12 workers were killed and 1,000 arrested. The government, however, denies using live ammunition, reporting instead that four law enforcers, including three Rangers personnel, were killed during the unrest.
Vawda, who has distanced himself from PTI leadership, criticized the party for prioritizing political tactics over national welfare. “Attempts are being made to use the PTI founder’s life for political gain,” he remarked, referring to alleged threats against Khan. He also took aim at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and former first lady Bushra Bibi, accusing them of exploiting Khan’s situation.
Vawda emphasized the need to respect PTI’s mandate despite differences, stating, “We may not agree with them, but their mandate must be acknowledged.” He also highlighted his meetings with leaders from various political parties, including MQM-P and JUI-F, to foster national unity.
During his visit to MQM-P headquarters, Vawda met with leaders Khalid Maqbool and Mustafa Kamal, who expressed support for his efforts. Kamal commented, “All political parties should unite on key national issues. There should be no politics on this agenda.”
The government has dismissed PTI’s claims and civil disobedience threats as pressure tactics. Officials maintain that legal proceedings against Faiz Hamid and other matters will follow due process.
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