Pakistan President Calls for Political Inclusion, Upholding Public Mandates

Pakistan President Dr. Arif Alvi voiced concern over the exclusion of capable individuals from politics, stressing the significance of political participation and respect for public mandates. He highlighted the connection between financial inclusion and political engagement, commending the participation of young voters in the democratic process. Alvi also addressed the closure of social media platforms in Pakistan, attributing it to a lack of intellectual capacity to handle criticism.

Islamabad, February 19: Pakistan President Dr. Arif Alvi voiced his concern over the exclusion of capable individuals from politics and stressed the significance of respecting public mandates and ensuring political inclusivity. Although he did not explicitly name former prime minister Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated, it was clear that his remarks were directed at him.

Political Inclusion and Financial Inclusion

President Alvi, a senior member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party before being appointed President by Khan in 2018, addressed the third edition of Hosting Business Net 2024. This platform aims to promote financial inclusion and digital transformation while recognizing the contributions of companies in this sector. The president highlighted the crucial connection between financial inclusion and political participation, emphasizing that financial inclusion cannot be achieved without the political engagement of the population.

Respecting Mandates and Social Media

Alvi commended the trust displayed by millions of young voters in the democratic process. Underscoring the importance of respecting mandates, he attributed the blocking of social media websites in Pakistan to a lack of intellectual capacity to handle criticism. He expressed regret over the expulsion of competent individuals from the political arena, alluding to the jailed former prime minister Khan.

Recognizing the Public Mandate

Last Saturday, President Alvi urged politicians, various parties, and Pakistani institutions to respect and acknowledge the substantial mandate given by citizens. This statement was interpreted as a suggestion that they should allow Khan's supporters, who won 92 seats in the National Assembly as independent candidates, to form the government.

Investing in Intellectual Development

The event was attended by members of the business and diplomatic community. President Alvi emphasized that the Pakistani people are a dynamic nation blessed with abundant natural resources. He stressed the need to invest in their intellectual development and capacity building. Citing the example of China, which successfully lifted millions of its citizens out of poverty by investing in education and health, the president asserted that financial inclusion cannot be achieved without the political inclusion of the people.

Technology for Voting

President Alvi advocated for the utilization of technology for internet voting (i-voting) and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). He also commended the millions of young voters who had demonstrated their trust in the democratic system.

President Alvi's remarks underscore the importance of respecting public mandates, promoting political inclusivity, and investing in the intellectual development of the Pakistani people. By acknowledging the contributions of companies in the financial inclusion and digital transformation sectors, the president highlighted the potential for technology to enhance democratic processes and improve the lives of citizens.