Faizabad Sit-In Inquiry Commission submitted its report to the federal government, concluding that there was no evidence of any organization's involvement behind the Faizabad sit-in and gave a clean chit to general (retd) Faiz Hameed — who chaired a meeting following the Prime Minister's directives, acted in accordance with those instructions.
Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi accepted responsibility for the decisions made during the sit-in, absolving General Hameed of any undue influence. Additionally, testimonies from key figures including Shahbaz Sharif, Ahsan Iqbal, Zahid Hamid, and Aftab Sultan unanimously denied any involvement of agencies or individuals.
The commission's report highlighted the Punjab government's failure to address the sit-in promptly, criticizing its decision to allow the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) to march to Islamabad. It also identified shortcomings within the Rawalpindi administration.
In response to the findings, the commission proposed implementing the National Action Plan and emphasized the need for the executive to fulfill its responsibilities effectively. Moreover, it suggested amendments to laws, including those related to social media, to better regulate platforms like PEMRA Ordinance.
The report's conclusion, exonerating General Faiz Hameed and finding no organizational culpability, marks a significant development in understanding the events surrounding the Faizabad sit-in.
Former chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Faiz Hameed, has recorded his statement before the Faizabad dharna inquiry commission. Sources said that the former ISI director general has answered the questions provided by the commission.
The sources further said that Faiz Hameed has claimed he negotiated with the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) on the instructions of the then government of the PML-N, led by Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
The Faizabad Dharna Commission has completed its investigation and prepared its final report, sources reveal, adding that commission Chairman Akhtar Ali Shah has submitted the report to the Cabinet Division.
The commission's report includes statements from 27 key figures and recommends action against several personalities deemed responsible for the mishandling of the sit-in. The commission has also identified those accountable for the failure to effectively manage the protest.
The final report of the commission also contains various recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future, sources disclose. It says that all decisions related to the sit-in were primarily made by the chief executive on behalf of the provincial government.
