ISLAMABAD: The outgoing federal government of Pakistan is considering constitutional and legal measures to impeach President Arif Alvi, who is set to retire from the country’s top office after completing his five-year term on September 9. Sources reveal that the government aims to conduct the upcoming polls under the acting President Chairman Senate.
An important meeting was held in the parliament house, chaired by Federal Minister Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, to discuss electoral reforms and the abolition of the president’s electoral college. Attendees included Commerce Minister Syed Naveed Qamar, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, as well as other ministers and legal experts. The meeting focused on legislative suggestions before the current government’s term concludes.
Considering the consequences for the incumbent federal government, which will dissolve the assemblies on August 12, and with the current President’s tenure ending on September 9, the meeting addressed the issue that the president’s electoral college might not be completed at that time. As per the constitution, this would allow President Arif Alvi to remain in office until the next presidential election, which the current government finds inappropriate.
Government Considering Options to Sideline Arif Alvi
One proposal during the meeting was to abolish the president’s electoral college, but such a change would require amending the country’s constitution, and the government lacks the required two-thirds majority in parliament for this amendment. Another suggestion was to issue a presidential ordinance for three months. However, legal experts pointed out that the president’s signature would still be necessary for this ordinance, which is unlikely in this scenario.
The participants then discussed a possible alternative: if President Alvi completes his term on September 9, an ordinance could be issued with the signature of the Senate Chairman, declaring that the president’s term has ended and the electoral college for the presidential election remains incomplete. Consequently, the Senate Chairman would assume the role of acting president until the new President is elected.
To carry out this plan, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court might be requested to administer the oath to the Chairman Senate as acting president on the morning of September 10. However, it remains uncertain whether Chief Justice Omar Ata Bandial will agree to this proposal. If he does not, the Constitution allows the President to continue working until the election of the new president.
As a result, the next general elections are likely to be held with President Arif Alvi’s presence, despite him having no authority but occupying the position. The government appears to be grappling with this situation, and further legislative steps are expected before July 25.
