Muhammad Ali Durrani, the former federal minister for communication and broadcasting, provided insight into his recent meeting with President Arif Alvi in an interview with The News and Jang. He termed the discussion as “productive” and helpful in easing political tensions.
The meeting was significant and pleasurable because of President Alvi’s optimistic outlook, according to Durrani. This optimistic attitude shows that the meeting produced fruitful conversations that may have broad ramifications.
The gathering, which was viewed as rather odd because it occurred just before President Alvi’s constitutional term ended on September 8, prompted inquiries about its goals and beginnings. However, Durrani made it clear that he was the one who had organized the meeting, putting an end to any rumors that outside forces had been involved.
This meeting between Durrani and President Alvi illuminates the significance of personal connections and candid communication in the political sphere and suggests future opportunities for fruitful interaction.
“I am fulfilling my role in addressing Pakistan’s needs, a duty intrinsic to my role as a politician.”
Notably, Muhammad Ali Durrani, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League Functional (PML-F) and former Information Minister during the tenure of General (retd) Pervez Musharraf, gained attention in 2021 when he proposed launching a “grand dialogue” among key stakeholders.
Durrani also expressed concern regarding the democratic system’s stability, emphasizing that general elections should precede Senate polls to maintain a complete parliament.
He underscored his commitment to reconciliation, stating that it’s a gradual process that necessitates confidence-building measures over time.
When questioned about the possibility of meeting with former Prime Minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan, Durrani highlighted that conflicts serve neither the people’s nor Imran’s interests. He stated that politics is about exploration and dialogue, making meetings with various individuals a viable option.
Regarding the 90-day election timeframe, Durrani stressed the importance of creating a conducive environment, noting that it’s the duty of politicians to ease public frustration, anger, and divisions. He urged political leaders to prioritize the national agenda over personal gain, asserting that national reconciliation and unity are essential for democracy’s strengthening.
Durrani recognized the challenges posed by economic issues and terrorism, emphasizing the responsibility of politicians to collaborate in navigating the country through multifaceted crises. He cautioned against internal disputes and hostile attitudes toward national institutions, which he believed could undermine both democracy and the nation.
He argued that a collision course would not benefit any politician, as it could escalate tensions, causing harm to both the country and its people.
Durrani identified the Special Investment Facilitation Council as the key to economic recovery and relief from inflation, emphasizing the need to ensure its success.
He asserted that internal stability was a prerequisite for economic recovery and urged all political parties to contribute to nurturing and safeguarding the concept of SIFC.
Durrani acknowledged the public’s suffering due to record-high inflation and economic depression, emphasizing the need for a political strategy and a national agenda to address these issues effectively. He concluded by stating his dedication to these objectives, highlighting the importance of substantive solutions over symbolic gestures of protest.
