President Dr Arif Alvi said on Thursday that if Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan is arrested by the coalition government, it will create instability in the country, adding that minus-Imran formula will never succeed.
During a conversation with senior journalists, the president said the move would fuel anarchy in the country.
“The government will be playing with fire if it resorts to arresting Imran,” President Alvi said.
In response to a question, the president stated that because Imran Khan enjoys strong public support, the minus-Imran Khan formula cannot work.
“Without public support, no political party or administration can remain in power. As a result, such initiatives will never be successful.”
The president’s comments came days after PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry was unlawfully detained at his Lahore home in the early hours of Wednesday after he publicly “threatened” the ECP members and their families in a television interview the day before.
He was then taken to Islamabad, where the capital’s police were granted a two-day remand of the PTI leader in the sedition case. His arrest drew strong criticism within the federal government’s ranks — which has denied that this was a political move.
President Alvi also deplored the manner in which Fawad was presented in the Islamabad court and asked officials to “have some shame.” The PTI leader was produced in the court with his head covered with a white sheet.
“Institutions shouldn’t need police to maintain their respect. If someone has an issue with me, then I will improve my performance instead of asking the police to take action,” he said.
