Former President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi, defended a tweet related to Sheikh Mujib posted from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Chairman Imran Khan’s account. Alvi questioned, “How is advising people to read the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report an act of treason? Sometimes you get May 9 to play with; now you have the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report to play with.”
Address at Karachi’s Insaf Lawyers Forum
Speaking at the Insaf Lawyers Forum in Karachi, Alvi stated, “I am here as an ordinary person. I will respect the law because I am a Muslim, and laws are respected when society values them.”
He questioned the state of the law in Pakistan, highlighting the disparity: “How can such a law function in Pakistan where terrorists are free, and ordinary people are charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA)? There should be shame and modesty in our hearts.”
Criticism of Current Legal and Political Climate
Alvi criticized the current president’s immunity, contrasting it with his willingness to appear in court despite facing charges of supplying weapons. He invoked a saying of the Prophet, emphasizing that everyone should be equal in the eyes of the law and that justice should prevail. He remarked, citing the integrity of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding leader of Pakistan.
Allegations Against MQM and Call for Dialogue
Alvi also criticized the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), suggesting their victories were manipulated: “Could MQM have won on their own? They were freed from controlling this city, but now they are oppressing it alongside others.”
He advised all stakeholders, including the PTI founder, to engage in dialogue: “Establish the rule of law, release Imran Khan, restore the mandate, stop the injustices. The PTI founder does not seek revenge; the former Prime Minister desires the supremacy of law.”
Defending Imran Khan’s Tweet
Alvi reiterated his defense of Imran Khan’s tweet about Sheikh Mujib, arguing that there was nothing wrong with advising people to read the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report: “You have a preconceived notion, and you label people as traitors accordingly.”
He repeated, “Sometimes you get May 9 to play with; now you have the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report to play with. Is there any limit? What did Imran Khan say? He suggested reading your government’s Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report. How is that treason?”
Political Context and Reactions
Alvi criticized the demands for an apology, stating, “What is this stubbornness? You won’t forgive but demand an apology. For what? Don’t destroy the country’s economy over an apology.”
On May 26, Imran Khan’s official account shared a video drawing parallels between the current political situation and the fall of Dhaka, urging Pakistanis to read the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report to understand who the real traitors were, General Yahya Khan or Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The video referred to alleged atrocities by the Pakistani military during the civil war, holding the former military ruler responsible for the breakup of the country. It also juxtaposed images of current civilian and military leaders, accusing them of stealing the mandate in the general elections. Barrister Gohar, defending the post, insisted that it was making a political point and not targeting the military.
