ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday had the distinction of addressing the Joint Session of Parliament for the seventh time, in which he laid out a comprehensive vision for steering Pakistan towards a path of inclusive growth, prosperity, and stability.
This was his inaugural address to the 16th National Assembly as he had previously addressed the 13th National Assembly five times and the 14th National Assembly once.
President Zardari commenced his speech by extending heartfelt congratulations to all esteemed members of Parliament on their election to the august House. He also commended the Prime Minister and both federal and provincial governments for their successful election victories and assumption of responsibilities.
Expressing gratitude for being elected for a second term as the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, President Zardari emphasized his commitment to serving the nation with humility and dedication, guided by the principles of democracy and social justice.
Addressing the core issues facing the nation, President Zardari underscored the importance of unity and cooperation among all stakeholders in shaping Pakistan’s future. He highlighted the need for constructive dialogue, parliamentary consensus, and timely implementation of reforms to address both old and new challenges confronting the country.
With a focus on economic revitalization, President Zardari emphasized the imperative of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to bolster the nation’s economy. He urged the government to intensify efforts in implementing ease-of-doing-business reforms and simplifying regulations to create an enabling environment for investors, both domestic and foreign.
Recognizing the urgency of addressing climate change, President Zardari stressed the importance of investing in climate-friendly infrastructure and clean energy technologies to mitigate risks and ensure sustainable development.
On the education and health fronts, President Zardari called for transformative reforms to ensure access to quality education and healthcare for all citizens, particularly focusing on marginalized communities and underdeveloped areas.
In his speech, President Zardari also paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies in combating terrorism and maintaining national security. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terrorist elements and fostering regional peace and stability.
Regarding foreign relations, President Zardari expressed gratitude to friendly countries for their support and emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with global partners for mutual benefit.
Highlighting the Kashmir issue, President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and called upon India to reverse its unilateral actions in the region.
President Zardari expressed confidence in the resilience of the Pakistani people and their ability to overcome challenges through unity and collective action. He called upon all stakeholders to work together towards realizing the nation’s full potential and achieving progress and prosperity for all.
President Zardari’s address encapsulated a vision of hope, unity, and progress, setting the stage for a new chapter in Pakistan’s journey towards a brighter future.
It was Asif Ali Zardari’s seventh address to the joint session of parliament as president. Earlier, he addressed on September 20, 2008; March 28, 2009; April 5, 2010; March 22, 2011; March 17, 2012; and June 10, 2013.
According to the constitutional provisions, the President should address a Joint Session of Parliament at the commencement of the first session of the National Assembly following a general election and at the outset of each parliamentary year as well.
