General Election
Former Minister of Water Resources, Faisal Vawda, has expressed doubts about PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s ability to contest the upcoming general election, scheduled for February 8, due to pending cases against him. During an interview, Vawda shared his skepticism regarding Imran Khan’s electoral participation.
Vawda, previously known as PTI’s “commando,” was expelled from the party in October 2022 for not responding to a show-cause notice within the stipulated timeframe. Two months later, he resigned from the Senate after the Supreme Court lifted his lifetime disqualification.
Vawda emphasized the challenges and uncertainties that could hinder Imran Khan’s electoral ambitions, mentioning the “disqualification” label that can make it difficult for politicians to connect with the public. He characterized the ongoing cases against the former prime minister as “open and shut” and anticipated additional legal proceedings against him. Vawda also accused Imran Khan of being egoistic.
In the context of his experience with the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan during PTI’s tenure, Vawda made veiled references to undisclosed individuals and events. He alluded to negotiations involving a minister and TLP leaders, which reportedly included a demand for Rs2 billion.
Vawda claimed that the “mastermind” behind the 2017 Faizabad sit-in was widely known. These comments came as the Supreme Court was conducting an inquiry into the mastermind behind the disruptive sit-in.
Vawda reiterated his claims that the events of May 9, a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s political landscape, were orchestrated to thwart the appointments of the current army chief and chief justice of Pakistan. He expressed hope that the Supreme Court’s decision, which declared military trials of civilians arrested during the May 9 protests as null and void, would ultimately be reversed.
These statements from Faisal Vawda reflect his perspective on the challenges and legal hurdles that PTI Chairman Imran Khan may face as the general elections approach.
