18th Amend cannot be culled, can be improved

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi Saturday said 18th Amendment could not be repealed but modified for improvements with consensus of all the federating units.

In a television interview Friday night, the president said 18th Amendment was part of the Constitution of Pakistan adding that if the Constitution could be modified then why not this particular amendment. Calling for capacity building of the provinces, he said there is a dire need for improvement in governance and reforms, particularly in the taxation system. He also underscored the need for a social revolution in Pakistan.

“Our country has moved out of the shadow of terrorism and extremism. We are now heading towards economic progress. The president expressed the confidence that Pakistan is heading in the right direction. “We are a nuclear power and one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Our people are generous and industrious, and I believe nothing can deter Pakistan’s journey to progress,” said President Alvi. He said the direction of national economy has been set but it would take some time to accelerate. He said the economy would get a kick-start after the upcoming budget and finalisation of the terms and conditions with the IMF.

The president said, at least verbally, all the political parties are on the same page against corruption. He said the PTI government is determined to cleanse the augean stables of corruption because no country could progress unless corruption is eliminated root and branch. He said in the next National Assembly session, he would sit in his chamber at Parliament House to meet the parliamentarians from all parties once a week. Dr Arif Alvi expressed concern over the price hike adding that the economy would look up after the upcoming budget, bringing relief to the people.

The president said his happiness lays in seeing the country going from strength to strength in all fields. He said the basis purpose of forming the PTI was to make the country prosperous. Responding to a question, he said the clerics must teach the people about cleanliness, civic responsibilities, malnutrition and breastfeeding to create a social revolution. Asked about the president’s role and powers, President Alvi said he was briefed and updated regularly about the foreign policy, national security and legislation.

Talking about the bad blood between Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Jehangir Tareen, he said the party’s internal matters should not have been discussed publicly and both the leaders should have talked to Prime Minister Imran Khan. To a question, he said, “I keep trying to bring about rapprochement between the two leaders.” Dr Alvi said the NAB is doing a fair accountability. However, he expressed his dislike for the plea bargain.