President calls for unity to revive economy, strengthen democracy and rule of law

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ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday addressed a joint session of parliament on Monday, in which he called for the unity to restore the country’s economy, strengthen democracy and rule of law.

President Zardari made a speech during a strong protest by opposition lawmakers, who continued to chant slogans against the present government throughout the meeting.

Let us work together to restore our economy, strengthen our democracy and maintain the rule of law.

In his initial remarks, he expressed his gratitude for the eighth time to deal with Parliament.

“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.”

He called on the House to focus on promoting good governance, and political and economic stability to meet the expectations of the citizens who eliminated their hopes regarding Parliament.

He appreciated the government’s efforts to take the country on a positive path for economic growth as the increase in foreign exchange reserves was observed.

“Direct foreign investment has increased significantly and the stock market has also increased the historic high position. The government has also reduced the policy rate from 22 percent to 12 percent, and all other economic indicators have shown a healthy sign of improvement.”

Emphasizing the importance of democracy, Zardari said: “Democracy needs to work on collective goals against this parliament?

“When you go about your parliamentary business, you think beyond the narrow goals. Think about unity and consensus that our country needs it.”

The President called on the government to encourage domestic and international investment to create economic growth and employment opportunities, promote social and economic justice, and ensure fair and transparency in our system.

‘Comprehensive, uniform development’

Zardari called for promoting comprehensive and uniform development, ensuring that no province, no district, and no village is left behind.

“This House should ensure that development is not limited to just a few selected areas, but it reaches every other corner of the country. The neglected and neglected areas demand immediate attention from the federal government.”

He said that the government should focus on investing to remove infrastructure, education, health care and their deprivation in economic opportunities.

Tax reforms, exports

The President also emphasized on improving the taxation system “necessary to move forward as a country”. “We need to reform and expand our tax net.

He added, “Pakistan should also diversify its exports, which focus on value -added goods and services.”

Zardari said that the country needs to make our IT industry a key driver of economic growth to find new markets and create a competitive export economy.

He also asked the government to ensure permanent cooperation for small and medium -sized businesses and encourage young people to enter the business world through SME -based programs, skill development measures, and accessible loan schemes.

‘Real relief’ to the common man

President Zardari acknowledged that workers and salaried classes are facing serious economic difficulties due to inflation, high prices of essential commodities and rising energy costs.

He called on Parliament and the government to provide “real aid” to the people in the next budget.

“The government should take steps to increase salaries and pensions in the next budget, reduce income tax on salaried classes and reduce energy costs, which will help reduce the financial burden on them.”

The President also asked the government to reduce and reduce jobs. “Instead, our focus should be on creating jobs and using the trained manpower fruitful.”

To empower women, Zardari said that women are about 50 % of the country’s population but they represent it in every aspect of life. He called on the government to increase their representation in various fields and empower them.

Domestic, regional contacts

Zardari said, “Domestic and regional contacts are fundamental to a prosperous Pakistan.”

He highlighted that Gilgit -Baltistan and Balochistan need special attention in terms of communication and development, as the region is the strategic front of Pakistan and is important to our national economy.

“China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Gwadar Port are central to our contact vision.”

The President said, “The projects should be fully understood so that Pakistan can act as a gateway to international trade by connecting Central Asia, South Asia and the Middle East.”

Strategies to deal with climate challenges

President Zardari asked the government that it was one of the most affected countries of climate change to restore biological diversity, adopt adaptive strategies for the Food and Water Security Nexus, and to preserve the environmental system.

He proposed to invest in the promotion of renewable energy and electric vehicles.

“We should also focus on recharge our wet areas and rivers, so they emerge pollution -free and once again become the life of a livelihood and rich maritime ecosystem.”

Security challenges

In view of the current internal and external security challenges, the president called for enhancing the capability of law enforcement agencies to strengthen security capabilities and effectively deal with the threat of terrorism.

“Parliament needs to play a role in building a consensus to support such violence as well as consensus to tackle extremist ideas.”

Zardari assured that the government is committed to eliminating this threat with the support of our nation and the brave armed forces.

He reiterated that Pakistan is committed to regional peace, stability and economic integration. “Our foreign policy will always be guided by the principles of national interests, international cooperation, and sovereignty and mutual respect.”

Increases relations with friendly countries

The President asked to continue to play a role as a responsible and peaceful nation to enhance cooperation with friendly regional countries in the fields of trade, economy, and climate and culture exchange.

Zardari said: “From our time to our time, the test relations with China have been the basis of our diplomacy, and we will continue to strengthen economic and strategic relations with Beijing.”

“We will further strengthen all the strategic cooperative partnerships with China, and during a recent visit to China, I have had fruitful conversations with Chinese leadership, while they have invited them to invest more in the CPEC to improve regional and economic integration.

He also appreciated the support of trusted friends – Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and others, who stand with us during economic challenges.

“We are committed to further strengthening our long -standing historical, cultural and economic relations with friendly countries in the Gulf and Central Asia as well as the European Union, the United States, and the United States.”

He described the recent successful counter -terrorism cooperation between the United States and Pakistan as “encouraging”. “Both countries should promote these achievements to enhance cooperation and cooperation for shared goals.”

In his last remarks, Zardari said he had a duty to present the Federation as President of Pakistan after the four provincial assemblies, the National Assembly and the Senate were elected.

He warned the House and the government that some “unilateral policies were putting pressure on the federation”. Despite strong opposition from the federation units, he condemned the government’s unilateral decision to prepare more canals from the Indus River system.

Zardari said, “A proposal that I cannot support as your president,” said Zardari and “called on the government to abandon this current proposal and work with all stakeholders so that they can come to the federation units with a unanimous, sustainable solution.”

He called on stakeholders to keep national interests advanced and keep personal and political differences aside. “Let us try to make a Pakistan that is just, prosperous and comprehensive and make the best use of this parliamentary year.”