Alvi won't mind administering oath to Nawaz
Pakistan
Level playing is right of every political party: president
ISLAMABAD (APP) - President Dr Arif Alvi said on Thursday Pakistan can overcome its challenges relating to political stability if its politicians, executive and the establishment make a joint commitment to address the issues.
The president, in an interview with Voice of America (VOA), was responding to a question if the upcoming general polls would bring political stability to the country.
President Alvi expressed confidence that the result of the polls as an outcome of public opinion would lead to an environment ensuring stability and prosperity of the country.
Dismissing doubts about the delay in the general election, he said the judiciary, executive and politicians held a unanimity on holding the general election on the announced date of Feb 8. He maintained that the provision of a level playing field to all political parties was the responsibility of the government and the Election Commission of Pakistan.
“The government has already given assurance about providing a level playing field to all parties,” he said, adding that the nation had full trust in the government’s commitment in this regard.
President Alvi said that through his letter, he invoked the government’s attention towards the apprehensions of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).
To a query, the president said the Constitution did not allow the president to take a ‘practical’ action to ensure the transparency of an election. “The President has no other way but to bring such issues to the notice of the government,” he said.
He said though the office of the president did not have an administrative authority, the points raised by it held a significant value.
“There could be many expectations [from me to act in a particular way], but I will not take any unconstitutional step,” he said.
The president said he was not the spokesperson of any party but of all Pakistanis. “However, I will continue to identify and point out whenever see any issue.”
To a question, the president said he never showed negligence with respect to the date of the general election.
Asked if he would administer oath to Nawaz Sharif in case he was elected prime minister, the president said he would comply with the constitutional requirements in this regard.
He said the completion of the president’s constitutional term was a sign of stability and process.
As for the expulsion of illegal Afghan refugees, he endorsed the government’s decision, stating that the country’s economy could no longer afford to bear their burden. He said any review of the decision regarding the illegal foreigners rested with the apex committee.
Alvi said the interim Afghan government failed to control the cross-border infiltration despite evidence provided to them and no action was taken against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. He said there was no communication gap between Islamabad and Kabul, and urged the Afghan administration to take practical steps.
On the Palestine issue, the president said Pakistan since its independence had been supporting the Palestinians and effectively raised the current Gaza situation at all international forums.
