President Asif Ali Zardari has urged for collective efforts to navigate the nation through its current challenges, emphasizing the importance of all stakeholders’ involvement in fostering prosperity.
Addressing the joint session of parliament on Thursday following the February 8 general elections, President Zardari spoke amidst protests from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) lawmakers.
In attendance were Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Aseefa Bhutto, along with members of the National Assembly and Senate. Notable figures including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif joined the session chaired by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, with provincial chief ministers, diplomats, and representatives from various political parties present in the galleries.
Expressing gratitude for being elected as the president for a second term, President Zardari outlined their agenda and ideology aimed at fortifying the nation. He stressed the necessity of creating a conducive political environment to meet the expectations of all stakeholders and urged the political leadership to prioritize national interests while advocating for unity to drive the country towards prosperity.
Highlighting economic reforms aimed at job creation, inflation reduction, and tax base expansion, President Zardari underscored the significance of fostering positive relationships and effective coordination between the Federal Government and the Provinces within the constitutional framework to promote inclusive national development.
Emphasizing the importance of institutional harmony, President Zardari called for concerted efforts to facilitate the country’s development. He urged for swift action, emphasizing the urgency to move away from polarization and rebuild public confidence in the parliamentary process for sustained national development.
President Zardari advocated for a fresh start, emphasizing meaningful dialogue, parliamentary consensus, and mutual respect to address polarization and overcome the challenges facing the country. His address covered a wide range of national and international issues, including the economy, poverty alleviation, social welfare, women empowerment, foreign policy, Kashmir, Palestine, and climate change.
He relinquished his powers to the parliament, symbolizing a unified federation where all provinces and people are treated equally before the law. Stressing the need for investment in people and public needs, President Zardari called for seizing opportunities to foster inclusive growth, advocating for political reforms and good governance.
Amidst the resurgence of terrorism, President Zardari emphasized the necessity of joint efforts to combat this threat, expressing hope for neighboring countries to take action against militants involved in cross-border attacks, considering terrorism as a common menace endangering national security and regional peace.
