ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused President Arif Alvi of his “biased and partisan” behaviour, in a harshly written letter. Hopes for a government-PTI discussion evaporated.
In his letter to the president, the premier chastised Mr Alvi for asking the PM to help all necessary institutions hold Punjab elections on April 30 as directed by the Supreme Court.
On Friday, the president requested the PM to direct federal and provincial agencies to help the ECP hold polls”.
Before this exchange of letters, all sides had shown interest in talks to resolve the current political and economic crisis.
Blatantly partisan
The PM termed President Alvi “blatantly partisan” in a five-page, strongly worded letter, saying he publicly supported one-sided, anti-government views despite his constitutional oath.
The premier stated the president “violated his oath including the order of the dissolution of the National Assembly on April 3 and failure to discharge his constitutional duty” after Shehbaz Sharif became prime minister.
“Despite the foregoing and several other instances where you actively undermined a constitutionally elected government. I have made all-out efforts to maintain a good working relationship with you. “However, the contents, tone, and language of your letter have compelled me to respond,” the premier wrote.
PM Sharif said that everyone was receiving due process under Article 4 and 10A (Right to a fair trial). He said that law enforcement was acting legally.
Total lawlessness
“Regrettably and ostensibly due to your party allegiance, you have failed to note the sheer isolation of laws. Contumacious disregard of court orders, attacking law enforcement agencies, damaging public property, attempts to create chaos. Civil and political unrest, and in short, to bring the country to the brink of economic default. As well as civil war by the PTI.
“Mr. President, what has really ‘tarnished the image of Pakistan in the international community. It is casting negative repercussions on the future of democracy and state of human rights in Pakistan. As well as it is the complete disregard of the laws and Constitution by the PTI,” the PM remarked.
He claimed that the president had never criticized previous prime minister Imran Khan for his “aggressive. Rather militant, attitude of a political order in complete defiance of court orders”.
The prime minister said his government has ensured full freedom of speech and expression under Article 19 of the Constitution. Subject to “reasonable restrictions”.
“Regrettably again, you never raised your voice or shared your concerns in the manner that you have in your letter, while the PTI was in power,” he continued.
PM Sharif also cited media reports on the previous government’s media crackdown and called the National Commission for Human Rights “dysfunctional” under PTI. “Several international human rights reports criticize the previous government’s severe violations of human rights and Pakistani citizens’ fundamental rights. You missed it all.”
“Bad dissolution”
The prime minister outlined his party’s “oppression” under Imran. He also said that the president scheduled provincial assembly elections in Punjab. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa “at the behest of the PTI” but did not object to the “mala fide” dissolution.
The letter noted that the president also ignored the impact of holding Punjab and KP elections before the National Assembly polls.
“This constitutional distortion has completely escaped your attention. Which is quite saddening, given the role of the head of state that the Constitution assigns to the president,” it continued.
After considering ground realities, the ECP has set the Punjab polls for October 8, 2023. The ECP received information from all federal and provincial governments. “As the constitutional body charged with organizing and conducting elections. The ECP decides whether conditions are conducive for free and fair elections, as required under clause (3) of Article 218,” he stated.
“I do, however, wish to point out that you did not object to the use of language and a rather aggressive attitude of the federal ministers of the previous government, who actively attempted to undermine the authority and credibility of the ECP,” the prime minister said. Mr. Sharif called President Alvi’s statement to substantive consultations “out of place”.
“Mr. President, you must act on and in accordance with the advice of the Cabinet or the Prime Minister under clause (1) of Article 48,” he added.
The PM concluded his letter by stating that his government was “fully aware” of its constitutional duties.
“However, our government is also determined to ensure that no one is allowed to violate the law, create unrest and attempt to cause irreparable harm to Pakistan,” he added.
“I want to further assure you that our government will thwart any effort to undermine the constitutionally elected government,” the letter said.
