President Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday rejected talks of changes in 18th Amendment of the Constitution, saying the amendment was passed with consensus. He made these remarks in an exclusive interview at Aaj News' talk show 'Faisla Aap Ka'. While talking about NFC Award, President Alvi said that he doesn't want to exercise his constitutional right on NFC Awards, but suggested that beside population, NFC Award should also consider other factors and that the federal government should set standards for education, health and other key departments.
He also hoped that the matter of amending NFC Awards will not come to Presidency. Alvi said that President's House is a political office and Constitution entails responsibility on President to unite federating units of Pakistan. "It is the duty of President to address issues of federating units," he said.
Talking about issues relating to Balochistan, he said that the province is facing severe problems and acute water shortage is one of them. President Alvi said people of Gilgit-Baltistan complain about non-representation. Alvi termed Prime Minister Imran Khan's China visit as 'successful' and expressed the hope that Pakistan will be on the path of development in year or two.
Dr Alvi also thanked Saudi government for giving financial assistance to Pakistan and said the Saudi ambassador has shown interest in investing in Reko Diq project.
"Saudi Arabia and Iran both trust Pakistan and we can play a neutral role in regional conflicts." Answering another question, Alvi said 'First World' countries had closed their doors on refugees, but Pakistan still carries the burden of 2.5 million Afghan refugees, adding the world (the West) has forgotten Afghanistan after stirring a conflict there. "Pakistan has very clear policy about Palestine conflict and there is no change in policy towards Israel," he said.
While talking about corruption and accountability, President Alvi recalled that he had moved an accountability amendment bill in National Assembly in 2015-16. He further said in financial crimes burden of prove always lies on suspect and world is making new laws based on this factor. "I had always opposed plea bargaining and the procedure of NAB chairman's appointment. I despise plea bargain rule because it paves a way for corruption," he said.
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