Arif Alvi takes charge as Pakistan’s new president

Amid much-fanfare, Arif Alvi on Sunday has sworn-in as the 13^th President of Pakistan. Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar administered the oath of office at the ceremony held at the Aiwen-e-Sadr (the President House) in Islamabad, said sources.

The oath-taking ceremony was attended by hosts of dignitaries, including Prime Minister Imran Khan, his predecessor Mamnoon Hussain and Chief of Army Staff Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, said the sources.

The 69-year old former dentist Alvi is a close ally of PM Imran Khan, and one of the founding members of the ruling Pakistan Tekreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, they said.

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According to reports, Dr Alvi had defeated Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Aitzaz Ahsan and the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) candidature Maulana Fazl ur Rehman in a three-way presidential contest.

Dr Alvi won the July 25 elections from NA-247 (Karachi), adding he had also served as PTI secretary general from 2006 to 2013, said the sources.

Upon his assumed the office of the President, citizens in the country expressed optimism and believes that President Arif Alvi would fulfil his constitutional responsibilities for the betterment of the country, regardless of his party affiliation, said the sources.

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Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar said it was a historic day for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the entire country that a person with a commitment of uplifting the common man had assumed the office of the President.

The vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s ‘Naya Pakistan’ would be accomplished in full letter and spirit, said Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.