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Last Updated: February 25, 2024, 14:11 IST
Supporters of Pakistan’s Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party ‘Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’ chant slogans during a protest against alleged vote-rigging in some constituencies in the parliamentary elections, in Karachi, Pakistan, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (AP)
Pakistani President offers immunity to Imran Khan amid rift with army. Imran Khan refuses, opts for judicial process
In the wake of the upheaval that followed the February 8 elections in Pakistan, President Arif Alvi has extended an “immunity offer” to former Prime Minister Imran Khan in a bid to shield him from dozens of charges filed against him. His refusal to accept this offer has heightened political tensions and could exacerbate the discord between his party and the powerful army, sources told CNN-News18.
The PTI-elected president intends to use Article 45 of Pakistan’s constitution, which allows for the pardoning of individuals facing legal ramifications. Alvi wants to alleviate the 71-year-old cricketer-turned-politician from what he termed as “bogus charges.” Yet, Imran Khan remains adamant in his decision to pursue legal recourse, despite knowing the judiciary’s perceived biases.
Meanwhile, Pakistan is now gearing up to elect a new president. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is set to hold an election for the office of the country’s president by March 9, two days before the retirement of half of the senators after completing their six-year term. Since the general elections were held on February 8, the presidential election is required to be conducted by March 9, just two days before the retirement of half of the 100-member Senate.
Pakistan media reports said the Senate elections were also due in the first week of March, but because of the delay in the general elections of the National and provincial assemblies, the Senate elections will now be held either in the last week of March or the first week of April. This report about the “immunity offer” comes amid a reported surge in threats against Khan and his family, including his third wife, Bushra Bibi.
A recent CNN-News18 expose unveiled alarming details, suggesting a concerted effort to eliminate Khan and his loved ones. It was reported that Khan’s spouse narrowly escaped a potential threat. Further complicating matters, Khan reportedly declined overtures from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) for a negotiated settlement. The purported terms of the offer included retirement from politics or selection of alternative Prime Minister candidates, all of which Khan rebuffed adamantly.
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