President Dr. Arif Alvi called for unity and cooperation, emphasizing the importance of making difficult decisions with the support and involvement of the people. “Democracy will be meaningless if people are not able to elect a leader of their choice,” Alvi said.
On Tuesday President Arif Alvi emphasized the need to “end bitterness” and create “cooperation and forgiveness. President Alvi emphasized the need of putting aside differences and promoting an atmosphere of cooperation and forgiveness as Pakistan gets ready for general elections in January. This, he believes, will ensure that all political parties and their leaders have an equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process, thereby strengthening democracy in the country.
Alvi stated that democracy only holds meaning when people can choose their leaders freely. He sees the upcoming general elections as a chance to rejuvenate the nation and build a better future.
These comments come at a time when Imran Khan, the 71-year-old leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, to which President Alvi belongs, faces uncertainty due to legal issues that might affect his participation in the upcoming polls.
President Alvi also commended political leaders from across the spectrum for advocating a level playing field, emphasizing that inclusivity is fundamental to democracy.
He emphasized that the upcoming general elections should be transparent, fair, and open to all political parties and their leaders. This, he believes, is vital for strengthening democracy in Pakistan.
The President’s statement coincides with a period of turmoil within the PTI, as there is speculation about the “minus-one formula,” which involves removing a party leader and allowing others to take power according to the Interim Prime Minster Anwaarul Haq Kakar.
President Alvi’s conversation with former federal minister and senator Muhammad Ali Durrani focused on the political situation in the country.
Muhammad Ali Durrani has been working on a national consensus formula focusing on Pakistan, democracy, and the armed forces to create a favorable environment for the elections.
In the past, the PTI leadership agreed in principle to Durrani’s three points and recognized his efforts to promote political harmony and resolve the crisis.
During his meeting with President Alvi, Durrani emphasized the need for unity among political, institutional, and stakeholder interests to address the nation’s challenges, including economic issues.
Read More: PM Kakar Believes Military Will Stay in Politics as Civil Institutions Struggle
Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar denied the notion of any current deal between the PTI and powerful stakeholders, asserting that there would be no institutional intervention in the upcoming elections.
This aligns with former military chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa’s earlier statement, where he announced that the army would refrain from interfering in political matters.
