Tag: Arif Alvi

  • ‘Not convinced there was a conspiracy’: President Dr Alvi

    ‘Not convinced there was a conspiracy’: President Dr Alvi

    President Dr Arif Alvi while discussing the infamous ‘cipher’, has said that he is not convinced that a “foreign conspiracy was hatched” against former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan.

    However, Imran Khan has claimed that the no-confidence motion against him was part of a foreign conspiracy.

    In an interview with journalist Asma Shirazi, the president stated: “I sent that letter to the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP). I am convinced that it must be probed. I am not convinced of the fact that a conspiracy was hatched.”

    Appointment of COAS:

    About the appointment of the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in November, the president was of the view that “broader consultation” should be held.

    Dr Alvi said that he learned through the newspaper that there’s a consultation going on in London regarding the appointment. The government should consult PTI chief Imran Khan on the matter, he said.

    He claimed that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government also consulted the Opposition when former PM Imran Khan extended the three-year term of the incumbent COAS General Bajwa in 2019.

    Importance of dialogue:

    During the interview, President Alvi stressed on the importance of “dialogue”. When asked about the speculation that he had arranged a meeting between the establishment and Imran Khan, he responded: “Meri koshish yeh hai ke logo ko bethao ke dialogue karo” (I am trying that I get people to sit down and have a dialogue).

    He said dialogue is necessary for settling political issues between the government and the Opposition. He was of the view that the people are concerned about political polarisation and one of its causes was that there are different governments in the provinces.

    ‘Khan was very disappointed’: President Alvi

    President Dr Alvi, who is also a PTI leader, talked about the party not going back to Parliament. “Imran Khan was very disappointed with the manner in which his government was ousted and on that basis, he decided not to sit in the assembly,” he told Asma Shirazi.

    However, when asked about the party’s decision of resigning from the National Assembly (NA), President Alvi said that if he had been consulted, he could have given “different advice”.

    He observed that politicians are the biggest stakeholders in the country. The president said that the army should be “neutral”. When asked that Khan says that the establishment shouldn’t be neutral, he said, “You can ask him about his views”.

    ‘Free and Fair elections’: President Alvi

    President Alvi said that in August 2023, assemblies will be dissolved, stressing that both the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and the PTI wanted early polls in the past. “Even the Supreme Court had considered the issue of early elections and consulted politicians,” he added.

    “I am trying to evolve an understanding of these issues and I will facilitate the process. The most important issue is the holding of free and fair elections”, he said.

  • Queen Elizabeth: World leaders remember when they met her

    Queen Elizabeth: World leaders remember when they met her

    Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, breathed her last on Thursday in Balmoral Castle, United Kingdom (UK) at the age of 96.

    In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

    The royal family’s official website carried the message: “Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022” along with an official statement issued by Buckingham Palace.

    Flags on landmark buildings in Britain were being lowered to half mast as a period of official mourning was announced. Royal residences that are open to the public will be closed.

    Shortly after the official announcement, world leaders took to Twitter to extend their condolences.

    President Arif Alvi expressed his sincere condolences.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif extends his heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, people and government of the UK.

    https://twitter.com/PresOfPakistan/status/1567934211637628940?s=20&t=59bb4GrkTNi98ERzhcRB8A

    UK’s newly elected PM Liz Truss mourned the death of her country’s monarch. She released a statement that reads: “With the King’s family, we mourn the loss of his mother. As we mourn, we must come together as a people to support him. To help him bear the awesome responsibility that he now carries for us all.”

    United States (US) President Joe Biden shared a statement on the demise of the Queen. “Queen Elizabeth II was a stateswoman of unmatched dignity constancy who deepened the bedrock of the Alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. She helped make our relationship special,” Biden said.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping offered “sincere sympathies to the British government and people” following the Queen’s death, adding: “Her passing is a great loss to the British people.”

    Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his “deep sorrow”. “The loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is a great loss not only to the British people but also to the international community. Japan’s thoughts are with the United Kingdom as the British people overcome this deepest sadness”, he said.

    Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau said, “It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.”

    French President Emmanuel Macron said, “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embodied the British nation’s continuity and unity for over 70 years. I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century.”

    Indian PM Narendra Modi, in a tweet, said he had memorable meetings with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

    “I had memorable meetings with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during my UK visits in 2015 and 2018. I will never forget her warmth and kindness. During one of the meetings, she showed me the handkerchief Mahatma Gandhi gifted her at her wedding. I will always cherish that gesture.”

    Finish PM Sanna Marin said, “My deepest condolences to the Royal Family, people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”

    Finland’s President Sauli Niinisto said, “Queen’s sense of duty and devotion to service are an example to us all. Deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the UK.”

    Earlier, it was reported that Queen’s doctors were concerned about her health and she was under observation.

