ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi's five-year tenure as country's President is set to conclude on September 8 (Friday), cloud of uncertainty hangs over whether he will continue in his role.

As per Constitution, Alvi can remain President until election of new head of state. However, sources close to President revealed that no decision has been made regarding his possible extension of presidency or departure from office, as outlined in Article 44 (1) of Constitution.

According to Article: "Election to office of President shall be held not earlier than sixty days and not later than thirty days before expiration of term of President in office: Provided that, if election cannot be held within period aforesaid because National Assembly is dissolved, it shall be held within thirty days of general election to Assembly."

Therefore, presidential polls have to be held 30 days prior to September 8.

With clock ticking, observers await final move of President who has occasionally tried to use his office to comment on political events and express his intentions to mediate in political conflict as well as press for elections within constitutional deadline.

Arif Alvi was elected as President of Pakistan on September 4, 2018 and took oath of office as President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan on September 9, 2018.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 07 2023

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