A large number of people Saturday visited Aiwn-e-Sadr after it was opened for the public as part of government’s policy to allow public access to the state buildings. People visited the President House to enjoy strolling at the lush green and spacious lawns of the presidency. Visitors were allowed to enter the building after showing their computerized national identity card at the entrance. Meanwhile, the governor houses in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar have already been opened for general public. President Arif Alvi also warmly met the people visiting Aiwan-e-Sadr. Arif Alvi mixed up with the people who expressed happiness to find the president amongst themselves. Talking to reporters, the president welcomed the visitors, and said that utmost efforts would be made to fully facilitate the general public. He said that the people will also be allowed to visit the offices inside the presidency, including the hall where oath taking ceremonies are held. He said the presidency is always opened to school and college trips. The president said the Capital Development Authority (CDA) will also be directed to permanently open the adjacent park to the Presidency. Responding to a question, the president rejected the impression that Aiwan-e-Sadr was opened to divert attention from the challenges faced by the country. He reminded the office of the president is apolitical. Published in Daily Times, December 9th 2018.