President Mamnoon Hussain addressed the joint session of the parliament earlier today (Wednesday) where he stated that only democracy could make lasting development possible.
The joint session of the parliament today was chaired jointly by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Chairman Senate Raza Rabbani. The parliamentary session was attended by foreign dignitaries and the military leadership was also in attendance as the President took to the podium to address his audience.
“I congratulate you all on the completion of three years of this parliament,” he said, to thunderous applause. “The democratic system has been strengthened so much that we can now deal with different challenges,” he added.
Mamnoon Hussain said that democracy had been successful during the past three years. In order to have lasting progress and development, democracy was necessary, he said.
“Government should make policies which provide stability to the country,” said President Mamnoon. Talking about the economy, he said that it was necessary that the budget deficit had to be brought down.
“The budget deficit has reduced,” he said. “The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project will provide economic stability. According to international financial institutions, tax collection and tax system in Pakistan have improved,” he said.
The President also hailed sacrifices of the armed forces and people belonging to the tribal areas with regard to militancy. President Mamnoon Hussain also said that the country will be able to achieve all objectives of Operation Zarb-e-Azb.
“It is Pakistan’s desire to have peaceful relations with all of its neighbours,” he said. “One of the reasons for instability in the region is also because the Kashmir issue remains unsolved,” he said.
He also said that Pakistan was playing a facilitator’s role in peace between peace talks between the government of Afghanistan and Taliban.
“For the stability of the nation, it is imperative that there is peace and stability in Afghanistan,” said Mamnoon Hussain.
President Mamnoon Hussian also spoke about the Pak-Iran gas pipeline project and said that it would prove helpful in meeting the energy requirements of Pakistan.
“After sanctions on Iran were lifted, our trade relations have improved,” he said. “Pakistan has played a positive role in diffusing conflict and tensions in the Middle East,” he said.
Mamnoon Hussain also said that Pakistan’s relationship with the United States was historic. He also said that Pakistan’s relationship with the European Union.
“We have taken latest steps to ensure safety of nuclear installations,” he said.
He also said that Pakistan could not progress without bringing women into the mainstream. “Women should be made a part of the workforce,” he said.
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