President-Interview-Two-ISLAMABAD (Last)

.:When asked what should be the way forward regarding Pakistan’s foreign policy, President Dr Arif Alvi said Pakistan wanted its relations with the world on equality basis and “we shall live with dignity.”
“The time has come to say good bye to our transaction relationships with the USA, our relationships should be based on principles, he said, adding, if the US policy in Afghanistan is facing with failure then Pakistan is not responsible for it.”
He said Pakistan wanted good and peaceful relations with Afghanistan, adding peace in Afghanistan would have positive effects on Pakistan and both the neighboring countries could become the best trade partners. Similarly, he added that Pakistan also wanted good relations with Iran and the Russian Federation.
President Arif Alvi said Pakistan’s armed forces had played an excellent and historic role in the war against terrorism and “now the world should learn from us.”
He said the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir and Palestine were fighting the war of independence since long and neither Israel nor India could suppress their right of self determination through the use of brutal force.
He said until the Indian government did not realize inspirations of the people of Kashmir, peace could not return to the valley. The President said the Kashmir issue should be resolved according to the United Nations resolutions.
About donations for construction of Diamir Bhasha and Mohmand dams, the President said, Pakistan was confronted with acute water shortage and the time had come to contribute to this national cause with an open heart.
He said the bench mark of collection of Rs 30 billion annually, set by Prime Minister Imran Khan for this noble cause should be achieved without any hindrance, adding that the two dams would be constructed with the support of people and contributions would be collected through various routes including alms, taxes etc.
About his role as President of Pakistan to tackle various issues of the country, Dr Arif Alvi said his priority areas were education, health, water and higher education and he wanted to work with those ministries to play his role.
“I want to promote education and skilled work force in every nook and cranny of the country, which would not only create job opportunities but would have far reaching effects on the community and Pakistan’s economy”, the President said.
He said being President of the country he would try his best to fulfill his responsibilities and duty.