President Alvi says many reasons behind failure of reconciliation between army and Imarn Khan

President Dr Arif Alvi Thursday said there were many reasons for the failure of reconciliation between the army and PTI chairman Imran Khan.

The president, in an interview with Voice of America (VOA), was responding to a question why his efforts to connect Khan with the military establishment went in vain.

Dr Alvi was asked if he is doubtful that PTI chief Imran Khan would participate in the elections.

"I’ll not conjecture into that, it depends on the courts," the president said.

When asked if he thinks that one particular party is a favourite ahead of the election in Pakistan, the president said: "I don't want to turn myself controversial by arguing on such matters."

He added that he wouldn't comment on that to avoid turning the president's position controversial.

President Alvi said that he will administer the oath to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif if he becomes the country’s prime minister for the fourth time after the February 8 polls.

He said the administering oath was part of the responsibility of his position and he would fulfil it.

He added: "One must do if the public elects someone."

The president's comment came in response to a question on whether he would administer the oath of office to the PML-N supremo.

President Alvi expressed confidence that the result of the polls as an outcome of public opinion would lead to an environment ensuring stability and prosperity of the country.

Dismissing doubts about the delay of the general election, he said the judiciary, executive and politicians held a unanimity on holding the general election on the announced date of February 8.

He maintained that the provision of a level playing field to all political parties was the mutual responsibility of the government and the Election Commission of Pakistan.

“The government has already given assurance about providing a level-playing field to all parties,” he said, adding that the nation had full trust in the government’s commitment in this regard.

President Alvi said that through his letter, he invoked the government’s attention towards the apprehensions of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).

To a query, the president said the Constitution did not allow the President to take a ‘practical’ action to ensure the transparency of an election. “The President has no other way but to bring such issues to the government's notice,” he said.

He said though the office of the President did not have an administrative authority, however, the points raised by it held a significant value.

“There could be many expectations [from me to act in a particular way], but I will not take any unconstitutional step,” he said.

The president said he was not the spokesperson of any party but of all Pakistanis. “However, I will continue to identify and point out whenever see any issue.”

To a question, the president said he never showed negligence concerning the date of general election.

Alvi appreciated the Supreme Court of Pakistan for demonstrating unanimity over the election date.

He said the case relating to the contesting of the election by PTI Chairman Imran Khan was sub-judice and added that he had full confidence in the judiciary.

To another question, President Alvi explained that he did not believe in politics of violence and therefore condemned the incidents of 9th May. “Also, the governments should not create such a situation which may lead to violence,” he added.

He said he would not like to comment on the cases of the civilians involved in 9th May incidents which were pending with the military courts.

He said the completion of the President’s constitutional term was a sign of the stability of the process.

On expulsion of illegal Afghan refugees, he endorsed the government’s decision, stating that the country’s economy could no longer afford to bear their burden.

He said any review of the decision regarding the illegal foreigners rested with the Apex Committee.

Alvi said the interim Afghan government failed to control the cross-border infiltration despite evidence provided to them and no action was taken against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

He said there was no communication gap between Islamabad and Kabul, and urged the Afghan administration to take practical steps in this regard.

On the Palestine issue, the president said Pakistan since its independence had been supporting the Palestinians and effectively raised the current Gaza situation at all international forums.

He reiterated that the resolution of the Palestine issue lied only in a two-state solution.