President Zardari’s Joint Session Address Marred by Protests
President Asif Ali Zardari delivered his eighth address to the Parliament during a joint session convened on Monday to mark the completion of the parliamentary year. However, what was supposed to be a momentous occasion was overshadowed by protests from opposition lawmakers, particularly from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. As soon as President Zardari began speaking, the session was disrupted by raised slogans and held up placards, creating an uproar within the chambers.
Despite the chaos, President Zardari managed to maintain his composure. At times, he even smiled at the opposition benches while continuing his address. To drown out the noise, both he and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif resorted to using headphones to focus on their discussion amidst the distractions.
PTI lawmakers made their presence known as they entered the House, immediately chanting slogans in support of their party leader, Imran Khan, and banging on desks in protest. Opposition Leader Omar Ayub also made his dissent clear by repeatedly slamming his fists on his desk during the session.
In a moment of levity, Pervez Khattak mistakenly walked towards the opposition benches, heading towards his former PTI colleagues, before realizing his error and redirecting his steps.
Key Political Figures and Foreign Diplomats in Attendance
The joint session saw the presence of several political heavyweights, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, and various federal ministers. Additionally, a significant number of foreign diplomats observed the proceedings from the guest gallery, adding an international perspective to the session.
President Zardari’s Concerns on Federation Strain
During his address, President Zardari raised concerns about unilateral government policies that were placing severe pressure on the federation. He specifically criticized the decision to extract additional canals from the Indus River system without the consensus of all federating units. Zardari stressed the importance of engaging with all stakeholders to develop a sustainable and mutually agreed-upon solution rather than imposing unilateral decisions.
Emphasis on Governance Reforms, Economic Stability, and Counter-Terrorism
President Zardari underscored the need for better governance, economic reforms, and job creation to address public grievances. He called for a fairer taxation system that does not disproportionately burden salaried individuals and advocated for genuine relief measures in the upcoming budget to ease the cost of living. Additionally, he highlighted security concerns, warning against the resurgence of terrorism due to external support and funding, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing development in affected regions to combat extremism.
A Plea for National Unity and Consensus-Building
In his closing remarks, President Zardari urged parliamentarians to prioritize national unity and adopt a consensus-driven approach to decision-making. Emphasizing the significance of putting national interest above political differences, he called for collective efforts to empower the people and address the country’s key challenges.
As the joint session came to a close, opposition members continued their protests, underscoring the deep divides within the political landscape. However, the government maintained that President Zardari’s address provided a roadmap to tackle the nation’s pressing issues. The session was adjourned indefinitely following the conclusion of the president’s speech, leaving much for lawmakers to contemplate and act upon in the days ahead.
