by Zain Ul Abideen Siddiqui in The Express Tribune, December 14th, 2023.
KARACHI: Former federal minister Faisal Vawda asserted on Wednesday that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, despite running alone in an ostensibly empty political landscape post-Imran Khan, would only secure the “fourth position”.
Vawda made these remarks during an appearance on the Express News programme “Kal Tak” hosted by Javed Chaudhry.
He said that it was Khan who fuelled the May 9 riots, causing losses to both democracy and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Expressing scepticism about Sharif’s political standing, Vawda insisted that even in the vacuum created by Khan’s exit from politics, Sharif’s narrative remains outdated.
“Nawaz’s narrative is completely outdated. Today, a two-member bench has declared him eligible [for elections]. Tomorrow, a three-member bench might declare him ineligible. We have seen decisions being reversed [in the past],” he added.
The former federal minister highlighted that Nawaz Sharif’s acquittal in the Al-Azizia case implies that the earlier judgment was incorrect. He raised questions on the judiciary, stating, “Those who delivered the first verdict should be held accountable… when will the nation witness their punishment?”
Vawda suggested that Sharif should admit his past mistakes and present himself for accountability first, and then chant the slogan of accountability for others.
He also questioned the feasibility of accountability in the long-standing murder case of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, given the passage of time.
Turning attention to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, Vawda expressed hope that Isa would bring positive changes, noting his principled stance against conspiracies.
“Justice Isa is a principled powerful individual. He has the opportunity to establish principles firmly. Otherwise, there is a fear that the matter would be settled on the streets and if that happens, things will get tough for all of us.”
On the topic of the judiciary, Vawda, in a sarcastic tone, suggested that if the judiciary can handle matters well, perhaps the entire country can be handed over to them. He advised judges to refrain from politics, promote unity within the judiciary, and focus on delivering justice for the progress of Pakistan.
Highlighting the consequences of injustice, Vawda cautioned that when the volcano of injustice erupts, even the powerful will be swept away. He concluded by stating that setting the justice system right is essential for preventing any adverse events and ensuring accountability for all.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2449929/nawaz-wont-be-able-to-fill-post-imran-political-vacuum-vawda
