Imprisoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has delegated a significant duty to former president Dr. Arif Alvi, who had been actively working to mend the gap between the establishment and the former ruling party, as disclosed by the party’s Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan on Thursday.
This development transpired a day after the PTI founding chairman refused the military’s demand for an apology regarding the May 9 events, distancing his party from the violent protests that erupted across the country last year following his arrest.
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Speaking at a press briefing alongside Alvi outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, Ayub stated, “The PTI founder has entrusted an important responsibility to Arif Alvi [during their initial meeting following Khan’s departure from the presidency].”
Alvi, in response, expressed, “The PTI founder is prepared to make further sacrifices for the country.”
Although the specifics of the “important responsibility” were not disclosed, Alvi mentioned, “I have received directives from the PTI founder.”
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Regarding the police crackdown on PTI leadership following the May 9 unrest, Alvi remarked, “While some individuals within PTI may have been involved [in the violence of May 9], the entire party suffered.”
The May 9 violence erupted nationwide following the arrest of the ousted Prime Minister Khan in a £190 million settlement case last year. Numerous PTI members were detained over alleged participation in violence and attacks on military installations.
Alvi also asserted that their mandate was usurped in the February 8 general elections, claiming they possessed evidence to support this.
Responding to inquiries about the ISPR’s press conference, Alvi stated, “I emphasized yesterday as well that it is the wrongdoers who should seek forgiveness, not the oppressed.”
He further stressed the necessity of an impartial investigation into the May 9 incidents and reiterated the call for dialogue to resolve the political crisis, emphasizing the PTI’s significant mandate.
Dr. Alvi has long been attempting to bridge the gap between the establishment and the PTI, offering mediation efforts and advocating for cooperation over discord for the betterment of Pakistan.