ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi clarified that his statement about alleged help extended by former Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa and his team to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in Senate and elections was taken out of reference.

President in a statement on Twitter said statement was being quoted out of context and was twisted and self-concocted.  Earlier, it was reported that President Dr Arif Alvi had said retired Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa did help PTI Chairman Imran Khan in elections and later in Senate. Reports said President in conversation with journalists and leaders of business community remarked that if Army had decided to stay away from politics, it’s time politicians took charge of situation and created situation where they didn’t have to depend on Army.

Responding to question, President said ties between PTI Chief and retired Gen Bajwa soured probably in October 2021 and then again in April or May this year.

However, Mr Alvi stressed that country was facing difficult times and urged all sides to let go of past and forgive people for mistakes they had committed earlier for new beginning. President also revealed that he had verbally suggested to government as well as opposition that middle ground might be found and elections could be held at end of April or in May; however, date of next elections was not certain.

Dr Alvi said Imran Khan should be worried about whether elections would be held even in October next year. He lauded Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto’s response to India and remarked that Minister had done right thing. He said world and global order were based on vested interests. “A good reply was given by Bilawal Sahib,” he stated.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 27 2022

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