ISLAMABAD: In a press conference, Senator Faisal Vawda criticised the timing of the recent ‘Dubai Leaks,’ alleging it to be part of a propaganda effort.
During the conference, Vawda expressed his objections to the release of the report, citing Pakistan’s anticipated attraction of foreign investment as a key concern.
The ‘Dubai Unlocked’ project unveiled extensive property ownership in the Gulf emirate, including assets worth $11 billion held by Pakistanis, retired military officials, bankers, and bureaucrats.
Formerly associated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Vawda highlighted the absence of names from the former ruling party in the leaks, raising questions about the selective inclusion of individuals. He claimed that some individuals, whom he termed as “honest personalities,” were unfairly targeted.
Read More: Bilawal, Aseefa’s Dubai assets declared to FBR, ECP: spokesperson
Speaking on a current affairs program, Vawda criticised the leaks for labeling all properties as “illegitimate,” without distinguishing between legitimate and illegitimate possessions. He declined to publicly disclose whether his own Dubai properties were declared.
The timing of the leaks drew further skepticism from Vawda, especially given recent disturbances in law and order in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). He questioned the timing of releasing confidential property records at a time when Pakistan and Dubai were anticipating global investments.
The data from the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project’s (OCCRP) Dubai Unlocked project revealed ownership of upscale properties by retired military officials, air vice-marshals, a serving inspector general of police (IGP), and prominent figures from the banking and oil sectors.
