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President for avoiding confrontation; setting up Reconciliation Commission
ISLAMABAD, June 10 (APP):
President Asif Ali Zardari Monday stressed the need to avoid
confrontation and pursue “reconciliation” by setting up a Truth and
Reconciliation Commission for strengthening democracy. Addressing a
joint sitting of the Parliament, for a record sixth-time, the President
said, “We need to learn the truth about past mistakes in order not to
repeat them” and emphasized to carry forward the fruits of democracy to
the grassroots level. The President, while congratulating the newly
elected Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said, it was an honour for
him to be the first elected civilian in country’s history to oversee the
transfer of power in a democratic manner.
“It is a cause for which
Shaheed Benazir Bhutto dedicated her life ... It is a cause for which I
spent 11 and a half years in prison ... It is a cause for which Prime
Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif suffered imprisonment and exile ...
Democracy has arrived.”
The President also called for a Truth and
Reconciliation Commission and expressed the confidence that as democracy
takes roots the government will be able to deliver.
“I have no doubt
that we will rise to the dream that our founding fathers had about
Pakistan,” the President said and added a lot can be achieved, “if we
keep aside our prejudices and egos.”
“Let us renew our commitment to
the principles of democracy and the rule of law. Let us vow to uphold
the supremacy of the Constitution.”
President Zardari stressed that every pillar of the state must operate within its constitutional limits.
“Let no organ of the state trespass into the domain of others,” the President remarked.
The
President urged the democratic forces to come together and join
ranks.The President recalled his first address to the Parliament, five
years back when he had urged the Parliament to empower itself.
He
termed it a matter of great satisfaction and pride that the Parliament
purged the Constitution of undemocratic Articles under the 17th
Amendment and the powers of the President under Article 58 (2)(B) of the
Constitution.
President Zardari made it clear that the suspension and abrogation of the Constitution was an act of high treason.
“Let no one think of subverting the Constitution,” the President said and added “No court shall validate it.”
The President said the achievements of the Parliament were a great honour for the members of the august House.
“They have reasons to be proud. They brought about the first major Constitutional reform in more than three decades,” he said.
He said that earlier “piecemeal constitutional amendments” were designed to promote personal interests of the dictators.
“They
were not meant to strengthen democracy or empower the people,” he said
and added that the outgoing Parliament made a lasting contribution.
He
said it made the Constitution truly democratic, provincial rights and
Parliamentary sovereignty were restored, Concurrent Legislative List
abolished and all subjects transferred to the provinces.
The
President said the Article 58(2) (b) that hung over the Parliament like a
sword was banished, Council of Common Interests strengthened, oil, gas
and natural resources in a province now belong jointly to that province
and the Federal Government adding, it also has an oversight role in the
selection of the Chief Election Commissioner.
He said these were not small achievements, and all of it was achieved with consensus.
“I
wish to compliment every single member of the outgoing parliament,
commend the previous government, the coalition partners and indeed all
political parties who made it possible.”
“Together they worked for democracy to take roots,” the President said.
The
President’s historic address to the joint sitting of the Parliament,
was attended by Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif, Chief Ministers,
Governors, Services Chiefs and diplomats.In his address, marking the
beginning of the first session of the National Assembly after the
general election, President Zardari said the country was confronted with
serious challenges.
He said economic hardships had caused pain, power shortages, rising
militancy and extremism had compounded economic woes and stressed the
need to find solutions to those problems.
The President said Bhasha Dam had already been launched that would
generate 4500 MW of power and store over 6 million acre feet of water.
He said work on it and other energy projects like the Thar Coal need to
be stepped up, as the country was faced with a huge task.
He expressed confidence that the new government would overcome the challenges.
President Zardari said peace and reconciliation in Balochistan must
receive high priority and called for addressing the issue of missing
persons. In this regard he mentioned that a Commission on Missing
Persons had already been set up, which had also made some progress.
However, he said that a lot more needed to be done and “It can be done.”
President Zardari said the cycle of poverty must be broken and mentioned
that a programme of poverty alleviation and women empowerment had
already been launched. He said efforts to protect and empower them
needed to be kept up.
“The poor women expect the programme to continue and strengthen further,
as women and minorities are the most vulnerable groups.”
President Zardari also stressed the need to further promote interfaith harmony.
“We need to take measures to prevent the misuse of the blasphemy law for settling personal and political scores.”
The President also called for integrating the disabled and special people in the national mainstream.
Urging the need for a mechanism to ensure transparent accountability of
all, the President said, “It must be across the board and not
selective.”
“Let everyone be judged by the same yardstick,” the President stressed.
Terming militancy, extremism and terrorism as the greatest threats to
national security, the President said the nation was united against
them.
