ISLAMABAD: President Arif Alvi on Sunday evaded a query from a journalist about how he felt administering the oath of office to the country's 29th Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa, against whom he had filed a reference to deprive him of the office.
The oath-taking ceremony of Justice Isa was held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the presidential palace, on Sunday. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Anwaar Kakar, federal ministers, governors, superior judges, Chief of the Army Staff General Asim Muneer, Inter-Services Intelligence DG Lt Gen Naveed Ahmad Anjum and their spouses.
The president's wife, Samina Alvi, who never misses such gatherings, was conspicuous by her absence.
After the ceremony, a journalist asked President Alvi how he felt administering the oath to Justice Isa, against whom he had filed a reference. The president did not respond to the query and instead hurriedly left the venue.
The president's refusal to answer the query has raised eyebrows, with many people questioning his motives. Some people have accused him of being vindictive and of trying to humiliate Justice Isa. Others have said that his refusal to answer the query is a sign of weakness and that he is afraid of being held accountable for his actions.
It is important to note that President Alvi's reference against Justice Isa was dismissed by the Supreme Court in 2020. The court found that the reference was based on frivolous grounds and that it was an attempt to harass and intimidate the judge.
The president's refusal to answer the query about Justice Isa is a matter of public concern. It is important for the president to be transparent and accountable to the people. He should explain why he evaded the query and why he filed a reference against Justice Isa in the first place.
