• President Alvi says he “cannot” meet army, naval or air chiefs and “play his part” in current crisis.
• Says dialogue is possible only when all stakeholders agree.
• Says “neutrals needs to remain neutral always.”

ISLAMABAD, JUL 26: President Arif Alvi on Tuesday said that it is not a bad idea to appoint the next chief of army staff before the time fixed for appointment — November.

The statement came during an interaction with journalists in response to a question. The president was asked what he thinks of the suggestion that the new army chief be appointed in advance due to the ongoing political crisis in the country.

“It’s not such a bad idea,” he said in response.

President Alvi said that it is suggested he “play his part” after meeting the army, naval or air chiefs, which he “cannot do”.

He said that a dialogue is possible only when all the stakeholders agree. “The President House can play its role only in this case.”

“The neutrals need to remain neutral always,” the president said.

Moving on to the current situation in the top courts, Alvi said that he regrets that such an atmosphere has been created.

“I had appreciated the houbara bustard ruling by Justice Qazi Faez Isa,” he said, adding: “I don’t want to create controversy again and again.”