ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi emphasised on Wednesday that he had always played a role in resolving national issues and was also ready to make efforts with a "crises resolution role" in the current situation. In an interview with a private TV channel, the president, in response to a query about the approval of a bill regarding judicial reforms, the president mentioned that it could have been tabled at an appropriate time, considering the ongoing situation. He also mentioned that he would take the right decision over the said bill after receiving the final document.

Dr Alvi stressed that the use of force could give rise to issues and in democratic countries, issues were being addressed through the development of consensus. He further added that pressures on institutions led to cracks and the country’s Constitution should not be disfigured.

The president emphasised that in the current situation, division of thinking was apparent within the political parties, parliament, and judiciary. Therefore, all should strive to save Pakistan and the Constitution.

Regarding the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision to set a new date for polls in Punjab, Dr Alvi said that the Supreme Court was seized of the issue and would decide it. He wondered if the holding of elections depended upon these issues and emphasised that the nation wanted a responsible outcome.

He further added that if polls were not held within 90 days, the concerned institutions should accept the responsibility for the delay.

Expressing his concerns, Dr Alvi said the federal and provincial governments could not announce awards for any individual under relevant constitutional provisions, as it was a prerogative of the president. He said that he had raised the issue during the PTI’s tenure.

Citing the unanimous adoption of the 1973 Constitution, the president said that it reflected the ‘brilliance of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’. He further added that the disqualification of politicians or political parties was no solution to the issues.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 30 2023

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