Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday warned the government that the unilateral decision -making federation was under severe pressure.
Addressing the lawmakers at a joint session of parliament, the President emphasized the need for a consensus among the federation units, especially about the distribution of water and development policies that affect the provincial rights.
This was the first address of President Zardari to Parliament in his second term, on the occasion of the start of the New Year of Parliament. His speech clarified the growing tensions between the Pakistan Peoples Party’s Pakistan Muslim League -Nawaz (N), along with the ruling allies, as well as the Pakistan Peoples Party’s growing tension, which leads to the government.
The President specifically granted the federal government’s decision to move forward with the construction of additional canals from the river Indus. This is a case that has led to a dispute between the provinces, especially Punjab and Sindh.
President Zardari said, “This is my constitutional duty as your president, and as a patriotic Pakistani, my responsibility is to give this house and the government caution that some unilateral policies are putting under intense pressure on the federation.” “In particular, the decision to prepare more canals from the Indus River system, despite strong opposition from the federation units, is unacceptable.”
Zardari called on the government to abandon the controversial canal project and instead work towards a collective solution that keeps in mind the concerns of all the provinces. He emphasized that sustainable development can be achieved only through cooperation and consensus.
His remarks reflected the growing outbreak between two major coalition allies of the current coalition government, the PPP and the PML-N. Despite several high -level meetings between President Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif last December, differences are not resolved.
The PPP has permanently expressed concern over what it feels as a proportional control of Punjab on resources, especially water. The Sindh government fears that the construction of the new canals of Punjab in Cholistan will reduce the shares of Sindh and damage its agricultural sector.
The PPP has also criticized the federal government for delaying the meeting of the Council of Commonwealth (CCI), which is a constitutional institution aimed at dealing with international society. Increasing PPP complaints, the CCI did not call in almost a year.
In his speech, President Zardari appealed to the lawmakers to prefer national unity over political differences. He called for cooperation to restore the economy, strengthen democracy and restore public confidence in government institutions.
“We must keep personal and political differences for the national interest,” he said. “Let us work together to revive our economy, strengthen our democracy and maintain the rule of law.”
The President has given the government to strengthen the economy in recent months. He mentioned the increase in foreign direct investment, the return of foreign exchange reserves and the height of the stock market all the time. As a sign of improving the economic conditions, the policy interest rate reduction also highlighted the reduction from 22 % to 12 %.
However, he warned that the challenges facing the country need to pay new focus on governance and services. To meet people’s expectations, our administrative machinery should be re -added. Ministries need to new to explain their goals and provide concrete results in fixed timeframes.
Zardari also urged the government to prefer education and health care in the next budget, demanding an increase in these sectors. He highlighted the need for scholarships and financial aid programs to empower youth.
After dealing with the threat of climate change, the President emphasized the importance of sustainable water management, renewable energy, and strengthening Pakistan’s agriculture sector. He praised Sindh’s successful mangrove plantation program, which has played an important role in the climate reduction and earned the province’s income through carbon credit.
On national security, Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to counter -terrorism. He acknowledged the sacrifices of the armed forces and called for resolving the basic causes of militancy, especially in developed regions.
He confirmed Pakistan’s strong ties with China, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey, while expressing his desire to increase cooperation with the United States and the European Union. Zardari noted the recent successful counter -terrorism cooperation with the United States, calling it a positive step for future joint efforts.
Zardari ended his address by confirming Pakistan’s irreversible support for the people of Indian -occupied Kashmir and Palestine. He called for a fair resolution to both conflicts in accordance with international law and human rights.
Throughout the president’s entire speech, opposition members shouted slogans against the government, protesting loudly. Despite the obstacles, Zardari completed his address, and marked his eighth speech at a joint session of parliament.
This meeting took place in the midst of tensions shown within the ruling coalition. The PPP has expressed dissatisfaction with the important decision -making processes, especially in Punjab. Although the party has no ministry in the federal government, its parliamentary support is important for the stability of the alliance.
