ISLAMABAD: President Arif Alvi has said the 18th amendment which gives power to the provinces, is a law and can be reviewed or changed just like any other laws.
The president expressed these views during an interview at a private TV channel on Sunday where he said talks have taken place on the issue between the federation and provinces.
"Gradually as our economy improves, which is under pressure from the Covid-19 as well, an agreement will be reached [between Centre and provinces] on which province should get what slice of the cake," he added. "When the situation is 'tight,' disagreements on distribution of income take place even in a family."
In response to the Sindh govt's decision to not collect withholding tax for the Centre, President Alvi said the strained economy was to blame for the issues between the federal government and provinces.
"There has never been a discussion to shelve the issues of Sindh government," the president said.
When asked about the recent sugar and wheat scandals, the president said corruption had always been present in the country. He said if the incumbent government had let corruption continue as it been allowed to fester previously, all the institutions would end up with the same fate as the Pakistan Steel Mills.
"Reports of investigations [sugar, wheat] along with reports of the last four plane crashes had never been presented [before]. The government opened the investigation [into PIA] knowing its cost. I believe those responsible should be removed. Heads should be removed," he added.
Responding to a question about reports of pressure on the bureaucracy amid investigations by NAB, President Alvi said there were only five cases against bureaucrats out of the 1,300 cases in total being probe by the anti-graft body.
"NAB laws are satisfactory and those who have an issue with them can file a petition against the Bureau," he said, adding that investigations should be done into the Malam Jabba, Billion Tree, BRT and other plans as well.
When asked why Jahangir Tareen Khan, a senior PTI leader and one of the accused in the sugar scandal, left the country, President Alvi said the government had not sent him abroad. "I think he will come back and defend himself," he said.
Talking about the spread of Covid-19 and precautions needed to stem it spreads as the country gears up to celebrate Eidul Azha, the president said there should be an 'ijtemai sacrifice.'
The president said one must be clear that the Covid-19 does not spread from animals. He said if social gatherings are held during Eidul Azha, the risk of spreading infection will be high.
He added the government had come up with policies for Eidul Azha just like it had done so at the time of Eidul Fitr. "I have recommended that provinces not establish cattle markets and if they do, they [markets] should be away from the city," the president added.
"Will have to wait after Eidul Azha for schools, colleges to reopen," Alvi said adding that the reopening of schools and colleges with restrictions and SOPs will be linked to the Covid-19 graph. He said it was a huge success for the government that it had 'managed' the pandemic situation.
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