Arif Alvi

President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi

Arif Alvi is the 13th and current President of Pakistan, having assumed office on September 9, 2018. Born on July 29, 1949, in Karachi, Alvi is a politician, dentist, and a founding member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), a major political party in Pakistan led by former cricketer Imran Khan. Before his presidency, Alvi held various positions within PTI and was a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan.

Early Life and Education

Arif Alvi was born into a dentist's family in Karachi. He completed his early education in the same city and went on to pursue higher education in dentistry. Alvi earned his Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from De'Montmorency College of Dentistry in Lahore. Furthering his education, he acquired a Master of Science degree in prosthodontics from the University of Michigan, USA, and a Master of Science in orthodontics from the University of the Pacific, San Francisco, USA.

Career

Dentistry

Before entering politics, Alvi had a successful career in dentistry. He served as the President of the Pakistan Dental Association and was recognized internationally in the field of dentistry. Alvi also contributed to dental education in Pakistan, being a part of the faculty at various dental colleges.

Politics

Alvi's political career began in earnest when he joined PTI in 1996. He was elected as a Member of the National Assembly from Karachi in the 2013 and 2018 general elections. During his tenure, he was known for his work on health, education, and environmental issues. Alvi has been a proponent of digitalizing government processes and has advocated for the use of technology in governance.

Presidency

As President of Pakistan, Arif Alvi has played a ceremonial role in the country's parliamentary democracy. His presidency has been marked by efforts to promote IT and e-governance in Pakistan, reflecting his interest in technology. Alvi has also been involved in various initiatives aimed at social welfare and has represented Pakistan on numerous international platforms.

Personal Life

Alvi is married and has four children. He is known for his modest lifestyle and his interest in sports, including cricket and squash.

Legacy and Criticism

Alvi's presidency has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters praise his advocacy for technology and social issues, while critics argue that his role has been largely ceremonial with limited impact on policy-making. Nonetheless, his contributions to dentistry and his efforts to promote digital governance in Pakistan are widely acknowledged.