Early appointment of new army chief is not a bad idea, says President Alvi

President Dr Arif Alvi was asked about an early appointment of the next army chief, which is due this November, in a meeting with journalists today.

“It’s not such a bad idea,” Alvi said in response.

According to reports, President Alvi said that this matter can be resolved through dialogue.

President Alvi said that it has been suggested that he “plays his part” after meeting the army, naval, or air chiefs, which he “cannot do”. Elaborating further, Alvi said that as the president of Pakistan, he does not have the constitutional authority to ask parties to have a dialogue.

He said that a dialogue is possible only when all the stakeholders agree. “The President House can play its role only in this case.”

Neutrals need to remain neutral 

“The neutrals need to remain neutral always,” the president said.

“The elephant in the room has not yet appeared but it has been there for 50 years,” he said, adding that the matter is a ground reality and that it can be solved through dialogue.

On relations with Shehbaz Sharif

Alvi said that he has had many meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and this impression is wrong that his relationship with the prime minister is not so good. Since this government took power, the government has sent the president 74 summaries.

Since the coalition government has come into the office, 69 out of 74 summaries have been signed on the day of receiving them, said Alvi.

“I held back the summaries regarding NAB amendment Ordinance, electronic voting machines, and the Punjab governor but this was not due to any pressure,” he said.

On talking with Imran Khan

When asked, President Alvi said that he didn’t have any communication with PTI Chairman Imran Khan on the matter of EVMs and NAB amendment ordinance and the last time they spoke was when there was an issue regarding the Punjab governor.