ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi expressing strong concern over state of national economy has stressed that political parties need to hold talks by rising above their differences.

In an exclusive interview with BBC, President termed it crucial to ‘Lower political heat’ to avoid further deterioration of economic situation in country.

President Alvi urged negotiations among “All stakeholders”, including ruling coalition government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. He said differences were part of democracy, however, it was crucial for all to make united efforts to save country from economic collapse.

“I am not insisting about [holding talks with] PTI Chief Imran Khan, but at least political parties should hold discussions and after that leaders can also meet,” he said. Calling 2023 an election year, Dr Alvi said political parties should negotiate about it whether to hold polls sooner or later, plus or minus few months.

President said that he had been personally making efforts to reduce tension among stakeholders and termed social media “Major reason” behind differences between Imran Khan and former Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. “I have been trying to bring people together to help them end their mistrust and I will continue to do so. It is my constitutional responsibility to keep federation united,” he said.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 13 2023

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