Senator Faisal Vawda launched a scathing attack on former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership during a fiery press conference in Islamabad, raising questions about the Taliban’s presence in the province, the treatment of martyred security personnel and divisions within the party.
Addressing the KP leadership, Vawda questioned PTI’s record on security during its tenure in government and challenged its leaders to explain why the Taliban presence in the province had not been addressed earlier.
“Were the Taliban your fathers? Why weren’t they thrown out when PTI was in power?” Vawda asked, directing sharp criticism at Sohail Afridi and the party over the security situation in KP.
Vawda criticises Sohail Afridi over martyrs
Vawda also criticised the former KP chief minister over his reported absence from the funerals of security personnel killed in the line of duty. Emphasising respect for the martyrs, he said, “Disrespect the martyrs and lose your tongue.”
He framed his remarks around the sacrifices made by security personnel and called for greater recognition of those who lost their lives while serving the country.
Strong message on Pakistan’s security
During the press conference, Vawda issued a strong warning against statements he considers contrary to Pakistan’s interests, declaring that the country must come first.
His remarks came amid heightened political tensions over the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the relationship between the federal government and the PTI-led provincial administration.
Vawda points to divisions within PTI
The senator also revealed that disagreements within PTI’s leadership were becoming increasingly visible. His criticism added another dimension to the ongoing political confrontation surrounding the party’s provincial leadership.
Addressing Faisal Karim Kundi, Vawda stressed the need for determination, saying, “Failure is no option. Success, success, success.”
