Senator Faisal Vawda on Thursday claimed that former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid—sentenced earlier in the day through a Field General Court Martial—was preparing to testify against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, a move he said would compound Khan’s legal problems.
Speaking on Geo News’ programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, the former PTI leader said Hamid was expected to provide evidence implicating the incarcerated ex-prime minister in matters linked to the May 9 riots, adding that Khan was now “firmly caught in the legal squeeze.”
Hamid received a 14-year rigorous imprisonment sentence after being convicted on four charges including political interference, violating the Official Secrets Act and misuse of authority, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Vawda Says No Relief Expected After 14-Year Sentence
Vawda warned that accountability proceedings surrounding May 9 would “intensify,” asserting that Hamid’s punishment “will not be reduced.” He also alleged that responsibility for leaking details of military installations ahead of the May 9 violence rested with Hamid.
“Once everything comes out, the first name will be that of the PTI and its founder,” he remarked, insisting that the legal clampdown would continue.
He further claimed that former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa had shown “negligence and incompetence” but later attempted to remove Hamid upon realising the potential fallout. Vawda said Bajwa had now effectively been “exonerated,” and no action was expected against him.
Khawaja Asif Alleges May 9 Was ‘Joint Plan’ by Hamid and Imran Khan
In the same programme, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif alleged that the May 9 unrest was the product of a “joint plan” between the former ISI chief and Imran Khan, claiming the violence was designed to “overturn the appointment of Field Marshal Asim Munir” as army chief.
Asif argued that Khan “could not have executed May 9 alone,” asserting that Hamid retained influence after retirement and implying that more cases could surface.
He further stated that while the civilian authority to appoint the army chief had never previously been challenged, former COAS Gen (retd) Bajwa had allegedly used pressure to alter the appointment process—initially backing Hamid for the top post before proposing other names.
Background: May 9 Riots and Their Fallout
The May 9, 2023 protests erupted after Imran Khan’s arrest at the Islamabad High Court. Demonstrators attacked several key military and government sites, including the Corps Commander’s House in Lahore and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The state has since pursued multiple criminal cases against PTI leaders and supporters.
With Hamid now convicted and reportedly ready to testify, political and legal tensions surrounding the May 9 investigations appear set to escalate further.
