Alvi predicts PTI founder’s release within weeks

PESHAWAR: Former President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi on Tuesday expressed optimism about the impending release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, a private TV channel reported.

Alvi expressed confidence in Imran Khan’s imminent release, claiming that “PTI founder Imran Khan will be released within the next six weeks,” he predicted.

The former president demanded investigations against all those government officers who were allegedly involved in politics.

Speaking to media outside the PHC, he said that the people were hopeful about an imminent change.

Alvi criticized the current state of governance and said the country’s time and resources were being wasted.

“We spend all our time on trivial pursuits, filing cases against one another, while the nation is suffering,” he said. Alvi called for the withdrawal of what he termed politically motivated cases and said such actions had slowed down the country’s progress and damaged its reputation globally.

The former president questioned the lack of foreign investment. He reiterated his support for the rule of law and justice and opposed the trial of civilians by the military courts, terming it unjust.

Alvi also pointed out the alleged persecution of PTI founder Imran Khan, describing the legal actions against him as vindictive. “Imran Khan’s predictions about the political alliance of opponents have come true,” he added.

The former president called for negotiations with stakeholders, urging the government to cease its repressive tactics. “Change is inevitable; it is time to abandon the regime change agenda and focus on governance,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, PTI leader Asad Qaiser expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court’s decision to allow civilian cases to be tried in military courts.

He called for an independent judiciary and the rule of law. “The Supreme Court’s approval of military courts hearing civilian cases is unfortunate,” he said, adding that the state had unfairly targeted PTI leaders with terrorism and treason charges.

Asad Qaiser reiterated that the party’s struggle was for constitutional supremacy and peaceful protest. “No PTI worker has resorted to violence; we fight for the integrity of the constitution and law,” he asserted.

Opposition Leader Omar Ayub also condemned “the use of force” against PTI supporters and called for a judicial inquiry into the May 9 and November 24 incidents. “The government must answer for the shootings and injuries inflicted on our supporters,” he said.

He also criticized the government after accusing it of carrying out selective accountability, questioning why prominent leaders like Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and President Asif Zardari have not faced similar investigations for their alleged misuse of resources.The PTI leader called for transparency in the election process and demanded a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan.

He dismissed speculation that PTI was avoiding dialogue, clarifying that the party had submitted its demands, including the release of detained workers and a fair inquiry into violent incidents.