President Asif Ali Zardari is set to address a joint session of parliament today (Monday), marking the beginning of the second parliamentary year of the current National Assembly. His speech will focus on the government’s accomplishments over the past year and key policy directions for the future.
The National Assembly Secretariat has finalized all arrangements, issuing a one-point agenda for the session. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq will preside over the meeting, which has been convened under Articles 54(1) and 56(3) of the Constitution.
Strict security measures have been implemented, including a complete ban on the entry of guests into the Parliament House. Only a limited number of journalists have been issued invitation cards. The session will be attended by services chiefs, foreign diplomats, governors, and chief ministers.
President Zardari is expected to highlight the government’s major achievements, with a strong focus on economic policies and their impact on national stability. Additionally, he will emphasize the need for national consensus on key issues and present a policy statement on regional affairs, particularly the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The address will also cover national security concerns, including the government’s strategy to combat terrorism and other emerging challenges. Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers may stage protests during the session, continuing their demands for the release of their party founder, Imran Khan, who has been in detention for over a year.
With the parliamentary year commencing, President Zardari’s speech is expected to set the tone for legislative priorities in the coming months.
