Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi said that there is no ambiguity over President Arif Alvi’s statement and the situation is absolutely clear.

Solangi also took care to note that President Alvi had made the social media post through his personal account instead of his official account.

He added that the purpose of the press conference is not to call for an investigation but to clarify that there was no ‘ambiguity’ after the president’s tweet.

Law Minister Ahmed Irfan Aslam said that the caretaker government has no political mandate and that the president enjoyed immense respect as the head of state.

Aslam said that the Army Amendments Bill was passed by the Senate on July 27, by the National Assembly on July 31 and was sent to the president on August 2.

He added that the Official Secrets Act was passed by the National Assembly on August 1, but was sent back after objections from the Senate. It was passed by the Assembly again on August 7 and sent President Alvi on August 8.

Aslam added that when a bill is sent to the president he has two options, one is to grant his assent. The other option is to give observations in writing so the parliament can consider his guidance.

There is no third option, Aslam said. adding that the time limit to act on the bills is 10 days as per the constitution.

He added that the president had used both of the available options in the past and used his own signatures on the bills. He said that there had been no precedent during Arif Alvi’s tenure when the bills were returned without his signatures.

Aslam said that Alvi had not returned the bills and they had automatically become law.

However, responding to a question about Alvi’s future as president, Solangi said the caretaker government had no political mandate and it was up to the president himself to decide how long he wants to stay on his seat.

Solangi also refused to comment on a question regarding whether action should be taken against the officials Alvi had accused of defying him, saying that it was not up to him to decide.