President Alvi says will continue efforts to reduce political crisis.

LAHORE -- President Dr Arif Alvi has expressed hope that stakeholders should sit together and decide upon a mutually agreed date for the next general elections to help reduce the political temperature in the country.

The president expressed these views during an interactive meeting with a delegation of Lahore-based journalists at the Governor House.

President Alvi said that he would continue his efforts towards reducing the political polarisation, adding that his efforts had made some impact towards reducing the distance from extreme positions to some extent.

The president informed that in his personal capacity, he had been and still trying to bring stakeholders together at one table and resolve their differences by democratic means of discussion, consultation and deliberation and to find mutually agreed upon solutions on major issues and matters to reduce the political polarisation in the greater national interest.

He said that efforts had been made and would continue to be made within the framework of the constitution and laws of the land for bringing political stability in the country.

Responding to a question, the president said that he was making efforts to improve ties between Imran Khan and the establishment. 'Imran Khan is my leader and old friend,' the president said, adding that he does not take the PTI chief's advice before working.

He stressed the need for improvement in the state institutions, saying 'Institutions are being used politically.'

The president said the constitution does not allow consultation on the appointment of the army chief, but maintained that there is no harm in discussion on the appointment of the chief of army staff.

He further said that the stakeholders should also consider discussing the use of technology to bring efficiency. transparency and fairness in elections.

The president said that the country required strong and effective institutions and every endeavour should be made for strengthening them...