Former President Arif Alvi is eager to rebuild bridges his party, PTI, has burnt, but he finds it challenging to get the 'real power' to negotiate.
In a talk with the media in Lahore, Dr. Alvi used metaphors about guards, gardeners, and renting houses, stating his party would talk to the “owner of the house” or “the guard if he has decided to be the owner”.
Despite his efforts over the past two years, Dr. Alvi has had little success in getting PTI and the establishment to negotiate. He remains hopeful, explaining that he would have stopped trying if there were no chances of success.
Dr. Alvi, as the longest-serving democratically elected president, should speak openly about Pakistan’s problems rather than in riddles. He should reach out to other representatives of the people, the true owners of Pakistan.
Dr. Alvi mentioned PTI’s three demands: supremacy of law, release of PTI’s founder chairman Imran Khan, and return of the party’s mandate. These demands should be discussed with other political parties, representing citizens who do not vote for PTI.
PTI must respect other elected political parties and the choices of those who did not vote for it. Engaging with these representatives is essential to break free from the cycle of stop-start democracy in Pakistan.
