Pakistan President Arif Alvi acting at Imran Khan's behest: Shehbaz Sharif

ISLAMABAD: Lingering animosity between Pakistan’s coalition government and Imran Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has now spilled over to official PM-President interactions, with premier Shehbaz Sharif describing a recent letter by Arif Alvi as a 'press release' of the opposition party that reflected 'partisan' conduct.

In a virtual rejoinder to President Alvi’s letter opposing postponement of polls in the key Punjab state from April 30 to October 8 by the election commission, Sharif has said the stance was not reflective of his constitutional role as head of the State. Alvi, in office for several years now, has ties to Imran’s PTI.

In his letter, the President asked the PM to direct federal and provincial governments to refrain from abuse of human rights and assist the election commission in holding polls in Punjab, and another province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, “within a time frame (90 days) in compliance with the Supreme Court’s orders to avoid further complications, including contempt of court”.

Security concerns were cited as the reason for the poll postponements amid weeks of violent protests by Imran’s party over attempts to arrest him for alleged corruption and missed court appearances.

Sharif wrote back saying the Constitution “does not vest any powers in or assign any functions to the President whereby he can seek explanation from the government or the Prime Minister”. “The only reason I am responding to your letter is because I want to bring your partisan attitude and actions on record and to set the record of our government straight,” he wrote.

The PM cited Alvi’s silence -- “regrettably and ostensibly due to your party’s allegiance” -- on the violent PTI protests that he claimed were aimed at “bringing the country to the brink of civil war” and for not commenting on Imran’s failure to appear in courts.

Sharif accused Alvi of having acted at the behest of Imran’s “unconstitutional” instructions earlier by dissolving the National Assembly -- a move decreed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court on April 7, 2022. Sharif said Alvi had also failed to fulfil his constitutional duty to administer him as the new PM after predecessor Imran’s exit following a trust vote last year.

The PM accused Alvi of also being silent when Imran was PM and his rivals were “victimised”. He cited a narcotics case -- which can bring the death penalty -- against Rana Sanaullah, current interior minister who was an opposition lawmaker then.

Concluding his letter, Sharif asserted that he was “fully aware” of his duties, his government was fully committed to preserving the Constitution and at the same time determined to ensure no one is allowed to violate the law. “I want to further assure you that our government will thwart any effort to undermine the constitutionally elected government,” the PM warned.

Explore the yearly horoscope 2025 for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces zodiac signs. Don't miss the Chinese horoscope 2025 for Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig zodiac signs.