The interim government and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) have openly criticised President Dr Arif Alvi for conveying the concerns of the former ruling party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to the caretaker prime minister.

The concerns revolve around the alleged violation of fundamental rights and the erosion of a level-playing field for all political parties in the upcoming general elections, scheduled to be held on February 8, 2024.

Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi and an ECP spokesperson voiced their reservations regarding the president’s recent statement, expressing PTI’s concerns on the fairness of the electoral process.

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Dr Alvi had forwarded a letter from PTI’s General Secretary Omar Ayub to interim PM Anwaarul Haq Kakar, detailing the party’s apprehensions.

Solangi expressed the nation’s desire for the president to uphold his role as the symbol of the federation, cautioning against the perception of him being a “party spokesperson”.

In a post on X, the interim government’s spokesperson suggested that Dr Alvi’s statements regarding the upcoming general election appeared to conflict with his constitutional role. Solangi urged the president to allow constitutional institutions, especially the ECP, to perform their duties without external influence.

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He highlighted the ECP’s commitment to a meticulous and unbiased electoral process, noting that the election date had been set, and all political parties were allowed to engage within established constitutional and legal parameters.

Addressing Dr Alvi’s concerns about a level playing field, Solangi pointed out historical actions of those demanding it today, suggesting a lack of credibility. He urged the president to prioritise his role as the head of state, fostering a transparent and fair democratic process for all political entities.

Meanwhile, the ECP spokesperson issued a statement, deeming the behaviour by a “high-ranking official” inappropriate, asserting the commission’s determination to ensure fair and transparent elections.

The spokesperson emphasised that the ECP is dedicated to upholding the integrity of the electoral process.

President Alvi, in the letter to PM Kakar, underscored the importance of a neutral caretaker government in providing a level playing field for all political parties.

The letter also touched upon democracy as the only viable path forward for Pakistan and stressed the citizens’ right to participate freely in political activities.

The letter from PTI’s General Secretary, Omar Ayub, outlined concerns about fundamental rights, including enforced disappearances, forced conversions of political loyalties, a lack of a level playing field, media crackdowns, and mistreatment of female political activists.

In response, the government and ECP’s spokespersons have lambasted the president for allegedly acting as a ‘mouthpiece’ of a political party.