President Asif Ali Zardari Addresses Parliament, Calls for Unity and National Progress

Islamabad – In a powerful address to the Joint Session of Parliament at the beginning of the second parliamentary year, President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the importance of unity, good governance, and national development in shaping Pakistan’s future. Speaking to the nation’s lawmakers, Zardari called for a collective effort to overcome the challenges facing the country and reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of democracy and the rule of law.

This marks the 8th time that President Zardari has addressed the Parliament, underscoring the significance of the occasion as a reflection of the ongoing democratic journey of Pakistan. He urged parliamentarians to focus on political and economic stability, emphasizing the need for robust governance to meet the expectations of the people.

Zardari lauded the government’s efforts to put Pakistan on a positive economic trajectory, citing a surge in foreign exchange reserves, a record-high stock market, and a reduction in the policy rate from 22% to 12%. He also acknowledged the significant rise in Foreign Direct Investment, marking a turning point in Pakistan’s economic outlook.

However, the president also highlighted several key challenges, particularly the country’s population growth, governance issues, and the need for ministries to redefine their objectives. He called for a real “re-set” of governance and service delivery to restore public trust in democratic institutions.

In his address, Zardari stressed the importance of equitable development, particularly in underdeveloped and neglected regions of Pakistan, such as Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan. He called for a unified approach to ensure that the fruits of development reach every province, district, and village, and emphasized the need for improved infrastructure, healthcare, and educational opportunities.

Zardari also placed a significant focus on empowering women and youth, advocating for their increased participation in the workforce and society. He reiterated the importance of expanding the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to uplift women at the bottom of the social pyramid and improve their financial independence. Additionally, the president urged greater investments in education and skill development programs for youth to prepare them for the workforce.

Addressing the challenges posed by climate change, Zardari called for innovative solutions to manage Pakistan’s water resources, emphasizing the need for modern farming techniques and greater investment in agriculture. He also highlighted the potential of Pakistan’s fisheries and livestock sectors to contribute to economic growth.

On national security, Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and extremism, praising the sacrifices of the country’s security forces. He underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of militancy, including regional deprivation, and stressed the need for a national consensus to tackle this menace.

In foreign policy, the president reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability, with a special focus on strengthening ties with China through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He also reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine, calling on the international community to act decisively to end the suffering of both peoples.

Read more: Zardari and Sharif Reaffirm Commitment to Women’s Empowerment on International Women’s Day

Before concluding, Zardari expressed concern over the unilateral policies of the government, particularly regarding the decision to carve out more canals from the Indus River System. He urged the government to abandon the proposal and seek consensus among all federating units to ensure sustainable and equitable solutions.

The president’s address was a call to action for parliamentarians, urging them to set aside political differences and work together to build a prosperous, just, and inclusive Pakistan. His speech resonated with the hope for a united effort to strengthen democratic institutions, revive the economy, and ensure the well-being of all citizens.