Alvi conveys PTI’s apprehensions about absence of level playing field to Kakar

ISLAMABAD: President Dr. Arif Alvi conveyed the concerns of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar regarding the erosion of fundamental rights and the need for a fair political environment for all parties.

In a letter to the interim prime minister, President Alvi emphasized the importance of the caretaker government acting as a neutral entity to ensure a level playing field for all political parties. He also forwarded a letter from PTI’s General Secretary, Omar Ayub, outlining the party’s concerns.

Omar Ayub had conveyed PTI’s apprehensions about the erosion of fundamental rights, particularly the absence of a fair political landscape for major political parties and the mistreatment of female political activists who had been illegally detained for extended periods.

media and mistreatment of female political activists through prolonged illegal detentions.
In his letter to Prime Minister, the President said that the President of Pakistan represented the unity of the Republic as Head of State under Article 41 of the Constitution of Pakistan

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— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) November 8, 2023

President Alvi mentioned that he found reassurance in recent statements by the interim prime minister, in which he declared the caretaker government’s policy to grant equal rights and opportunities to all registered political parties for the upcoming elections.

The President emphasized the vital role of democracy in Pakistan and stressed that it hinges on giving people the right to engage in political activities and express their views through a free media. He noted that there was a prevailing consensus in Pakistan that all political parties and leaders should have the right to compete in free, fair, and credible elections, with the ultimate decision resting with the people.

President Alvi pointed out that, under Article 41 of the Constitution of Pakistan, the President of Pakistan represents the unity of the Republic as the Head of State. Therefore, it is the duty of the President, the Prime Minister, and all institutions to safeguard the rights of citizens as enshrined in the Constitution.

He underscored the relevance of Article 4, which guarantees every citizen the inalienable right to be treated in accordance with the law, and Article 17, which grants every citizen the right to form associations and be a member of a political party. Additionally, Article 19 ensures every citizen’s right to freedom of speech, expression, and freedom of the press.

In conclusion, President Alvi urged Prime Minister Kakar, as the head of the government, to address the issues raised in the letter. It is worth noting that major political parties such as PPP, PML-N, and PTI have all raised concerns about the lack of a level playing field.