Pak prez suggests early polls to reduce political heat
Pakistan's President Dr Arif Alvi has said that all stakeholders should sit together and decide upon a mutually agreed date for the next general election which should be held in a free, fair and transparent manner. The president hoped that it would help reduce political temperature in the country.
During a meeting with journalists at the Governor's House in Lahore, Alvi said that stakeholders should also consider the use of technology to bring efficiency, transparency and fairness in elections.
He said that he would continue his efforts for reducing political polarisation in the country, adding that his efforts had made impact to some extent.
The president said that in his personal capacity he was trying to bring all stakeholders on one table and resolve their differences through discussions, consultations and deliberations and to find mutually agreed upon solutions on major issues to reduce political polarisation in the greater national interest.
Replying to a question on the all-important appointment of the new army chief expected in the next few days, Alvi said that the Constitution did not allow consultation over the appointment, in a veiled reference to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif 's reported discussions with his elder brother Nawaz Sharif who was a convict. However, he added there was no harm in certain consultations either (with stakeholders).
He further said: “Backdoor talks are under way with the institutions that matter to sort out the differences (among the players). If the talks succeed, they will be in the public domain. I am playing the role of a mediator as the supreme commander of the armed forces, but I am not a broker.”
Dr Alvi, who belongs to the PTI, added he was also playing his role in defusing tensions between the institution and party chairman Imran Khan. “It is my effort that relations between the establishment and Imran Khan improve.”
He dispelled the impression that he sought instructions from Khan. “Imran is my old friend and leader, but I don't seek his counsel (on the affairs of my office),” the president insisted.
The president said that the country required strong and effective institutions and every endeavour should be made for strengthening them and enabling them to perform their respective functions in accordance with the constitution.
He said that the government and institutions should focus on a greater vision and mission and should avoid getting embroiled into petty matters and issues of narrow scope. — agencies
Issues like inflation, economy, improving service delivery and reducing political polarisation needed to be addressed on priority.” Arif Alvi
Pakistan President