Islamabad, March 10, 2025: Addressing a joint session of parliament to inaugurate the second parliamentary year, President Asif Ali Zardari called on all political stakeholders to put national interests above personal and political differences. His speech was delivered amid strong protests from opposition lawmakers, who continuously raised slogans against the government.
“Let us work together to revive our economy, strengthen democracy, and uphold the rule of law,” Zardari urged. Expressing gratitude for addressing parliament for the eighth time, he highlighted the significance of the occasion as a chance to assess progress and reaffirm a commitment to Pakistan’s future.
He emphasized the need for good governance, political stability, and economic reforms to meet the expectations of the people who have placed their trust in the parliament. Acknowledging recent economic progress, Zardari noted that foreign exchange reserves have surged, foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has increased, stock markets have hit historic highs and the policy rate has been reduced from 22% to 12%.
“Democracy requires compromise and cooperation,” he said. “What better place to foster collective goals than this parliament?”
The president stressed the importance of inclusive development, ensuring that no province, district, or village is left behind. He urged the government to invest in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities to uplift underprivileged regions.
He also underscored the need for tax reforms, advocating for broadening the tax base without overburdening existing taxpayers. Additionally, he called for export diversification, particularly in value-added industries and the IT sector, to build a competitive economy.
For job creation, he recommended sustained support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), skill development programs, and accessible financing for young entrepreneurs.
Recognizing the financial struggles of labourers and the salaried class, Zardari called for salary and pension increases in the upcoming budget, lowering income taxes for salaried individuals, reducing energy costs to ease financial burdens and avoiding job cuts and instead focusing on employment generation.
For women empowerment, he urged enhanced representation and opportunities, noting that women constitute 50% of Pakistan’s population but remain underrepresented.
“A strong transport infrastructure is fundamental to a prosperous Pakistan,” Zardari stated, stressing the need for modernized railways, improved road networks, and enhanced regional connectivity. He highlighted the strategic importance of Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan, calling for special development initiatives in these regions.
CPEC and Gwadar Port, he reiterated, remain central to Pakistan’s economic future, urging their full realization to position Pakistan as a regional trade hub.
With Pakistan being one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, Zardari emphasized:
- Restoring biodiversity and preserving ecosystems
- Promoting renewable energy and electric vehicles
- Revitalizing rivers and wetlands to combat pollution
Given Pakistan’s internal and external security challenges, the president stressed the need to strengthen law enforcement agencies and counter extremist ideologies. He called on parliament to rebuild a national consensus against militancy and assured full government support for combating terrorism alongside Pakistan’s armed forces.
On foreign policy, Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, stability, and economic integration based on sovereignty, mutual respect, and international cooperation.
The president emphasized enhancing economic and strategic partnerships with key allies, including China– Cementing the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and attracting further Chinese investments in CPEC. Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Türkiye – Strengthening historical and economic ties. The European Union, UK, and the US – Expanding trade, security cooperation, and counterterrorism collaboration.
He termed the recent counterterrorism cooperation between Pakistan and the US as “encouraging” and urged both countries to build on these successes.
In a rare criticism of the government, Zardari opposed the unilateral decision to carve out additional canals from the Indus River System, citing strong opposition from provincial stakeholders.
“As President of Pakistan, elected by all four provincial assemblies, the National Assembly, and the Senate, it is my duty to protect the federation,” he stated. “I cannot support this proposal. The government must seek a unanimous consensus among all federating units.”
Zardari urged all political leaders to rise above divisions and work towards a just, prosperous, and inclusive Pakistan. “Let us make the most of this parliamentary year and put national interests first,” he concluded.
