President Asif Ali Zardari warned the legislators on Monday in a joint session of Parliament that the unilateral form of the government of making decisions was causing a “serious tension” in the Federation.
The differences between the PML-N, which directs the ruling coalition, and the PPP has been slowly for months, since the key ally has expressed its frustration by the unfulfilled promises. A meeting in December among the main leaders of both parties, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Zardari, apparently could not end the disagreements. Even after that meeting, Senator PPP Salem Mandviwalla said that the directives issued by the Presidency were not being attended by the Prime Minister’s office.
The PPP has also repeatedly expressed concern about the construction of controversial channels in the Punjab area in the Cholistan area. He has asked for the immediate meeting of the Common Interests Council, which has been pending for 11 months, and has asked the channel problem to be there. The Sindh government states that new channels would reduce most of the water in the province and can convert the sterile cultivable land.
When addressing the matter in the session of the Joint Parliament of today, President Zardari said: “It is … my constitutional duty as its president, my personal obligation as patriotic Pakistani, to notice this house and the government, that some of its unilateral policies are causing serious tension in the Federation. In particular, the unilateral decision of the government to forge more channels of the Indo River system, despite the strong opposition of the federal units.
“A proposal that, as president, I cannot support. I urge this government to abandon this current proposal and work together with all interested parties to find viable and sustainable solutions based on a unanimous consensus between federal units. “
The president said he would like to invite the attention of current legislators to fulfill the responsibility entrusted to Parliament and play his role in the construction of the Nation, the strengthening of institutions and improve governance.
“Let’s put the supreme national interest and reserve personal and political differences. Let’s work together to relive our economy, strengthen our democracy and defend the rule of law. Let us strive to build a Pakistan that is fair, prosperous and inclusive and make the best use of this parliamentary year, ”he urged to mark the beginning of the new parliamentary year and discuss the government’s achievements in the midst of noisy Slogapering of opposition members.
“It is my unique privilege as its president to address for the eighth time the beginning of the parliamentary year,” Zardari said at the beginning of his speech while opposition parties continued to sing slogans against the government.
Speaking about the continuation of the democratic trip of the country, he said: “As we embarked on this new parliamentary year, I urge this Chamber to promote good governance and political economic stability.
“Our people have set their hope in Parliament, and we must reach the occasion. It is my first duty to remind you that we need to work more to strengthen our democratic system, restore public confidence in the rule of law and put Pakistan on the way to prosperity. “
As the protests of the members of the opposition continued, President Zardari said: “I would like to appreciate the government’s efforts to put the country on a positive path through economic growth. Our foreign exchange reserves have experienced an increase, there was a substantial increase in FDI and the stock market also increased to a record. “
The government has also reduced the policy rate from 22 to 12 percent, and all other economic indicators have shown a healthy sign of improvement, he said.
“You are aware that the dynamics of the population of our country have changed. A combination of factors presents challenges that we must address. The high growth rate of our population together with the strategic drift in our administrative machinery has increased governance problems.
“It is my opinion considered that this Chamber should take its responsibilities seriously and play its role in a real re-establishment of our results of governance and provision of services,” said the president.
“With regard to the government, the ministries also need to redefine their vision and objectives, and understand that the pressing problems faced by Pakistan’s people must be resolved within a certain period of time,” he said. “We need to offer tangible benefits to restore people’s confidence in democratic institutions.”
The president continued to say: “Democracy needs to give and take, and what better place to work on collective objectives than this Parliament?”
“As chosen representatives, you functions as models to follow for the nation. As you advance in your parliamentary business, think beyond the narrow objectives. Think about the unity and consensus that our country needs so desperately. ”
“I would urge all of you to empower our people, make decisions of national importance with consensus, promote national and international investments for economic growth and employment creation, promote social and economic justice, and guarantee equity and transparency in our system,” he said.
The president also shed light on the need for investments in infrastructure, education, medical care and economic opportunities to address his sense of deprivation. He spoke about improving the fiscal system and reforming the IT industry.
He talked about the business community, improving the next budget, the empowerment of women and national and regional connectivity.
President Zardari urged federal and provincial governments to increase allocations for the education sector in the next budget and provide more opportunities through scholarships and financial assistance programs.
While talking about the China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC) and the port of Gwadar, he said that the two projects remained central for the vision of Pakistan’s connectivity.
“These projects must be fully carried out so that Pakistan can serve as an entrance door for international trade, linking Central Asia, Asia of the South and the Middle East.”
He asked that the agricultural sector be strengthened to ensure sustainable water management and to manage “growing threats of climate change.” He pointed out that Pakistan should point to stability and self -sufficiency in food production.
President Zardari emphasized the need to preserve ecosystems, as well as invest in the promotion of renewable energy and electric vehicles. He pointed out that two billion mangroves have been planted in Sindh, which has won the government of Substantial Finance through carbon credits.
He also emphasized the need to effectively address terrorism, saying: “We are all aware of external support and financing that terrorists are receiving today, causing human and financial losses to the nation.”
The president also paid tribute to the armed forces for his sacrifices.
“At the same time, we must not forget that militancy finds roots in deprivation and inequality, so we must focus on the development of the regions most affected by terrorism and create employment,” said Zardari.
The president said that Pakistan would further cement his strategic cooperative association for all climate with China and continue to support the policy of a China.
Zardari appreciated the support of the “trusted friends” of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Eau and Turkiye, among others, while promising to strengthen ties with the countries of the Gulf and Central Asia, as well as with the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
“The recent successful anti -terrorism cooperation between the United States and Pakistan is encouraging. The two countries should be based on these successes to renew and improve cooperation for joint objectives, ”he said.
Last week, the president of the United States, Donald Trump, accredited Pakistan for arresting the “intellectual author” behind the bombing of Kabul 2021 airport, who had killed 13 American soldiers and 170 Afghan citizens.
When his speech came to an end, the president reiterated Pakistan’s support for the people of Kashmir and the country’s commitment to the Palestinian cause.
Zardari, who serves as president of the country for the second time, has already addressed the joint session of Parliament seven times, even once during the current regime last year.
The opposition led by PTI was expected to organize a noisy protest during his speech as he had done last year when President Zardari went to the joint session.
In his speech last year, President Zardari had highlighted the need to avoid political hatred and establish political harmony to overcome Pakistan’s crisis.
He had also underlined the need to eradicate terrorism, ensuring the ease of doing business, focusing on health and education, poverty, etc.
According to article 56 of the Constitution, the President addresses both Chambers of Parliament at the beginning of the first session of each parliamentary year. The NA Secretariat has made strict security measures for the joint session.
The direction comes at a time when the differences between the ruling partners of the coalition, PML-N and PPP, have begun to become more visible. While the PPP has no ministers in the federal cabinet, its votes are an integral part of the survival of the ruling coalition.
Several leaders, including the president of the PPP, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, recently expressed their discontent for what they called the “indifferent attitude” of the PML-N with its ally. The PPP leaders complained about being left aside, particularly in Punjab, where the PML-N is in power.
