Arif Alvi calls KP emergency a ‘final nail in democracy’s coffin’

Former president Arif Alvi has strongly criticised the imposition of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the suspension of the provincial government, describing the move as the “final nail in the coffin of democracy”.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Alvi alleged that an “illegitimate and fake government” in Islamabad had taken control of a province whose “two-thirds mandate could not be stolen”. He maintained that only the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had the right to remove their elected provincial government.

The former president claimed that, according to available reports, the central issue behind the political crisis was a meeting with former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. He alleged that efforts were being made to prevent Khan’s message from reaching the public, adding that personal animosity was pushing the country towards further instability.

Alvi also criticised what he described as the mistreatment of political workers and elected representatives across the country. He alleged that elected PTI representatives were being abducted and subjected to violence, while the rule of law continued to weaken.

Referring to the situations in Balochistan and Kashmir, the former president claimed that the use of force to suppress peaceful protests was now extending to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He expressed concern over what he described as a growing pattern of restrictions on political activity and democratic rights.

Alvi further maintained that Imran Khan opposed violence and that the PTI would continue its political struggle through constitutional and peaceful means. He stressed that the party and its supporters would not abandon their efforts despite the challenges they faced.

Concluding his statement, the former president reiterated his opposition to the government’s actions and pledged continued political resistance alongside Imran Khan and his supporters.

His remarks came amid heightened political tensions over the emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the future of the provincial government.