Arif Alvi, Aitzaz Ahsan submit nomination papers for presidential election
ECP has announced to hold presidential elections on September 4.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) Aitzaz Ahsan and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Arif Alvi on Monday have submitted their nomination papers for presidential election.
While talking to media after filing the papers, Aitzaz Ahsan said, “PPP consulted other opposition parties before fielding my name for the post.”
“I was not present for the party meeting in which it was decided to field my name as candidate for the election of president,” he added.
Responding to PML-N leader Pervaiz Rashid’s reservations over fielding Ahsan, the PPP leader said, “PML-N leaders clarified that this is Rashid’s personal opinion and not a party policy.”
“I respect Pervaiz Rashid but his demand was unnecessary,” he added.
To a question, he said that if the opposition remained divided and fielded two candidates for the post of the country’s president then the ruling PTI would gain benefit.
On the other hand, Dr. Arif pointed out that candidates of other parties could have shown a positive gesture by withdrawing in favour of PTI’s candidate but they did not.
He was of the view that if he would be elected he would be the second president of Pakistan belonging to Karachi and it would be an honour for the Sindh province too. “But I am Pakistani and love my country and will prove it practically.”
He stressed that after coming into power he would focus on major issues like water,education,health and most importantly towards tree plantation, adding the previous governments did nothing to resolve issues of the people.
He said time has come when all parties should concentrate on the matters important for the country and masses.
Meanwhile, opposition parties except PPP have nominated Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman for the slot of president.
The deadlock in opposition has continued to persist over the name of Aitzaz Ahsan provided by PPP as Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) expressed reservation on his nomination, saying the veteran PPP leader had a strong stance against the party.
Presidential election schedule
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced to hold presidential elections on September 4.
According to a schedule issued by the ECP, nomination papers can be filed with the presiding officers in Islamabad and at the commission’s provincial offices on August 27.
Scrutiny of the nomination papers will be conducted on August 29, while candidature can be withdrawn by 1200 hours on August 30. The list of validated candidates will be published the same day at 1:00 pm.
Voting for the election will be held in the National Assembly and the four provincial assemblies from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
