ISLAMABAD: President Arif Alvi reiterated that free and fair elections remain in demand, suggesting adoption of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to ensure transparency in electoral process. Addressing a joint session of Parliament to mark beginning of last parliamentary year of current National Assembly he said, “How will Pakistan stabilise, if every election is challenged,” adding that polarisation should be addressed because this is year of elections. Amid country’s growing political instability, President Alvi stressed need for dialogue and urged to end polarisation. “Polarisation doesn’t end with stubbornness,” he remarked, insisting on granting voting rights to overseas Pakistanis. “Overseas Pakistanis have right to vote and they should be granted this right, as they work hard,” he said. ‘Pakistan should pay attention to crop insurance’

At outset of his address, President Alvi spoke about nation’s most pressing issue catastrophic floods across provinces, which have claimed over 1,700 lives so far.

“Flood damaged our crops and Pakistan should pay attention to crop insurance, as it will help us get international aid and deal with challenges,” Alvi said. “Agriculture is backbone of Pakistan’s economy and to improve sector, it is important that we look at nations which can provide us with technical support in this regard.” “We must learn from a nation like The Netherlands which is 19 percent smaller than Pakistan but is second biggest exporter of food in world.” He lauded nation for standing up against terrorism and spoke about Pakistan getting out of Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list. On International Monetary Fund President said, “We had a suitable agreement with Washington-based lender.” He added that political stability was crucial amid sky-high inflation. Commenting on efforts put in to evacuate flood affectees, president said, “I would like to congratulate Pakistan’s armed forces who helped flood-hit population despite challenges. I would also like to extend my gratitude to provincial governments, federal government, Provincial Disaster Management Authority, National Disaster Management Authority and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for their efforts to help victims”. President also pointed out need for building dams given situation of recent floods in country.

President Alvi emphasised inclusion of out-of-school children. “Members of Parliament must focus on this. I have spoken to ulema (clerics) that masajid should have sessions to provide school education. If you can’t provide education to children, impart some skills,” president insisted. “Several smaller countries are ahead of Pakistan in cyber power, while our policies are weak in this respect,” he said.Commenting on state of Islamophobia in India, President said that country was “playing with fire.” “United Nations, Pakistan and friendly nations worked [against] Islamophobia,” he said. Speaking on menace of corruption, he said that corruption is within Pakistan and can be controlled.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 07 2022

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