Senator Faisal Vawda on Sunday claimed that incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan picked December 14 as the date for a civil disobedience movement to “manipulate” the trail former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hamid.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi following a meeting with Muttahida Qoumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leaders, Vawda said: “Once again, Pakistan was not the reason behind the PTI’s December 14 call. The date was decided as they [PTI] believe that the legal proceedings against Faiz Hamid will commence after December 14.”
He termed the PTI’s civil disobedience call as pressure tactics and said that they “made a mistake”, adding that the legal proceedings against the former ISI chief will start before the date.
The former ISI chief was taken into custody in August by the army over allegations of land grabbing and snatching valuables from the owner of a private housing society.
The opposition, however, alleged that the former spymaster, who is currently facing court-martial proceedings, had close ties with the PTI founder and had been facilitating the former ruling party inside and outside the parliament.
His remarks came days after Khan warned the government of launching a “civil disobedience” movement if his demands, including the judicial probe into the crackdown on party supporters, were not met.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Vawda said: “The establishment’s role cannot be abolished.”
Lauding the security forces, the senator said: “Troops render their lives [in line of duty] at borders. Establishment, judiciary and politicians work together [for the betterment of the country].”
Earlier this month, Senator Vawda, during a local TV show, claimed that the former DG ISI is likely to face indictment within the next few days.
This is a developing story and is being updated with more details.
