Caretaker Federal Information Minister Murtza Solangi has defended the decision to arrest former Punjab chief minister Pervaiz Elahi for a second time after his release within a week.

Solangi asserted that the decision was not made by the caretaker government but also said that the court did not bar authorities from arresting Elahi in other cases when it ordered his release on Tuesday.

The information minister was speaking on Aaj News show Spot Light with Munizae Jahangir.

He also said that general elections in the country will likely be held in February 2023.

Speaking about Elahi’s arrest, Solangi said that the police had the authority to arrest Elahi, and if they had a case they would not wait for the instructions of the interior ministry.

Murtaza Solangi said that the government did not make the decision that who was to be arrested and when.

“Our job is not to see who gets arrested every day.”

Solangi said that not every prisoner was a political prisoner in the country.

The caretaker minister said that none of the political parties was a favourite to the interim setup and everyone will be given level playing field for the electioneering for which, he said, 54 days was an ample period.

But no one would be permitted to attack government buildings, he said.

Political activity will gain momentum when election date is announced, said the minister.

Solangi said Arif Ali would remain the president of the country until his successor is elected. President Alvi is set to complete his five year term on September 9.