Although President Dr. Arif Alvi stated that he does not think the general elections will be held in January of next year, he also demanded that the polls be transparent when they are held.
There have also been worries expressed by political analysts regarding a potential polling delay past January. Some have pointed out that no political party appears to be in "election mode," and others have brought up the issue of politicians warning about "harsh weather" in the winter that could interfere with polling.
"I don't believe the elections [will take place in the last week of January]," Alvi stated while giving an interview to Geo News. “I believe that the highest court has taken notice of it and will soon give a suitable ruling."
There were concerns about yet another postponement when the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) revealed last month that elections would take place in the final week of January 2024 without providing a specific date.
The National Assembly was to be dissolved in August, and the general elections were to take place ninety days thereafter. But once a new census that called for new delimitations was approved, they were postponed.
President Alvi reiterated his appeal for free and fair elections, stating that Pakistan's progress depends on them. "Everyone is also calling for a level playing field." He stated that the country must unite ahead of the highly anticipated elections. "The spirit of forgiveness builds nations," he added.
While responding to a question about political affiliation, President Alvi stated that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan is his leader.
In response to a query on Khan's sentence in the Toshakhana case, the president stated, "I've found the PTI chairman to be honest in his financial dealings, and he is a patriotic Pakistani."
Responding to a question pertaining to the reference filed against now-CJP Qazi Faez Isa during the former PTI government, the president said: "I had nothing to do with the [presidential] reference." "My job is to forward the reference once I receive it," he added.