    All the Queen’s children travelled to Balmoral, near Aberdeen, after doctors placed the Queen under medical supervision.

    Her grandson, Prince William, is also there, with his brother, Prince Harry, on his way.

  • ‘Imran Khan apne bayaan ki khud wazahat karein ke in ka kya maqsad tha’: President Alvi

    ‘Imran Khan apne bayaan ki khud wazahat karein ke in ka kya maqsad tha’: President Alvi

    President of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi has said that the chairman of his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan “apne bayaan ki khud wazahat karey ke in ka kya maqsad tha”. (Imran Khan should himself clarify what he meant.)

    While talking to media at Governor House in Peshawar, Alvi stressed that all soldiers including the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) are patriots. He said that Pakistan Army is busy in helping flood affectees of the country and no one can doubt their patriotism.

    “Including the incumbent government, every institution is patriotic”, the President added.

    Alvi claimed that he is trying to clear all the misunderstandings between the stakeholders.

    Addressing a jalsa in Faislabad on Sunday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan alleged that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan People’s Party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari wanted to appoint their favourite as COAS because if a “strong and patriotic army chief” was appointed, they would be questioned about their corruption.

    “The army chief of this country should be appointed on merit. The one who is on merit should become the next army chief,” said Khan.

    It is pertinent to mention that Khan drew fire from government leaders over his remarks about the appointment of the next chief of army staff. PTI leaders have been trying to clarify their chairman’s remarks.

    Former Human Rights Minister and PTI leader Shireen Mazari called Nawaz and Zardari “criminals”. She said, “Chairman PTI’s statement was about merit & merit in the selection of COAS cannot be made by two criminals whose only priority is to save their billions stashed abroad and who have zero credibility. Remember DawnLeaks & Memogate?”

    Fawad Chaudhry denied the fact that Khan called the army unpatriotic.

    He said, “As far as I remember, Imran Khan did not mention unpatriotic, every general and Pakistani citizen is a patriot. Imran Khan talked about appointment on merit. Anyway, this is a political matter, not a judicial one. Commenting on the topic is inappropriate.”

    Irked by Imran Khan’s recent remarks about the appointment of a new COAS, the Chief Justice (CJ) of Islamabad High Court (IHC) Athar Minallah minced no words.

    “Did you hear Imran Khan’s speech from yesterday,” the Chief Justice asked the former prime minister’s lawyer on Monday. “Do political leaders deliver such speeches? Will everything be put at stake just for the sake of “game of thrones?” The honourable judge asked during the hearing of a petition filed by the PTI against a ban imposed by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on the live telecast of the speeches of Khan.

    Pakistani Army also expressed extreme displeasure over Imran Khan’s recent statement against the establishment and said that the institution was “aghast” over it.

  • Winners List: Government honours celebrities with prestigious national awards on 75th Independence Day

    Winners List: Government honours celebrities with prestigious national awards on 75th Independence Day

    This year marks the 75th year of independence for the country and to commemorate the occasion, 253 Pakistani citizens from all walks of life, as well as foreign nationals, were awarded the highest honors: the Pakistan Civil Awards by the President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi, for showing excellent courage and remarkable achievements in their respective fields. A number of prominent Pakistani celebrities, belonging to the field of entertainment and sports were also conferred with the Civil Awards.

    The list of the celebrity recipients is as follows:

    Nishan-e-Imtiaz

    • Musical composer Ahmed G. Chagla
    • Actor Qavi Khan

    Hilal-e-Imtiaz

    • Writer, author Amjad Islam Amjad (Urdu Literature)

    Sitara-e-Imtiaz

    • Filmmaker Riaz Shahid
    • Poet Naseer Turabi
    • Singer Hassan Jahangir
    • Actor Tauqeer Nasir
    • Actor, singer, anchorperson, pilot Fakhr-e-Alam

    President’s Pride Of Performance

    • Singer Gul Zari Wagma
    • Singer Arooj Aftab
    • Actress Anjuman
    • Actor Afzal Ahmed
    • Actress Sangeeta

    Tamgha-e-Imtiaz

    • Urdu poet Neelam Bashir
    • Author Noorjehan Bilgrami
    • Actor Arbaz Khan

    The awards were conferred on the occasion of the country’s 75th Independence Day. However, the Investiture Ceremony of these awards will take place on Pakistan Day, 23rd March, 2023.

  • ‘We are no less than anyone in the world’: PM Shehbaz on Independence Day

    Pakistanis all across the world are celebrating the diamond jubilee of Pakistan’s independence. The day dawned with 31 gun salute in the federal capital and 21 gun salute in the provincial headquarters.

    National flags, buntings, portraits of founding fathers, posters, and banners are also seen everywhere as part of the celebration of Independence Day.

