- President Alvi said he would continue efforts towards reducing political polarisation
- He said a mutually agreed date for general election can reduce political heat
- He said there is no harm in discussing the appointment of the chief of army staff
LAHORE: President Dr Arif Alvi has expressed hope that stakeholders should sit together and decide upon a mutually agreed date for the next general elections to help reduce the political temperature in the country.
The president expressed these views during an interactive meeting with a delegation of Lahore-based journalists at the Governor House.
President Alvi said that he would continue his efforts towards reducing the political polarisation, adding that his efforts had made some impact towards reducing the distance from extreme positions to some extent.
The president informed that in his personal capacity, he had been and still trying to bring stakeholders together at one table and resolve their differences by democratic means of discussion, consultation and deliberation and to find mutually agreed upon solutions on major issues and matters to reduce the political polarisation in the greater national interest.
He said that efforts had been made and would continue to be made within the framework of the constitution and laws of the land for bringing political stability in the country.
Institutions are used politically
Responding to a question, the president said that he was making efforts to improve ties between Imran Khan and the establishment. “Imran Khan is my leader and old friend,” the president said, adding that he does not take the PTI chief’s advice before working.
He stressed the need for improvement in the state institutions, saying “Institutions are being used politically.”
The president said the constitution does not allow consultation on the appointment of the army chief, but maintained that there is no harm in discussion on the appointment of the chief of army staff.
He further said that the stakeholders should also consider discussing the use of technology to bring efficiency. transparency and fairness in elections.
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.
Arshad Sharif sent threat letter
Replying to a question, the president said that Arshad Sharif had sent him a letter about threats to his life and he forwarded that letter along with his comments to the prime minister.
He said that media was an integral part of the democratic dispensation and it should perform its functions freely without any intimidation or harassment under the relevant provisions of the constitution and laws.
The president said that fake news was like “gheebat” (backbiting), similarly any statement presented out of reference and context also sometimes led to serious consequences.
He said journalists should train themselves to verify news and should not become an instrument for promoting fake and unverified news.
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New technologies
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.
The president said that there was a need to focus out time, energies and efforts to embrace new and emerging technologies, develop out-of-the-box solutions to resolve issues and challenges and develop the capability to avail each and every opportunity to take the country forward on the path of progress and development.
He further said that issues like inflation, economy, improving service delivery and reducing political polarization were pressing issues which, in his opinion, needed to be addressed on priority.
