Islamabad ( Ghag Report):
Former federal minister and senator Faisal Vawda has strongly criticized the leadership of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), calling the November 24 protest a futile exercise aimed at saving face. Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club in Islamabad, Vawda accused PTI leaders of compromising their principles for personal gain, stating that “no one is truly working to save Imran Khan.”
Key Highlights from Vawda’s Statement
1. November 24 Protest:
Vawda described the upcoming protest as “drama” and “a water bubble,” claiming it is being staged merely to create public spectacle and gain leverage. He dismissed its potential impact, saying, “Whether 50,000 or 5 million people show up, it makes no difference. This is not about Imran Khan’s release but about saving the leadership’s reputation.”
2. Compromises Within PTI:
He alleged that PTI leaders are secretly negotiating deals for personal relief while leaving Imran Khan to face the consequences of his imprisonment. Vawda pointed to internal divisions within PTI, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where factions have formed along different leadership lines.
3. Imran Khan’s Position:
Vawda urged Imran Khan to “open his eyes” and see how his absence has led to compromises within his party. He accused PTI leaders of trading Imran Khan’s political future for their own benefits.
4. U.S. Interference and Hypocrisy:
The senator criticized the U.S. for selective intervention in human rights issues, highlighting its silence on Palestinian atrocities, the case of Aafia Siddiqui, and Kashmir, while taking an active interest in Pakistan’s internal matters. “Human rights violations in Palestine are ignored, but a letter is written for Imran Khan’s cause,” he said, questioning America’s motives.
5. November 24 Timing:
According to Vawda, the protest is strategically timed to deflect attention from Imran Khan’s upcoming indictment on November 25. He predicted no major outcomes from the protest, terming it an attempt at “face-saving.”
6. Geopolitical Importance of Pakistan:
Vawda emphasized that Pakistan should be treated as a friend, not a foe, in global politics. He warned against underestimating the nation’s resilience and self-respect, declaring, “We may eat grass, but we will not compromise on our dignity.”
7. Call to Parliament:
He urged Parliament to take a firm stance against foreign interference, insisting that assemblies must respond robustly to safeguard national sovereignty.
Vawda also criticized the government’s “container strategy” to block protests, calling it an ineffective tactic. His fiery remarks underscore growing tensions within PTI and its strained relations with both domestic institutions and international powers.
The November 24 protest, billed as a pivotal event for PTI, now faces skepticism from within the party ranks, raising questions about its objectives and potential outcomes.