There was a need to have a strong leadership to overcome the threat, he added.
“We are ready to make peace with those willing to give up violence,” the
President said and warned, “We should also be ready to use force
against those who challenge the writ of the state.”
He also stressed on economic development of the affected areas.
President Zardari said the government would not allow the use of its soil, for terrorist activities against any country.
“We will also not allow anyone to violate our sovereignty. The
sovereignty of Pakistan must be protected at all cost,” the President
said and added, “It will be.”
“Our armed forces, para military forces, police and the citizens have made great sacrifices in fighting militancy.”
He said the nation was proud of their sacrifices and categorically
stated their sacrifices would not go waste.Zardari said the partnerships
with the United States and Europe needed to be further strengthened on
the basis of mutual trust, mutual benefit and respect for sovereignty.
He termed drone attacks a serious violation of sovereignty and
international law. “They are also counterproductive and are not
acceptable,” he said.
On the country’s diplomatic relations, the President said Pakistan seeks a conducive and stable regional environment.
He said the relationship with China remained the cornerstone of the
country’s foreign policy and was not affected by internal political
changes.
He said, “We believe in investing in relationships” and pointed that his
nine visits to China were a manifestation of this investment.
He also mentioned his trips to Central Asia and seven visits to Turkey,
which he said demonstrated the eagerness to strengthen ties with these
countries.
On Afghanistan, President Zardari said Pakistan looked forward to peace
and stability in Afghanistan and wished success to the Afghan-led
reconciliation and reconstruction process.
He said the government was seeking to improve relations with all
countries in the region for which the Prime Minister had already given
the guideline.
“The goal of prosperity and development will not succeed without regional peace,” he said.
On India, he said Pakistan wanted to improve relations with its eastern
neighbour and mentioned the steps been taken to liberalize trade with
India.
He said Pakistan also wanted peaceful settlement of the water issue and
peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue, in accordance with
the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
He said, “We do not want an arms race in the region. We believe in
dialogue to resolve issues. Dialogue alone can ensure peace and
understanding.”
About militancy, Zardari said Pakistan was determined to root out
militancy as it threatened all countries in the region and indeed the
whole world. He called for sincere and collective efforts of all.
“We can fight militancy better, through dialogue and cooperation rather than doubting each other,” he added.
President Zardari said freedom, democracy and constitutionalism lead the nations to greater progress and glory.
He said the Constitution had been subverted in the past many times and
urged the new parliament to devise an appropriate policy of punishment
in this regard. He also assured his support on the matter.
The President appreciated the members of the previous parliament for
passing historic Constitutional amendments as well as laws and
recognized the contribution of Chairman Senate, Senator Nayyer Hussain
Bokhari and former Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza for their high standards and
impartial conduct.
Zardari termed the expatriate Pakistanis a national treasure and said
they need to be recognized and honored. He stressed to give them the
right to vote.
He said the devolution process set into motion needed to be taken forward to the level of local bodies.
On media, he said the government was committed to upholding its freedom
and called for creating an atmosphere of self-regulation without state
interference.
Zardari for peaceful settlement of water dispute, resoultion of Kashmir with India
ISLAMABAD, June 10 (APP):
Stressing improved ties with India, President Asif Ali Zardari Monday
said Pakistan seeks peaceful settlement of the water dispute and
resolution of the Jammu Kashmir issue with its neighbour. In his address
to the joint sitting of the Parliament, after the swearing-in of a new
government following the May 11 general elections, the President said:
“We believe in dialogue to resolve issues [as] dialogue alone can ensure
peace and understanding.” The President who has had several meetings
with the Indian leadership throughout his tenure in a bid to improve the
bilateral ties between the two countries said, “We do not want an arms
race in the region.”
In his address to the new
parliamentarians who took oath as members of the National Assembly last
week, the President said, “We are seeking to improve relations with all
countries in the region.”
He mentioned the guideline, already given
by Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif to the Foreign Office and said
“the goal of prosperity and development will not succeed without
regional peace.”
He said Pakistan wishes to improve relations and steps have been taken to liberalize trade with India.
“We
want a peaceful settlement of the water issue. We seek a peaceful
resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue, in accordance with the wishes
of the Kashmiri people,” the President said.
The President said Pakistan was determined to root out militancy and pointed that it was not an issue of any single country.
He
said militancy threatens all countries in the region and the whole
world and said “sincere and collective efforts” were required to resolve
this issue.
“We can fight militancy better, through dialogue and cooperation rather than doubting each other,” President Zardari said.
He said the government would not allow the use of its soil, for terrorist activities against any other country.
“We will also not allow anyone to violate our sovereignty,” the President categorically stated.
