ISLAMABAD: President Dr. Arif Alvi on Friday urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure the implementation of the Supreme Court’s order regarding general elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In a letter written to the Prime Minister, the President emphasized that all relevant administrative authorities of the federal and provincial governments should be instructed to refrain from violating human rights and to direct the Election Commission of India to hold general elections in the two provinces. Help Pakistan (ECP). To avoid further complications including contempt of court, in compliance with the order of the Supreme Court, within the constitutional period.
The President said that the Prime Minister, as the head of the government, is responsible for the protection of human rights enshrined in the constitution as well as the fundamental rights of every citizen of Pakistan. The President said that incidents highlighted through print, electronic and social media in the recent past regarding flagrant violations of fundamental and human rights need to be brought to the notice of the Prime Minister to ensure remedial measures and preventive measures. could
President Alvi said that in case of dissolution of provincial assemblies under Article 105 or Article 112, elections must be held within 90 days under Article 224 (2) of the Constitution. He added that the Supreme Court, in its March 1 order, had directed the election watchdog to recommend the date(s) to the President for holding the elections within 90 days or on a date less than the said deadline. At least deviate.
The President said that Governor KP Haji Ghulam Ali was also instructed by the Supreme Court to fix the date of holding the general elections of the Provincial Assembly as per the scheduled time. After that ECP proposed to hold general elections between 30th April to 7th May 2023 and Punjab Assembly general elections were announced to be held on 30th April 2023 and informed by ECP. . The head of state said that it seems that the federal and caretaker governments in Punjab and KP advised the heads of the respective departments to show their inability to provide the necessary support for the conduct of general elections.
He referred to Article 220 of the Constitution, which states that “it shall be the duty of all executive authorities in the Federation and the Provinces to assist the Commissioner and the Election Commission in the discharge of their duties.”
The President stressed that in his opinion there has been a flagrant violation of the Constitution by the executive authorities and government departments, adding that the ECP has rejected its decision to hold general elections in Punjab on April 30. Did not implement the announcement and also openly violated the Supreme Court. court order.
He further said that the ECP announced the date of October 8, 2023 for holding the general elections of the provincial assemblies of Punjab and KP. He said that it is a matter of concern that the Prime Minister did not consult the President on policy matters in accordance with Article 46 of the Constitution, which stipulates that the Prime Minister should keep the President informed about all internal and external affairs. The Federal Government intends to bring before Parliament the policy and all legislative proposals. He further said that Rule 15(5) of the Rules of Business, 1973 also lays down the responsibility of the Prime Minister to provide such information on the administrative affairs of the Federation and make proposals for legislation such as The President may call.
In his letter, the President also drew the Prime Minister’s attention to the seriousness of human rights violations, atrocities by police and law enforcement agencies and disproportionate use of force against civilians.
He said that many fake and frivolous cases have been filed against politicians, activists, journalists and media persons. The homes of political activists were raided and citizens were abducted without warrant or legal justification. The President termed incidents of human rights violations and coercion by the state machinery against innocent citizens as “flagrant violations and abuses of fundamental rights” guaranteed by Article 4 of the Constitution, which citizens guarantees and warrants to enjoy the protection of law. And be treated according to law.
“This has tarnished Pakistan’s image in the international community and is having a negative impact on the future of the state of democracy and human rights in Pakistan,” he added. The President highlighted that in the World Press Freedom Index 2021, Pakistan was ranked 145 out of 180 countries, and the World Press Freedom Index dropped 12 points to 157 in 2022, which is a sad situation and this year. Reflects the actions of The images will further worsen Pakistan’s already poor ranking.
He wrote that in recent months, the media has been further suppressed and journalists have been targeted for sedition and terrorism in order to stifle dissent and criticism of the government. He added that there seems to be a reign of terror against media persons who have independent opinions.
Also, reacting strongly to the letter, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan on Friday said that President Arif Alvi should stay within his legal limits and constitutional scope and not become a puppet of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Chairman Imran Khan. Should. Talking to a private news channel, he alleged that a constitutional violator and lawbreaker [President Alvi] is holding a constitutional office. Get answers from Imran Khan about terrorism. Don’t be Imran Khan’s puppets, Home Minister thundered.
“Where were the human rights when a fake case was made [against him] of possession of 15 kg of heroin,” asked Rana Sana, citing human rights violations and political persecution during Imran Khan’s tenure as prime minister. Entered He added: “Is the opposition leader executed according to human rights? In the previous regime, sisters and daughters of political opponents were executed. Journalists were broken, where were the human rights then?” ?
Write a letter to Imran Khan to return 190 million pounds to Pakistan.
Write a letter to Imran asking him to own his daughter. Write a letter to Imran Khan to answer the Tosha Khana and foreign funding cases in the court,” he told President Alvi.
