ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday stressed upon focusing on reality-based issues instead of frittering away the country’s time on frivolous debates.

In an interview to a private TV channel, the president said that his remarks over the cipher issue had been taken out of the context.

He said that it was his conviction that the issue should be investigated and that was the reason he had sent it to the Supreme Court with full arguments citing certain cases in country’s history.

The president said that he had doubts and it was his conviction that the matter should be investigated.

He stressed upon forging unity in the nation and bringing an end to the widening gap of polarisation. He said that politicians are equally responsible for this polarisation and wished it could be reduced.

The president, replying to another question about bringing the government and the opposition to a negotiation table, said that he had always been making efforts to bring the people together, adding that he was not a broker, but always stressed upon holding of dialogue.

President Alvi said the process could take time and cited that even countries could also engage with each other through a process of dialogue.

He observed that currently two issues were very significant: holding of elections and country’s economy.

He said that through a free and fair election, any political party could get a full public mandate which would also be helpful in improving the economic indicators of the country.

To a question regarding the dissolution of the National Assembly on the advice of the former prime minister and the subsequent restoration by the Supreme Court, the president said that he had not committed any unconstitutional step as the decision was taken in view of the political situation.

He reiterated that he always respected the Supreme Court, but could also form his own opinion.

Responding to a question regarding the return of the PTI members to the National Assembly, he said that PTI Chairman Imran Khan was in a better position to decide it.

Question regarding sending of a reference against Justice Qazi Faez Isa on the advice of Imran Khan, President Alvi said that he had sent it to the appropriate forum as he was not an investigative body.

The president said that he was functioning under the constitutional mandate, adding that he had sent back the bills about NAB, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the voting right of Overseas Pakistanis, but signed all other bills.

About the appointment of Sindh’s governor, he said that he had received only the name of Kamran Tessori.

To a query regarding the appointment of new army chief, the president said that under the Constitution, the Prime Minister’s advice was binding.

Dr Alvi emphasised on the point that dialogue should be held to avoid the holding of the long march. “In the country, there should be an atmosphere of consultation.”

To a query regarding the lifetime disqualification of legislators, the president said that the Supreme Court would decide the issue, adding that the judiciary was working independently.

Lauding the role of the armed forces of Pakistan and their leadership, he said that they have made a huge contribution in the war on terror and in the recent floods.