    On occasion, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, President Arif Alvi and other politicians wished the entire nation.

    Addressing a national flag-hoisting and unveiling of re-recording ceremony at Jinnah Convention Centre, PM Shehbaz said that like their forefathers, on this 75th Independence Day, they vowed to transform Pakistan into an economic power.

    “If we can become a nuclear power, we can also become an economic power but for it we have to strive day and night and prove to the world that we are no less than anyone in the world,” he added.

    On Twitter, PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of economic sovereignty. He said, “Time has come for the nation to understand what true freedom means. It is a freedom from want, hunger and poverty. Without economic sovereignty, our freedom is incomplete. Our greatest strength is our people. It is about time we place their welfare at the center of public policy.”

    “While we celebrate our hard-earned independence, Pakistan at 75 calls for deep reflection. We have yet to fully realize the dream that our founding fathers dreamed,” he added.

    The premier went to meet the orphans of the Pakistan Sweet Home in Islamabad. A video shared by PM Office on Twitter showed PM Shehbaz and children cutting the cake.

    https://twitter.com/PMO_PK/status/1558751616773173248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1558751616773173248%7Ctwgr%5E306d44900a005e0c517f096de9b9ea28a4a08c24%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.geo.tv%2Flatest%2F433640-child-melts-pm-shehbaz-sharifs-heart-at-independence-day-ceremony

    President Dr Arif Alvi urged the nation to remain steadfast and work wholeheartedly for the development and progress and prosperity of the country.

    “We need to remain united to overcome financial, economic and security challenges faced by the country. Let us pledge that we will remain steadfast to render any sacrifice for the dignity and self-respect of our people and greatness and glory of our beloved homeland,” the president said in a message on the 75th anniversary of Independence of Pakistan.

    The president spent his day at Kashana Orphanage. Sharing a picture, he said, “I spent my 75th Independence Day at Kashana Orphanage, a shelter for girls. These happy faces are the real future of my country. I dream of a Pakatan where every girl is educated and becomes a contributor to the national economy.”

    Foriegn Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in his message to the nation also offered his felicitations to the nation. He said, “Pakistan stands tall today as the amalgamation of both ancient and modern. While preserving our historical identity, we are a nation with our eyes on the future.”

    In his messages on the eve of Independence Day, former president Asif Ali Zardari said that the supremacy of elected parliament of the people is essential for a free, independent and dignified Pakistan. “Now the time has come to make sustainable decisions for the country and the nation by fully implementing the Charter of Democracy.”

  • President Alvi advises politicians not to discuss the army

    President Alvi advises politicians not to discuss the army

    President Arif Alvi on Friday, August 12, stressed against making the Pakistan Army “controversial”. He made these remarks in connection to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Dr Shahbaz Gill’s comments about the establishment.

    “Time and again, I have been telling politicians not to bring the armed forces under discussion,” said the president, adding that it was the armed forces’ job to win the battle against terrorism; they should be respected.

    It is pertinent to mention here that Gill was arrested on August 9 for inciting the public against state institutions.

    The president, addressing all stakeholders of the country, said that the situation “was not ideal” and that it was crucial for politicians to sit at the talking table.

    “Politicians are not sitting together at the talking table; they have to unite. If I don’t see the situation getting better, I will ask them to sit at the table. As the president, I can only ask, not order,” Alvi noted.

  • ‘Nation is proud of you’: PM Shehbaz, President Alvi and others congratulate Arshad Nadeem

    ‘Nation is proud of you’: PM Shehbaz, President Alvi and others congratulate Arshad Nadeem

    Pakistan’s star athlete Arshad Nadeem won the gold medal in the javelin throw competition at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham on Sunday (August 7).

    The 25-year-old won with a massive throw of 90.18m to beat defending world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada, who took Silver with 88.64m throw.

    The Pakistani athlete hailing from Mian Channu participated in the event despite elbow and knee injuries.

    “My preparation is really good despite elbow and knee injury, for which treatment is ongoing,” said Arshad Nadeem while talking to Samaa News before the final.

    Arshad Nadeem earned Pakistan its first track and field gold medal after 60 years.

    It was Pakistan’s second gold in the ongoing Commonwealth Games. Pakistani weightlifter Nooh Dastagir Butt bagged the first gold for Pakistan.

    Prominent personalities, including President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, congratulated Arshad Nadeem for bringing a gold medal home.

    Read more – Hey Pak govt, aren’t we sporty enough for you?

    “What amazing news to wake up to early this morning! Arshad Nadeem has done Pakistan proud by winning the first gold medal in Commonwealth Games,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a tweet.

    President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi also congratulated Arshad Nadeem for “making history”.

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa also congratulated Nadeem.

