Some PTI leaders in contact with 'foreign agencies', claims Vawda
Former PTI leader Faisal Vawda. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE
Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Faisal Vawda has accused some leaders of the PTI of being in contact with "foreign agencies" with the aim of becoming prime minister after removing party chairman Imran Khan from the political scene.
Speaking to the media in Islamabad on Wednesday, Vawda, who claims that he is still a close associate of the PTI chief, urged party supporters to remain calm and to strengthen Imran Khan's position, stating that those calling for action are misleading the public and causing destruction to the party.
Vawda said that India is benefiting greatly from the situation in Pakistan, adding that the neighbouring country's government should know that Pakistanis are united when it comes to national security.
"We are making the dreams of our enemies a reality due to our differences," he said.
The former PTI leader called for the party to avoid falling into the hands of conspirators and emphasised that Imran Khan himself is not involved in any foreign agenda.
"Only a handful of 'gamers' are voluntarily giving arrests," he said.
According to Vawda, some individuals within the party are "playing games" for personal gain and will soon be exposed. He also emphasised the importance of adopting democratic and legal methods, rather than resorting to violence.
Read more: Govt calls in army to control law and order situation in Punjab, K-P
The former PTI leader vowed to continue working for Pakistan, Imran Khan, and the nation.
"Imran Khan should not be taken to a point where the party leadership falls into the hands of conspirators. As far as I am concerned, I will do my best for Pakistan, Imran Khan, and my people. The people should adopt a democratic and legal method," he added.
He pointed out that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had previously taken similar actions, which were deemed justified, and now that the same is happening with the PTI, it should be accepted.
Vawda also stated that he remains committed to PTI and Imran Khan's vision for Pakistan, and will continue to work towards that end. He called for unity and emphasised that the PTI leadership is solely Imran Khan, and not anyone else.
Also read: PTI anger spills into streets after Imran's arrest
The statement comes a day after ex-PM Imran was arrested by NAB with the help of Rangers paramilitary force at the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
Despite protests erupting across the country condemning the arrest, the government has backed the development maintaining it was in accordance with the law.
In an appalling show of vandalism never witnessed before in the country’s history, PTI supporters attacked and caused damage to the historic Corps Commander’s House in Lahore, which also served as the residence of the founding father of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, hours after Imran Khan’s arrest on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, audio leaks surfaced on social media, indicating that the leadership of the PTI was allegedly involved in the attack on the residence of Lahore Corps Commander. The purported audio clips appeared to show that PTI senior leaders had urged party workers to gather at the Jinnah House, as they "rejoiced" the damage caused to the historic bulding in the recorded telephone calls.
"We have destroyed the entire Corp Commander House and ended their story," Ali Chaudhry could be allegedly heard telling Ejaz Chaudhry in one of the recordings.
Due to the unprecedented situation, the interim provincial governments requisitioned army troops to maintain law and order in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).
At least five protesters have been reported dead as the protests turned violent, with several others injured. At least three policemen were also seriously injured in clashes with PTI supporters in Peshawar.
Officials at Edhi Foundation reported two deaths in Lahore while another three were reported in Peshawar.