— President says democracy becomes meaningless if people are not able to elect leaders of their choice
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi, on Tuesday, underscored the importance of providing every political party with the opportunity to participate in the upcoming general elections, stating that “democracy becomes meaningless if people are not able to elect leaders of their choice.”
These remarks were made during a meeting with former federal minister and Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani, who called upon the president here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
President Alvi insisted that the upcoming general elections must adhere to the principles of being free, fair, transparent, and inclusive.
He emphasised the need for all political parties and their leadership to have equal opportunities in the electoral process, a move aimed at strengthening democracy in the country.
President Alvi also stressed the importance of political, institutional, and stakeholder unity to address the nation’s challenges, including economic ones, advocating for cooperation and forgiveness over bitterness.
He stated that difficult decisions should have the support of the people and their participative ownership. President Alvi viewed the forthcoming general elections as an opportunity to infuse vibrancy into the nation’s rebuilding efforts.
Furthermore, he praised the unified stance of political leaders on the issue of inclusivity, recognising it as the essence of democracy.
Earlier, Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan had claimed that incarcerated former prime minister was deeply disappointed and unhappy with President Alvi.
Aleema, while talking to the media after appearing before an Anti-Terrorism Court in the May 9 riots case earlier this month, said during a meeting with her brother languishing in Adiala jail, the PTI chairman expressed profound regret and disappointment in President Alvi’s “failure to fulfil his constitutional duty of announcing the election date during this crucial time for the nation”.
