President Asif Ali Zardari, in his inaugural address to the joint session of parliament following the February 8 general elections, emphasized the urgency of political reconciliation to overcome the country’s challenges. Amid protest from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) lawmakers, Zardari stressed the importance of meaningful dialogues and cooperation among political factions to combat polarization and foster national development.
Zardari highlighted the significance of creating a conducive political environment that addresses the expectations of all stakeholders. He urged political leaders to prioritize national prosperity over differences, underlining the need for effective coordination between the federal government and provinces to promote inclusive growth.
Focus on National Agenda
Addressing various national and international issues, President Zardari underscored the government’s commitment to economic reforms aimed at job creation, inflation reduction, and tax base expansion. He called for positive working relationships and parliamentary consensus to drive the implementation of policies conducive to tangible progress.
Zardari emphasized the importance of investing in people, public welfare, and harnessing resources for inclusive growth, urging swift action to address pressing challenges. He urged political actors to transcend polarization and rebuild public confidence in the parliamentary process to ensure uninterrupted national development.
Security and Foreign Relations
Highlighting the resurgence of terrorism, President Zardari stressed the need for collective efforts to combat the threat to national security and regional peace. He called on neighboring countries to take action against terrorist groups operating across borders, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to countering terrorism.
In the realm of foreign relations, Zardari affirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for its strategic partnership with China and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He condemned India’s revocation of Article 370 and reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with Kashmiri brethren. Additionally, Zardari denounced Israel’s military offensive in Gaza and advocated for a Palestinian state based on pre-1946 borders.
Socio-economic Development
President Zardari outlined key priorities for socio-economic development, including education reform, healthcare expansion, poverty alleviation, and women’s empowerment. He called for investments in climate-resilient infrastructure and affordable clean energy technology to address environmental challenges.
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Zardari underscored the importance of inclusive growth models and advocated for simplifying regulations to attract foreign investment and enhance competitiveness in global markets. He emphasized the need to prioritize marginalized communities’ needs and strengthen social safety nets to ensure no citizen lacks access to essential services.
In conclusion, President Zardari’s parliamentary address set forth a comprehensive vision for national progress, urging political unity, security cooperation, and socio-economic development to navigate the country towards a brighter future.