Ex-ruling coalition lashes out at Alvi

PPP, PML-N leaders want president to step down

Members of parties belonging to the previous ruling coalition on Sunday lashed out at President Dr Arif Alvi after he denied that he had given his assent to bills amending the Official Secrets Act and the Pakistan Army Act.

PPP Vice President and former climate change minister Sherry Rehman raised questions about the president’s capability to run his office.

“Does he [the president] want to say that someone else signs the bills under his nose?  If this is so, then the president should immediately resign from his office,” she wrote in a statement.

Taking to X, PPP senior leader Farhatullah Babar wrote that in fewer than 100 words, the president had done what no one could do in the last decade.

“Atomic bomb exploded. Besides immediate annihilation of many [its] lethal radiations will continue to kill and maim in years ahead. No matter what happens now Alvi earns deep respect of many,” he continued.

Later in response to a rejoinder issued by the law ministry about Alvi’s statement, Babar wrote that a “parliamentary probe into the matter” had become “unavoidable”.

Ex-Senate chairman and PPP leader Raza Rabbani said the allegations levelled by the president were “very serious” and would have far-reaching effects on the entire system.

Former finance minister Ishaq Dar wrote that the president’s statement was “unbelievable”.

“Minimum morality warrants Alvi Sb to resign, having failed to run his office effectively, efficiently and as per rules of business,” he continued.

PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui also demanded that the president should resign.

“If there was a disagreement with the bills, why didn’t he [the president] register his objections? What was the purpose behind sending back the bills without a yes or no?  Why did he [the president [remain silent for two days despite the news [about the signing of the bills] coming in the media?” he wrote on X.

“If his staff is not in his control, then he should resign and go home,” he added.

Jamaat-e-Islami Senator Mushtaq Ahmed wrote on X that the post had opened a new Pandora’s Box.

“If the situation is really like what the president has written, then it is an insult to the State, parliament, legislation, as well as 240 million Pakistanis,” he continued.