In Islamabad, former Federal Minister Faisal Vawda has expressed his views, stating that familial connections between individuals do not necessarily indicate compatibility, suggesting that the relationship between a father and daughter may not align, but there could be alignment between a nephew and uncle.
During an interview with a private TV channel, Vawda criticized Irfan Siddiqui’s approach to drafting a youth manifesto, deeming it an inappropriate direction. He remarked on the adverse outcomes witnessed in the past 16 months, citing increased debt and the forgiveness of significant cases. According to Vawda, the way the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was handling affairs was evident in its self-inflicted challenges, questioning the longevity of the next government and the effectiveness of its strategies.
Vawda also commented on the need for experienced politicians like Asif Zardari to play a role in sustaining a long-term government. He suggested that older politicians should transition into retirement gracefully, engaging in activities such as prayer and spending time with grandchildren. Drawing a parallel with the retirement age of bureaucrats, he proposed setting an “expiry date” for political leaders, acknowledging the impracticality of a leader claiming a hundred-year tenure.
Expressing concern about the future, Vawda stated that hasty initiatives were unlikely to succeed. He predicted a potential two-year lifespan for a new government formed by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM-2), emphasizing the importance of avoiding pitfalls. Despite his concerns, Vawda clarified that his criticisms were not directed at any specific group but rather stemmed from his desire for the legacy of Bhutto and a return to the earlier years of Zardari’s leadership.
In addressing specific issues, Vawda questioned the rationale behind the opening of offices on Sundays during Imran Khan’s government and raised inquiries about the non-execution of capital punishment for around 15,000 individuals. He maintained his loyalty to the PTI, asserting that their voters were distinct from those of other political entities.
Touching on the topic of conspiracies, Vawda differentiated Prime Minister Imran Khan’s mindset from conspiratorial thinking. He acknowledged the presence of conspirators within the political landscape but noted their departure from active politics. Lastly, he commented on the upcoming elections, predicting a significant impact from PTI candidates and foreseeing a prevailing wave.
