Alvi optimistic about Punjab, K-P polls

President says delay in election not acceptable in any democratic set-up

ISLAMABAD:

President Dr Arif Alvi appeared optimistic on Thursday about the elections of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) assemblies, expressing his firm conviction that the country would never derail from the path of constitutionalism and democracy.

Appearing in a private TV channel’s talk show, the president said that the Supreme Court had been seized with the matter of the elections in the two provinces and that the apex court would take the final decision.

“I still expect that democratic path will emerge from the Supreme Court proceedings,” he said, adding that elections in the democratic countries were not dependent upon availability of funds, census or security issues. “In democratic set ups, delays in elections are not acceptable.”

Alvi opined that election in Punjab could not be postponed on the basis of census and security issues as the situation in the country was better than 2018. “There is no way out except holding of elections on time as no deviation is permissible under the Constitution,” he stressed.

Responding to a question, the president observed that a few individuals in the ruling parties wanted the postponement of the elections in Punjab and K-P, but there were others who did not share this view. He termed any delay in the elections unfortunate.

Responding to another question, the president said that he considered the current parliament as incomplete because it was functioning without a major political party – a reference to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Alvi said that he was the president of Pakistan and not the PTI. “Every office has dignity and all the institutions should be respected,” he added. Referring to his maiden meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he said, he had spoken about the dignity of institutions.

The president regretted that the country was confronted with issues of poverty, inflation and dearth of food items but the politicians were trying to save their interests. He said that he had been trying for months to bring the political leadership to sit together.

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When asked about the current volatile political situation, he said that great nations forgave each other and moved ahead but “here the people and especially politicians are not forgiving”, adding that the purpose of parliament and the system was to negotiate with each other.

He also categorically stated that he did not discuss the political issues with the establishment, instead, he stressed that all the political forces, especially those at the helm of affairs to forgive each other, reconcile and chart a way forward for the sake of the country.

He also defended his meetings with PTI Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan, saying that in the past, he had held consultations with him regarding appointment of new chief of army staff, so that consensus could be developed.

About the Supreme Court, the president emphasised that as an institution, it should rise above the occasion. “Unanimity and consensus in the Supreme Court will encourage the nation, but the situation had, so far, upsets the nation,” he added.

Alvi agreed with the programme host that the Supreme Court was under stress. “If an institution is put under stress, it leads to breakdown, and the judiciary is also facing such a stress,” the president added.

When asked about sending reference against Justice Qazi Faez Isa to the Supreme Judicial Council, Alvi said that he did so after applying his mind to it and forming an opinion as there were certain allegations.

Alvi clarified that he had signed all advices received from the government barring 10 of them which were sent back. He added that he sent back the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Bill 2023, for reconsideration with certain observations.

About the menace of terrorism the president stressed the need for a comprehensive policy to handle the issue. He also lauded the armed forces, who were sacrificing their lives for the protection of the motherland.

About the ECP, the president emphasised that there were two aspects of the polls supervisor; first holding of free and fair elections and the second making administrative efforts. However, he opined that currently, the ECP was under pressure.