In a recent interview on Hum News show “Faisla Aap Ka with Asma Sherazi,” Defence Minister Khawaja Asif launched scathing criticism against the credibility of the Faizabad dharna commission’s report. Asif vehemently contested the authenticity of the report, asserting that it lacked credibility due to the absence of former army chief Gen (rtd) Qamar Javed Bajwa and ex-spymaster Lt Gen (rtd) Faiz Hameed during the commission’s proceedings.
Asif’s sharp remarks come in the wake of the commission’s findings which implicated the government, particularly then Chief Minister of Punjab, Shehbaz Sharif, in mishandling the Faizabad sit-in of 2017. The report attributed the fallout from the protest to a lack of courage and conviction on the part of the government of Punjab.
The Defence Minister’s criticism of the report seems linked to his wider objection to the alleged involvement of Generals Bajwa and Hameed in influencing legislative processes during the previous PTI government. Asif has claimed that both retired generals exerted substantial influence over legislative affairs, particularly concerning matters related to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
During a media interaction after a parliamentary party meeting of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Asif underscored the importance of involving various stakeholders, not just politicians, in ensuring political stability. He pointedly accused Bajwa and Hameed of instrumental involvement in shaping legislation, suggesting a broader critique of their influence over political processes.
Asif’s recent criticism of the Faizabad commission’s report appears to be motivated by a desire to deflect accountability from the PML-N leadership, particularly Shehbaz Sharif, who was implicated in the commission’s findings. By questioning the credibility of the report and highlighting the absence of key figures during its proceedings, Asif aims to cast doubt on its conclusions and shield the PML-N from scrutiny.
The Defence Minister’s remarks not only challenge the findings of the Faizabad commission but also serve as a broader indictment of the role of then military officials in political affairs. Asif’s assertions underscore the ongoing tensions between civilian and military authorities in Pakistan, as well as the complexities surrounding accountability and political stability in the country.