SC moved for Dr Arif Hussain Alvi’s removal as President  

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court of Pakistan seeking Dr Arif Hussain Alvi’s removal as President over alleged misconduct and failure to maintain “impartially” in performing his duties, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Saturday.

Alvi’s 5-year term ended on September 8, 2023, however, he is currently continuing as the country's head of state under Article 44 of the Constitution which allows the president to continue holding the office in the absence of the provincial and national assemblies — which were dissolved in January and August earlier this year, respectively.

The petition filed by Ghulam Murtaza Khan, highlights the “controversial role” of the head of state Arif Alvi and contends that the officeholder is constitutionally obliged to work in accordance with the law.

The petitioner alleged that Alvi is continuously violating the Constitution and misusing his powers.

 “President of Pakistan Mr Arif Alvi is not acting in accordance with the responsibilities of the seat but is biased. He is misusing the powers and violating the Constitution of Pakistan continuously by his words and conducts,” the petition reads arguing that the president is “not entitled” to hold the prestigious office.

The petition — citing Alvi’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly on then-prime minister Imran Khan’s suggestion in April 2022 — further alleges that President Alvi is representing PTI and that he is being biased by “giving favor to one particular political party”.

From sending the infamous presidential reference to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) against CJP Qazi Faez Isa to dissolving the National Assembly ahead of the no-confidence motion filed against then-PM Imran Khan in April 2022, and his failure to announce the election date, President Alvi has been part of some of the most controversial political decisions in the country's history, the petitioner held.