The need to get the country out of political crisis, time is very short, President

President Asif Ali Zardari while addressing the first joint session of the new Parliament said that the country needs to be taken out of the recent political crisis. We have very little time.

Foreign ambassadors are also participating as guests in the joint session of Parliament chaired by Speaker National Assembly and Chairman Senate.

The meeting began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, after which President Asif Ali Zardari began his address.

In his address, the President of the State said that at the beginning of the Parliament, I will briefly describe the vision of the future, I congratulate the Prime Minister, the federal and provincial governments for the election success and assuming the responsibilities.

He said that I congratulate all the distinguished guests on the beginning of the first parliamentary year.

The President of the State said that he is grateful to the Members of Parliament and the Provincial Assembly for trusting and electing the President for the second time. In the past my important decisions as President have made history, as President I have chosen to delegate my powers to Parliament.

He said that the country needs to be taken out of the recent political crisis. We have very little time. Our agenda and ideas will make the country strong, we have to create a political environment in which the needs of all can be met, we have to get out of the division to take the country forward.

He said that both the Houses have to work together for confidence in the parliamentary system, we should solve the differences together, we cannot carry the differences in the difficulties, we have to take emergency measures.

The President said that if we move forward together, democracy will be strong in the country, we have to take everyone together.

He said that Zulfikar Bhutto dedicated his life for democracy and justice, what the country needs should be included in our agenda. We have to fulfill the preferences of the people.

He said that the political leadership should highlight their priorities, we have to move forward together, we have to end the differences.

Asif Ali Zardari said that we have made various economic reforms, relations between provinces have to be improved, positive steps have to be taken, coordination has to be created in the institutions, so that the paths of development can be paved.

The President said that we have to create a political environment in which there is less violence and more light, we all have to take a step back, we have to decide what is most important for the country and the people.

The President said that to make a place in the international market, priority should be given to exports. Our income is decreasing due to climate effects.

He said that the world is changing rapidly due to climate change, we have to build environment-friendly infrastructure, we have to move towards clean energy technology.

He said that we have to carry forward mutual respect and political understanding, we have to carry out reforms through fruitful negotiations and parliamentary consensus.

Talking about education and health, he said that education is a fundamental right, for which people have to stay awake at night, as a large number are out of schools. Provincial governments should focus on the education sector.

He said that investment is needed in the health sector, health facilities for the people have to be improved. We are heading towards food security, we have food shortages.

The President said that I am from a political background, we have always contributed to the empowerment of women. Effective linkages between the federal government and the provinces must be enhanced.

Asif Ali Zardari said that we will eliminate the terrorist elements. Proud of the forces and law enforcement agencies who have made sacrifices in defense of the nation.

He said that today our country needs wisdom and maturity, hope the parliamentarians will use their powers wisely.

He said that the role of the President is a symbol of a unified and strong federal unity. All peoples and provinces should be treated equally under the law. In my opinion, today is the time to start a new chapter. Look at today as a new beginning.

The President said that we have to invest in our people, focus on public needs, we have to open the way for comprehensive development by utilizing our resources.

He said that Saudi Arabia, China, Turkey always helped Pakistan. China has always helped Pakistan in defense and other matters, don’t let CPEC be held hostage, will take steps to secure the lives of Chinese brothers.

Talking about Occupied Kashmir, the President said that the sacrifices of Kashmiris cannot be forgotten, Article 370 is the result of India’s move to make Muslims a minority in their country. The President demanded that India withdraw its actions.

Independent MLAs supported by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continued to protest in front of Speaker Dice.

Noise was raised by the opposition members of the assembly while slogans were raised in favor of the founder PTI. These members also carried posters of founder PTI.