President Asif Ali Zardari, addressing the joint session of Parliament at the start of the 2nd parliamentary year, emphasized the importance of empowering people, strengthening the economy, and ensuring inclusive development. He urged lawmakers to focus on good governance, political stability, and economic growth to build a prosperous Pakistan.
He highlighted the significance of making national decisions through consensus and encouraging both local and international investments. The president stressed the need to boost public confidence in the democratic system by upholding the rule of law, improving governance, and making economic policies more transparent.
Economic Reforms and Public Welfare
President Zardari called for tax system reforms to expand the tax net without burdening existing taxpayers. He emphasized the need for a fair taxation system where every individual contributes to national development. He also urged the government to provide relief in the upcoming budget by increasing salaries and pensions, lowering income taxes for salaried individuals, and reducing energy costs to ease financial pressure on citizens.
The president discouraged job cuts and instead pushed for job creation to utilize the country’s trained workforce effectively. He called for measures that would ensure equal development across all regions, emphasizing that no province, district, or village should be left behind.
He also stressed the importance of investing in infrastructure, education, and healthcare to reduce disparities and promote balanced growth. The development of the IT sector was another key focus, as he encouraged investments in digital highways, IT parks, and better internet connectivity to support economic expansion.
Support for Small Businesses and Youth Development
The president recognized the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in economic growth and urged the government to make credit more accessible for entrepreneurs. He emphasized reducing bureaucratic hurdles and creating policies that encourage youth-led businesses. He also called for skill development programs and easy access to loans for young entrepreneurs to help them establish successful businesses.
Women Empowerment and Education
President Zardari highlighted the need to empower women, who make up half of the population but remain underrepresented in various sectors. He advocated for the expansion of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to help women achieve financial independence.
Regarding education, he stressed the importance of increasing funding for schools and universities, providing scholarships, and ensuring every child has access to quality education. He emphasized that research and higher education should be prioritized to build a skilled and competitive workforce.
Healthcare, Climate Change, and National Security
On healthcare, the president called for improved access to medical facilities, better nutrition, and stronger polio vaccination efforts. He urged the government to prioritize primary healthcare and ensure that all citizens receive proper medical attention.
Addressing climate change, he advocated for the promotion of renewable energy, electric vehicles, and wetland restoration. He praised Sindh’s achievement in planting two billion mangroves and suggested replicating this model nationwide to benefit from international carbon credits.
On security matters, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to combating terrorism, strengthening law enforcement, and countering extremist ideologies. He paid tribute to the sacrifices of the security forces and called for national unity in the fight against terrorism.
Foreign Relations and Future Vision
The president reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong ties with key allies, including China, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkiye. He also expressed unwavering support for the Kashmiri and Palestinian people, urging the global community to take action against human rights violations.
Concluding his address, President Zardari called for collective efforts from the government and parliament to prioritize national interests, work with unity, and ensure that progress benefits every citizen. He emphasized that Pakistan’s growth must be inclusive, fair, and aimed at creating a just and prosperous society.
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