Imran needs to condemn 9/5 attacks openly, says President Alvi
Pakistan
President wants no leniency for those involved in May 9 vandalism
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – President Dr Arif Alvi said on Thursday that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan needs to condemn the May 9 vandalism openly.
In an interview to a private television channel, Mr Alvi clarified that there was not only condemnation, but also an urgent need to bring the rioters behind 9/5 to justice.
"In my letter to the prime minister, "I have condemned the violence of May 9. The incident of May 9 has deeply hurt people's sentiments. There is no justification for what happened on May 9. I stand with the country, and the army is mine. Protests should only be in accordance with the law," the president added.
Read also: Embattled Imran vows to keep fighting 'even if left alone'
"I met former Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa and Imran Khan. Imran told me that he would support the COAS, who would be appointed on merit. Imran Khan did not oppose the appointment of the COAS," President Alvi maintained.
Expressing his views on the talks, Mr Alvi said, "There is no need to impose any conditions for talks. It is up to the government to make the first call for talks. "
The president was of the view that keeping someone out of politics will not help the situation improve.
Regarding human rights, Mr Alvi said, "The world is watching the country closely in terms of human rights violations. The police are violating human rights."
Read also: SCBA condemns May 9 vandalism
Speaking about the trials under the Army Act, the president said that there was an urgent need for politicians to think about the Army Act.
He said that the country suffered a great loss due to the martyrdom of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
Emphasising the role of state institutions, President Alvi said, "Where institutions fail, the nation fails. But when institutions are in a strong position, they pave the way for the development of the nation".
At present, every institution attacking each other. "Politicians have moved on to hate," he lamented.
Read also: Hamdullah rails against President Alvi
He urged the Supreme Court (SC) judges to play their role in fostering unity. "If a common decision had been taken, the nation could have found a direction," he added.
"Despite the fact that the country is facing numerous problems, including 20 million out-of-school children and a crippled economy. We are not addressing these problems", he rued.