    Have a look at other congratulatory messages:

  • Hurtful and derogatory comments on social media unacceptable: ISPR

    Hurtful and derogatory comments on social media unacceptable: ISPR

    The military’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Friday condemned a social media campaign after the tragic Pakistan Army helicopter crash in Balochistan during a flood relief operation. Six military personnel were martyred in the tragic incident.

    “The regretful social media campaign after the unfortunate helicopter crash on August 1 has caused deep anguish and distress among Shuhada families and rank and file of the armed forces,” said the ISPR.

    “While the whole nation stood with the institution in this difficult time, certain insensitive quarters resorted to hurtful and derogatory comments on social media, which is unacceptable and highly condemnable,” said Director General (DG) ISPR Major General Babar Iftikhar.

    Speaking on Geo News programme ‘Naya Pakistan’, DG ISPR emphasised that this should not happen and that the elements spreading negative propaganda and rumours should be rejected.

    “Insensitive behaviour is unacceptable and should be condemned at every platform,” added DG ISPR.

    “We have been distressed since the accident on August 1. The propaganda has caused immense pain, particularly to the families of the martyrs.”

    “The derogatory and insensitive remarks were very hurtful. Especially when everyone was grieving. It was necessary to say this because we know everyone is standing with the Pakistan armed forces and supporting us. It is because of this support that the Pakistan Army is standing and is serving the nation day and night. Our people and their support are our pride,” said DG ISPR.

    “We need to look into these things in our society. The way campaigns start on social media is not right. We collectively need to dismiss and reject such elements from our society,” said DG ISPR.

    DG ISPR was also asked about reports and rumours if President Dr Arif Alvi’s absence from the funeral of the martyred military personnel was because he was stopped by families of the Shuhada from attending due to the “false and negative propaganda created by social media trolls”.

    “I think it is better that I don’t comment on this,” responded Maj Gen Babar.

    ‘Unnecessary controversy’: President Alvi

    President Dr Arif Alvi clarified his absence from the funeral of the martyred military personnel and tweeted, “There is unnecessary controversy on why I did not attend Janaza of the Shaheeds recently.”

    The president said that he is taking the opportunity to condemn, in unequivocal terms, the despicable tweets by those who are “neither aware of our culture [nor] our religion”.

    President Alvi said that he has called hundreds of families, attended funerals, and visited them to offer his condolences — stressing that he does not keep away during such occasions.

    “When the family members have cried, I have cried. There is no doubt in my mind that Pakistan is safe only because of their ultimate sacrifices. That is what makes me proud of Pakistan.”

    However, his tweets did not specify why he did not attend the funeral.

  • ‘Largest prison in the world’: Politicians condemn atrocities in occupied Kashmir

    ‘Largest prison in the world’: Politicians condemn atrocities in occupied Kashmir

    Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir is being observed today in Pakistan to mark the day when Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi revoked the special status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s (IIOJK). In violation of the United Nations (UN) resolutions and international law, India scrapped Articles 370 and 35-A of the Indian Constitution that granted special autonomous status to IIOJK and imposed a military siege on the territory on August 5, 2019.

    Pakistani politicians expressed solidarity with the people of occupied Kashmir.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that India’s actions are “aimed at altering the demographic structure of the occupied territory”.

    “The Jammu and Kashmir dispute has been a battle of hope against overwhelming odds, of courage against fear and of sacrifice against tyranny.”

    The premier also paid tribute to the martyrs of IIOJK for their sacrifices and courage.

    “Pakistan will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their just struggle. We call upon international community to take practical steps to hold India accountable for its gross and widespread human rights violations in IIOJK and to facilitate a peaceful resolution of this long-standing dispute,” tweeted President Dr Arif Alvi.

    The president further added, “The resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UNSC Resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people is the only way to ensure durable peace and stability in the region.”

    “More than 1.5 billion people in the region deserve to see the dawn of peace and prosperity, which has been held hostage by India in IIOJK.”

    Similarly, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan said that the Indian authorities assumed that their moves would crush the spirit of Kashmiri resistance “but the Kashmiris’ spirit of resistance became stronger and it continues to strengthen”.

    Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari released a video message on the occasion of Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir.

    He said that the presence of the Indian troops has turned occupied Kashmir into the most militarised region in the world.

    “Over the past seven decades, three generations of Kashmiris have awaited for the world community and UN to honour their solemn commitment.”

    Former FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi called India a rogue state.

    “India continues to act as a rogue state with unrelenting violence in #IIOJK. Yet indigenous resistance movement for Kashmiri’s inalienable right to self-determination stands strong. Pakistan will always stand by ppl of Kashmir.”

    “Modi government has made IIJOK the largest prison in the world,” tweeted federal Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman.

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

    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.