Won't comment on Army Chief's extension until new polls: President Arif Alvi

Won't comment on Army Chief's extension until new polls, says President Arif Alvi

LAHORE (Dunya News) – President Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday, while urging the political parties to gather under one roof, said that a break in the country is not far away and good news will soon come, and also stressed political understanding.

Speaking exclusively on Dunya News programme "Dunya Kamran Khan Kay Sath", he said that the elections are the best solution to get out of a national crisis, adding that the elections are now a few months away and there should be a discussion between the politicians regarding the elections.

"I will not give an opinion on postponing the appointment of the Army Chief until after the new election," he said.

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

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

Dr Alvi went on to say that the political crisis in the 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 the Supreme Court has also asked the Chief Election Commissioner about holding general elections, to which the ECP said that it would take 7 months to hold elections, but that elections are probably the best solution to get out of this crisis.

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

He further said that obstinacy would harm the country. "If we control our ego, we can do our job with dedication," Alvi added. President Alvi said that to address the issue of floods, money is needed. "The thing is, if we don t come together, history will hold us responsible," the President added. He further said the political leadership in the current government also agreed on the new elections, adding that the political leadership outside the government also wants early elections. Perhaps elections are a better solution to get out of these crises, he stressed. The President added that it is better that a representative government should be elected by the people even, if the current coalition is successful in the elections.

Arif Alvi said that he is in touch with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The President added that the real task is for the government and the opposition to sit down and settle things, as Imran Khan has offered the government to hold talks. Arif stressed that the political maturity demands from all the 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 the 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 the new Prime Minister. "Regarding the bill, I have good communication with the current government," Alvi added.

While saying that there is a positive discussion with the Prime Minister on the country‘s affairs, Alvi said that he is very confident that all the stakeholders are making efforts somewhere, adding the whole nation is waiting for at least some agreement to be reached between the government and opposition. Alvi further said that the crisis is so big right now, adding that a positive solution is absolutely necessary.  "If we don t solve this crisis, history will blame everyone."

Alvi said that the current flood situation in the country is worse but giving relief to the flood-hit people is in our hands, adding that we have to solve all problems together because the country can’t bear further crisis.

He further added that a crippled economy will also affect the country’s defense, adding that be it floods or earthquakes, Pakistan’s forces have played an excellent role, and have made a lot of sacrifices in the war against terrorism.

"Communication with the Army has improved during the last one and a half months, and due to social media distances increased, fake news on social media should be curbed," Alvi said.

Regarding the question on COAS’s extension, President said that he will not give his opinion on postponing the appointment of the new army chief until the new election, adding that decision-makers should solve this matter on the table. "My job is to try to negotiate, and we will be out of this political crisis soon," he added.