Alvi urges politicians to resolve political crisis on priority: President Dr Arif Alvi has called upon the political parties to base their electoral campaigns on the charter of the economy. He said the solution to crises like floods and the economy will not be a problem once the political crisis is resolved.
Pakistan’s economic woes should be addressed as the World Bank also indicated the possibility of the country going to default, he said, speaking to a private news channel in an exclusive interview on Wednesday. He said the IMF’s programme has held off this default but only temporarily.
Responding to a question, the President said that he remains in touch with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and had a detailed positive discussion with him.
The President was asked if he favours the government being given a few months to carry out relief work and economic uplift before the elections. He replied that politicians should hold a discussion on this point as the nation requires clear leadership.
Alvi said that the incumbent government is working hard to deal with the issues of electricity bills and dollars.
A government of technocrats, once formed, goes out of sync with the people, he said, adding, “We, however, need competent technocrats and reliable technical support.”
Dr Arif Alvi said that Pakistan cannot afford conflicts. Therefore, the economic crisis should not be allowed to grow to a level where people come out on the streets, leaving the government to make compromises, he noted.
Dr Arif Alvi said that there is a gap of a few months between the election schedule and the pre-elections. He said his doors are open for political parties if they seek mutual discussion over the difference of a few months before the elections are held. The issue should be settled based on give-and-take.
He underscored the need to resolve the issue by getting rid of the difference of a few months. The most effective way is to have a government with the mandate of the people, no matter who makes the government — the current coalition government or the opposition parties.
President Arif Alvi said that the real task for the government and the opposition is to sit down and settle the issues. “Since the PTI’s government collapsed, I have been emphasizing three things: the date of general elections, free and fair elections and support for the economy,” he emphasized.
He said that the government is confused in its decision-making process. Businessmen stressed the need for continuity in policies, he said. He added the political parties should base their decisions on the charter of the economy once they make up their minds to go into elections.
Crop Insurance is like health insurance but is a very neglected area in Pakistan. Almost nonexistent. It could have taken care of a large %age of flood damages this year, through insurance companies & routine international re-insurance. Can help in droughts & locust attacks also. https://t.co/0BcL6O2LhQ
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) September 13, 2022