Islamabad, March 10, 2025: President Asif Ali Zardari delivered his eighth address to parliament on Monday during a joint session marking the completion of the parliamentary year. However, the session was overshadowed by loud protests from opposition lawmakers, particularly those from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
As soon as the president began speaking, PTI lawmakers erupted in chants, waved placards, and banged on desks in protest. Opposition Leader Omar Ayub led the dissent, forcefully slamming his fists on the desk, while PTI members vocally expressed support for their jailed leader, Imran Khan.
Despite the disruption, President Zardari remained unfazed, occasionally smiling at opposition benches and continuing his speech. To counter the noise, both he and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wore headphones.
Amid the heated exchanges, a moment of unintended humor occurred when Pervez Khattak mistakenly walked toward the opposition benches, heading toward his former PTI colleagues before realizing his mistake and quickly redirecting himself.
The session saw the presence of key political figures, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PML-N Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, and several federal ministers.
A large number of foreign diplomats observed the proceedings from the guest gallery, witnessing the political tension that marked the start of the new parliamentary year.
