ISLAMABAD – President Dr. Arif Alvi said on Thursday that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan must publicly denounce the vandalism on May 9.
Mr Alvi stressed in an interview with a private television station that there was not just condemnation, but also an urgent need to bring the rioters behind 9/5 to justice.
“In my letter to the Prime Minister, I condemned the May 9th violence.” The May 9 event has greatly harmed people’s feelings. There is no excuse for what occurred on May 9. I am on the side of the nation, and the army is mine. Protests should only be held in conformity with the law, according to the president.
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“I met Imran Khan and former Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa.” Imran assured me that he would back the COAS, who would be chosen on merit. President Alvi said that “Imran Khan did not oppose the appointment of the COAS.”
Mr Alvi expressed his thoughts on the negotiations, saying, “There is no need to impose any conditions for talks.” It is up to the administration to initiate the first round of discussions.
The president believes that keeping someone out of politics will not improve the problem.
In terms of human rights, Mr Alvi said, “The world is closely watching the country in terms of human rights violations.” Human rights are being violated by the police.”
Speaking on the Army Act trials, the president said that there was an urgent need for parliamentarians to consider the Army Act.
He said that the nation has suffered a significant loss as a result of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s martyrdom.
President Alvi emphasised the importance of governmental institutions, saying, “Where institutions fail, the nation fails.” However, when institutions are robust, they pave the route for national progress.”
At the moment, every institution is attacking another. “Politicians have moved on to hate,” he bemoaned.
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He encouraged Supreme Court (SC) justices to play a role in promoting unity. “If a common decision had been taken, the nation could have found a direction,” he continued.
“Despite the fact that the country is dealing with numerous issues, such as 20 million out-of-school children and a crippled economy.” “We’re not dealing with these issues,” he lamented.