Alvi vows to continue playing role of bridge

Ex-president underscores necessity of engaging in discussions with Imran Khan to steer nation towards prosperity

LAHORE:

Former president and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader, Dr Arif Alvi, has emphasised that the solution to problems lies in dialogue and affirmed his party's commitment to exhaust all avenues of discussion, maintaining that failure only occurs when one succumbs to defeat.

Speaking alongside the PTI Punjab Information Secretary, Shaukat Basra, during a press conference on Sunday, Dr Alvi reiterated the imperative of engaging in constructive discourse, steadfastly rejecting the acceptance of failure.

"The solution to problems lies within the dialogue. We will continue our efforts to engage in dialogue. Failure only occurs when we concede to it,” he said.

Dr Alvi underscored the necessity of engaging in discussions with former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan to steer the nation towards progress and prosperity.

"Imran Khan has made significant sacrifices, including setting aside his ego for the sake of democracy in our country. He is committed to dialogue for the betterment of Pakistan," Dr Alvi stated, affirming his continuous efforts towards initiating talks.

Highlighting the critical juncture Pakistan finds itself in, the former president stressed the imperative of national unity for economic recovery, stating, "The economy cannot be revitalised without a united nation."

Expressing unwavering support for the armed forces, Dr Alvi lamented the strained relations between PTI and the establishment, advocating for reconciliation through dialogue and forgiveness on “both sides.”

Warning against exacerbating tensions, Dr Alvi cautioned that failure to address the current impasse could lead to further deterioration. He criticised the disparity between the mandates of political figures and their treatment, referencing the imprisonment of PTI's founder while others hold lesser mandates.

Discussing media freedom, the PTI leader highlighted the role of social media in exposing injustices globally, while noting restrictions on social media in Pakistan.

“Pakistan is the only country in the world where there is an embargo on social media. It is the social media which showed the world how much cruelty is being done in Gaza,” Alvi said.

Read more: Govt mocks PTI for meeting US envoy

Welcoming a recent visit by a Saudi delegation, Dr Alvi anticipated economic benefits for Pakistan through increased investment.

Regarding allegations of intelligence agencies' interference in judicial affairs, Dr Alvi acknowledged ongoing grievances within the judiciary and urged for the preservation of its independence.

Criticising the conduct of the Punjab Police, Dr Alvi condemned reported instances of harassment and intrusion into citizens' homes.

PTI leader Shaukat Basra echoed Dr Alvi's sentiments, advocating for Imran Khan's release as a potential catalyst for improving PTI-establishment relations.Meanwhile, the party officially initiated a movement advocating for the release of Imran Khan, organising a series of protest demonstrations across various sectors of the provincial capital.

A protest demonstration took place at Shalimar Link Road, spearheaded by Lahore's General Secretary Hafiz Zeeshan Rashid.

Rashid asserted that a consistent and peaceful movement has been set in motion for the former prime minister's release, scheduled to occur daily. He expressed discontent over the incarceration of the former prime minister and "a leader of the Muslim Ummah and head of Pakistan's largest political party", citing it as an unjustified act that cannot be met with silence from the party's supporters.

According to Rashid, such political vendettas are unprecedented in the nation's history, warranting public opposition.
He emphasised that sustainable governance is contingent upon popular support, warning that governments lacking in public backing are destined to falter.

Rashid predicted a forthcoming dawn of truth, prophesying that with the people's endorsement, Tehreek-e-Insaf will soon assume power across all provinces, including the federation.