Bazwa, Faiz orchestrated no-trust vote against Imran Khan

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa and former director general Inter-Services Intelligence Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed orchestrated the no-trust vote against former prime minister Imran Khan.

Imran Khan came to power after a landslide victory in 2018 general election and became Prime Minister of Pakistan for the first time in 22 years political career. But in the middle of his term, his Tehrik-e-Insaf led government was overthrown from the power through a no-trust vote in April, 2022.

In an interview with a private TV channel, Fazl disclosed this explosive acknowledgement. He said that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) spearheaded the no-confidence move against Imran Khan, with Bajwa and Faiz providing directives to political parties. 

In his words, "I was not in favour of it, but I supported it because then the PDM would have said that I saved Imran Khan". 

He alleged that General (retd) Faiz also supported the no-confidence motion, claiming, "Gen Bajwa and Gen Faiz gave instructions about the no-confidence motion and PML-N and PPP sealed it. Gen Faiz said that we can do everything within the limits of the system and he had no objection to it."

Fazl said that both the 2018 and 2024 elections were rigged. "We have decided to protest against this vote theft. Now the decisions would be taken on the ground rather than in the assembly," he declared.

Regarding discussions with PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif on government formation, the JUI-F chief disclosed his refusal to participate. "I believe whatever happened during the 2024 elections, it benefitted PML-N. There are rumours that Nawaz Sharif was given the Lahore seat," he added.