ISLAMABAD: In an effort to defuse the nation’s escalating political tension, President Arif Alvi has offered to act as a mediator between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Shehbaz Sharif-led government.
In an interview with BBC Urdu on Thursday, Alivi, a close aide to PTI Chairman Imran Khan, suggested that the political leadership hold talks in order to defuse the building animosity.
“I am extending an invitation to them [political parties] to get down together so that top leadership can hold discussions,” Dr. Alvi remarked.
The president claimed that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government is employing delay strategies with regard to PTI, adding that “there is no communication between the two parties in this regard.” The president has already held many rounds of discussions with federal ministers.
Dr. Alvi stated that although the government had expressed a desire to speak with the PTI, no progress had been made.
Speaking of the economy, the president denied rumours that Pakistan was breaking its international obligations and asserted that there was a potential for reform.
I’m advising everyone to join together and work instead of going in that path, he stated. “If they had listened to me, it would have been better. I am not a philosopher, but historical surveys indicate that there ought to have been a dialogue.
The president bemoaned that he did not know who was more “reluctant” than the other.
Election year, Dr. Alvi said, and he emphasised the need for conversation before the vote. In order to concentrate on the economy and welfare initiatives, he stressed, election-related issues should be resolved.
Ties between Gen (retd) Bajwa and Khan
President Alvi stated that he did not have any specific information about the relationship between former prime minister Khan and ex-army head General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa in response to a question about it.
He said that the press had published all of this. Additionally, certain misunderstandings were becoming public.
“I have attempted to put an end to such misunderstandings,” Alvi emphasised. “As president, it is my duty to maintain the unity of this federation. For Pakistan, dissension is worse than cooperation, and I would also advise this.
The president attributed the disagreements between the PTI leader and Gen (retd) Bajwa to social media. According to Dr. Alvi, problems result if social media is given greater weight than these issues.
President Alvi refused to discuss any specific individuals or incidents when asked if the appointment of the then-director-general (DG) of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was the source of the “friction” between the former PM and the ex-army leader.
The president questioned, “Who wasn’t being flexible?” “I was requesting that they put aside their differences and disregard social media.”
He claimed, “When I urge people to forgive, they can’t.”
President Alvi stated he was unaware of such offers in response to an inquiry about the former army chief’s prolongation of service.
I’m stating this, so. By talking to one other, you can clear up such misunderstandings, he emphasised. I’m willing to bring people together regardless of the party, the opposition, the government, or the establishment.
‘I can seek advice from anyone’
President Alvi informed the news outlet that the most popular leader in the nation was revealed in the most recent surveys, which is why the president decided to consult the PTI chief before appointing Gen. Asim Munir as army chief.
Do you think I shouldn’t ask for guidance from Pakistan’s most popular party, then? demanded Dr. Alvi. He said that he was free to do this and seek guidance from anyone, and that the constitution did not prevent him from doing so.
“The administration and people from all sides sent me messages of congratulations, saying that the President made the correct decision. How can I make a mistake if the government is congratulating me? demanded Dr. Alvi.
President Alvi signed the summary and authorised the nomination of Gen. Munir as the subsequent chief of army staff and Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza as chairman of the joint chiefs of staff committee in November of last year on the prime minister’s proposal (CJCSC).
However, there was ambiguity around the selections because the president had left for Lahore to meet with the leader of the PTI before accepting them.
All eyes were on the meeting because, according to Khan in an interview, he and President Alvi would handle the situation “legally and constitutionally.”
However, as soon as President Alvi arrived in Islamabad, he confirmed the summary and the appointment of General Munir and General Mirza.
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