President Arif Alvi said that it is important to give level playing field to all political players before the elections while reiterating that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan is 'still' his leader.
In an interview aired on Wednesday, President Arif Alvi asserted that he will remain in office until the election of a new president is completed. He emphasized the importance of completing all assemblies and the Senate before electing the next president.
President Arif Alvi also discussed the challenges Pakistan has faced in establishing democracy.
He highlighted the issue of amendment in Section 57 of the Election Act [allowing election body to unilaterally announce date for polls] which he refused to sign.
President Arif Alvi recalled that instead, then-acting President Sadiq Sanjrani signed the document while he was performing Hajj.
He said that he summoned the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sultan Sikandar Raja to discuss the amendment but CEC did not show up.
Despite receiving advice against it, President Arif Alvi said he wrote another letter and set the election date for November 6, 2023 based on a 90-day timeline after the dissolution of the National Assembly (NA).
He said that he still abides by his tweet regarding the principal secretary who had allegedly given president's assent to the Official Secrets Act and the Pakistan Army Act without his permission.
He said that the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) is searching for a narrative.
He also said that everyone is demanding a "level playing field" while stressing that it was important to put the country's atmosphere into one that is liked by the masses.
President Arif Alvi said that he found PTI Chairman Imran Khan to be financially honest and that there was no room for doubt in his patriotism.
He said that Imran Khan still keeps an eye on him, while reiterating that the PTI chairman is "still" his leader.
He recalled that he condemned the May 9 events as president, but said that the path to move forward should also be open. "Through forgiveness, nations can progress," he said.
President Arif Alvi said that he would have been in jail due to his affiliation with the PTI if he were not in office.
He noted that PTI workers get arrested when they even try to organize a convention which is unlike the situation with other parties. "Everyone should be treated equally," president opined.
He denied having any role in the reference against incumbent Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Qazi Faez Isa sent during PTI's tenure. The president said he received the reference from the Prime Minister's Office.
President Arif Alvi said he does not see polls being held in January as planned by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
However, he added that if elections were held where the public mandate was not respected, it would be like putting another chain on the feet of the nation.
