President Asif Ali Zardari is addressing a joint session of parliament, attended by MNA and senators.
Zardari chanted slogans by opposition members, saying, “As your president, it is my only privilege to address the beginning of the parliamentary year for the eighth time.”
“At this moment, not only is the continuation of our democratic journey, but also gives us the opportunity to review our progress and confirm our commitment to build a better future of Pakistan.”
“When we start this new parliamentary year, I ask this House to promote good governance and political economic stability.
“Our people have lifted their hopes about Parliament and we must rise on this occasion,” he said.
“It is my first duty to remind you that we need to work hard to strengthen our democratic system, restore public confidence in the rule of law and to take Pakistan on the path of prosperity.”
As soon as the protests continued, President Zardari said: “I want to appreciate the government’s efforts to take the country on a positive path through economic growth. Our foreign exchange reserves have faced an increase, the FDI has increased substantially and a record in the stock market has also increased.
He said that the government has also reduced the policy rate from 22 to 12 %, and all other economic indicators have shown a healthy sign of improvement.
Zardari, who is serving as president of the country for the second time, has already addressed the seating of parliament seven times, which includes once during the current government last year.
It was expected that the PTI -led opposition would protest during his speech, as happened last year when President Zardari addressed the joint seat.
In his address last year, President Zardari highlighted the need to eliminate political hatred and establish political harmony to overcome Pakistan.
It also emphasized the need to eradicate terrorism, ensure easy business, focus on health and education, poverty, etc.
According to Article 56 of the Constitution, the President addresses both houses of parliament at the beginning of the first meeting of each parliamentary year. The NA Secretariat has taken strict security measures for a joint session.
Sources of the House of Representatives said Don In his address today, President Zardari will outline the federal government’s performance and governance issues.
This address comes at a time when differences between the ruling coalition partners, the Muslim League (N and Mr Zardari’s PPP are starting to appear. Although the PPP has no ministers in the federal cabinet, its votes are essential for the survival of the ruling coalition.
Several leaders, including PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, recently expressed his displeasure, which he called the PML-N’s “indifferent attitude”. PPP leaders complained that they should be separated from the shore, especially in Punjab.
Also, the PPP -led Sindh government has strongly opposed the PML -N government’s move to prepare new canals from the Indus River to irrigate the barren land in the Cholistan area of ​​Punjab. The Sindh government claims that the new canals will reduce the water part of the province and can replace the cultivated land barren.
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