Bilawal warns Alvi of consequences if COAS pick stalled

FM says coalition parties fully back PM on new army chief issue

ISLAMABAD:

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday has advised President Dr Arif Alvi against creating any “sort of disorder” in the next army chief’s appointment.

“As long as Arif Alvi sahab’s role is concerned, his test has been taken before whether he will stay loyal to Pakistan, its Constitution, its nation and democracy or will he fulfil his friendship with [Imran] Khan sahib,” the foreign minister said while addressing a news conference.

He said that it was the “last chance” for the president and he would have to bear any “consequence” for any disorder.

“At the time of the vote of no confidence, President Arif Alvi […] tried to unconstitutionally dissolve the assemblies,” Bilawal said, hoping that this time around everything would proceed in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

The minister said that whosoever the prime minister appointed as the army chief, the coalition parties would support him.

“The purpose of announcing long march on the same date is to make the appointment of the army chief controversial, and if the president tries to mess it up, then he will have to face the consequences,” said Bilawal in a veil threat.

He also took the opportunity to highlight Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan's journey from being a cricketer to being “selected”. “The history of Pakistan is in front of everyone, Imran Khan was imposed on the country,” he said.

The foreign minister said that in the last four years, the foreign policy and Pakistan have been damaged, and the entire burden is being borne by the people of Pakistan.

He further said that the whole world is facing an economic disaster due to Russia, particularly its war with Ukraine. Due to the decision of the former prime minister, so much damage has been done that Pakistan is in danger of default, he added.

He pointed out that Pakistan’s relations with the Middle East, Europe and America were damaged.

Bilawal said that Imran’s long march has no democratic purpose as he placed his entire politics on the shoulders of undemocratic forces. The country was damaged because of one person's ego, he claimed.

He called on the former prime minister and “all these forces” to “stop playing this game” since Pakistan and the people could no longer afford it.

“If real freedom and democracy are the goal, why choose the declaration of the long march in the same week? Why was Rawalpindi chosen for the long march?” he questioned. “Khan Sahib's aim is to once again play politics with the fate of the country, it is Imran Khan's right to protest, but let this appointment be completed in a constitutional and legal manner, then Bismillah.”

The foreign minister said that if Imran stages a “drama” in Rawalpindi this week, then everyone knows what his purpose is.

He said that the government will thwart this “conspiracy”. “We are requesting you to avoid such politics, as long as such toys remain then the country will continue to suffer similar losses,” he added.

“You are trying to make a constitutional process controversial,” he added.

He further said that Imran is once again playing with the fate of this country.

“I appeal to Khan Sahib to take notice [of the situation] and postpone the march by one week, the authority to appoint the army chief is the prime minister's and we will support whosoever he appoints,” he added.

Bilawal said that President Arif Alvi has a last chance, and it is hoped that he will act according to the constitution and law.

If the president tries to make a mess, then he will have to suffer consequences, he said.

The PPP chief said that due to the floods, they will celebrate the foundation day only in the district. “Our priority is the flood victims,” he declared.

He further said that Pakistan will buy wheat and oil from Russia according to the global market rate.