LAHORE: President Dr Arif Alvi urging political parties to gather under one roof, said that a break in country is not far away and good news will soon come and also stressed political understanding. Speaking exclusively on private TV channel he said that elections are best solution to get out of a national crisis, adding that elections are now a few months away and there should be a discussion between politicians regarding elections. “I will not give an opinion on postponing appointment of Army Chief until after new election,” he said.

President said that lower segment of society is suffering due to flood crisis. He said that country is witnessing three crises at moment and biggest crisis is political.

He said, “Rupee continues to lose value and country’s exports are also declining, adding that country’s economic crisis needs to be addressed as World Bank has also revealed possibility of Pakistan’s default, while IMF’s instalment has temporarily put off this possibility.”

Dr Alvi said that political crisis in country is easy to solve, but many people are not ready to get out of this crisis due to temporary interest. All political leaders have been talking about early elections, while Supreme Court has also asked Chief Election Commissioner about holding general elections, to which ECP said that it would take 7 months to hold elections, but that elections are probably best solution to get out of this crisis.

Dr. Arif Alvi said that he could mediate with stakeholders as per Constitution. Everyone will agree on something, he added. President also said that he is afraid that if economic crisis continue then people will come to streets. Sharing his thoughts on elections, the President said there is a gap of a few months in elections. “My doors are open for mutual discussion,” Alvi said. He said that matter should be dealt on basis of give-and-take, adding that whichever party wins after election, it should come with a mandate.

He said that obstinacy would harm country. “If we control our ego, we can do our job with dedication,” Alvi added. President Alvi said that to address issue of floods, money is needed.

“The thing is, if we don t come together, history will hold us responsible,” President added. He said political leadership in current government also agreed on new elections, adding that political leadership outside government also wants early elections. Perhaps elections are a better solution to get out of these crises, he stressed.

President added that it is better that a representative government should be elected by people even, if current coalition is successful in elections.Arif Alvi said that he is in touch with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. President added that real task is for government and opposition to sit down and settle things, as Imran Khan has offered government to hold talks. Arif stressed that political maturity demands from all political parties to sit at one place. 

Terming communication “important,” Alvi said that it’s time to move forward by forgetting everything.

Arif Alvi said that there has been some improvement and his efforts are ongoing in this regard, adding that he could not reveal much. Stressing importance of addressing real issues, Alvi said that there is a dire need to sacrifice grudges, ego and sit together. President Alvi said that he is in contact with Imran Khan by phone or message on a daily basis, while he is also in communication with new Prime Minister. “Regarding bill, I have good communication with current government,” Alvi added.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 15 2022

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.