Following the Supreme Court’s declaration of Imran Khan’s arrest as “unlawful,” President Dr. Arif Alvi visited the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman late Thursday night at the Police Lines rest house where he awaits his Friday court appearance.
President Alvi updated Khan on the current national situation, including discussions with military authorities regarding Khan’s arrest and its aftermath.
Additionally, it was reported that Khan invited Gilgit Baltistan Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid to the late-night discussion, which continued for over two hours past midnight.
In a recent letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Alvi expressed his disapproval over the manner of Khan’s arrest within the Islamabad High Court premises.
“I am writing to express my concern over the manner of Imran Khan’s arrest,” stated the president in his letter, written two days following Khan’s apprehension in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case, which sparked violent protests nationwide.
The president and Pakistan’s citizens were disturbed by the video footage of the incident, which he described as abusive towards a former prime minister and a popular political leader.
During his Supreme Court appearance, Khan, in response to a question from an international reporter, maintained that his allegations against a serving military officer were not baseless but a fact.
A Middle Eastern network report quoted Khan stating that no dialogue with the opposition would be feasible as they lacked belief in the Constitution.
When questioned about the advice of the chief justice, Khan emphasized that the Constitution necessitates elections within 90 days, which the coalition government is avoiding.
Following the hearing, Khan was informed about the arrests of Asad Umar, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and Fawad Chaudhary. Visibly upset, Khan questioned why he wasn’t informed sooner so he could address these issues in court.
In response to an inquiry about the attack on the Lahore corps commander’s residence, Khan declined to comment, citing his lack of knowledge.