The
President termed the drone attacks as “a serious violation of
sovereignty and international law,” and said they were also
counterproductive and were not acceptable.
The President said
Pakistan also greatly values its relations with the Muslim world and
will continue to strive for further improving ties with them.
“We
also value partnerships with the United States and Europe. We need to
further strengthen it on the basis of mutual trust, mutual benefit and
respect for sovereignty,” he said.
Regarding peace and stability in
Afghanistan, the President said, “We wish success to the Afghan-led
reconciliation and reconstruction process.”
Peace, reconciliation in Balochistan must receive high priority:President
ISLAMABAD, June 10 (APP):
President Asif Ali Zardari Monday said that peace and reconciliation in
Balochistan must receive high priority and asked for resolving the issue
of missing persons. Addressing joint sitting of the Parliament for the
sixth time, the President said that a Commission on Missing Persons
had already been set up and it had also made some progress. The
President said that a lot more needed to be done on this issue and it
could be done. “I am confident the new government will overcome the
challenges,” the President added. President Zardari pointed towards
these problems in Balochistan at a time when the newly elected Chief
Minister of the Province Dr Abdul Malik Baloch in his maiden address to
the Provincial Assembly said that the missing persons, kidnapping for
ransom and migration of the people from the province were the biggest
problems.
Zardari for devising ‘punishment policy’ for Constitution’s abrogator
ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP):
President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday proposed the new parliament to
devise an appropriate policy to ‘punish’ those who subverted the
Constitution and assured his support in this regard. The
President stressed that the suspension and abrogation of the
Constitution was an act of high treason. “There is no place for dictator
in today’s Pakistan.” “Let no one think of subverting the
Constitution,” he categorically
said in his address to the joint session of parliament here at the
Parliament House. The President pointed out that the country’s
development was hampered when the Constitution was subverted on July 5,
1977 and in 1999. He regretted that the abrogation in the past was
endorsed by the pillars of the state. “That must come to an end. Each
pillar of the state must operate within its constitutional limits,” the
President said. He said it was the time to not let any organ of the
state trespass into the domain of others.
Text of President Zardari address to joint sitting of parliament
ISLAMABAD, June 10 (APP): Following is the text of President Asif Ali Zardari’s address to the joint sitting of the Parliament.
BISMILLAH IR RAHMAN-AR RAHIM Mr. Speaker!
Honorable Members of the Parliament
ASSALAM-O-ALAIKUM
I am thankful to Allah, to be standing here today in all humility, to address the Parliament at the beginning of its First Year.
“It
is an honor to be the first elected civilian in the history of Pakistan
to oversee the transfer of power in a democratic manner.
It is a cause for which Shaheed Benazir Bhutto dedicated her life.
It is a cause for which I spent 11 and a half years in prison.
It
is a cause for which Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif suffered
imprisonment and exile. Democracy has arrived. I wish to thank you for
the great honour shown to me.
Mr. Speaker!
I should begin by
congratulating once again the new elected Prime Minister Mr. Muhammad
Nawaz Sharif.He has been entrusted with a great responsibility by the
voters and the elected Parliament. I wish him good luck in the
discharge of his responsibilities.
I am confident he will rise to the expectations of the people.
I
wish to congratulate you Mr. Speaker on your election as the custodian
of this august House. Your election as the Speaker is a demonstration of
trust reposed in you by the elected members of the National Assembly.
I
wish to congratulate all the newly elected members of the National
Assembly.I wish to particularly welcome the women and NON-Muslim
Members of Parliament.
Their empowerment is part of our state policy
that cuts across political divide. I appreciate the members of the last
Parliament for passing historic Constitutional amendments as well as
laws.
I also wish to compliment the former Prime Ministers for their
able leadership. And I wish to recognize the Chairman Senate, Senator
Nayyer Hussain Bokhari and former Speaker Madam Dr Fehmida Mirza for
their high standards and impartial conduct.
I should also like to
congratulate the people of Pakistan for their participation in the
elections. They demonstrated courage in defying threats by the enemies
of democracy.
Their participation shows that the ethos of our people is democratic.
There
is no place for Dictators in Today’s Pakistan.I wish to salute the
people for their courage.They have spoken through their vote.Their voice
has been heard.
It has been demonstrated by the smooth transfer of power.
And
I commend all political parties and their leaders for accepting the
poll results despite reservations.Together they have added to the grace
and glory of democracy.
Mr. Speaker,
This is no ordinary day. It
is a great day in our history.Together we have fulfilled our promise to
democracy. Together we have fulfilled our promise of smooth transition
of power from one democracy to another democracy.
This democratic,
peaceful transition marks the success of a prolonged struggle.A dream
has come true,A promise has been redeemed.
It is a triumph of all political parties and democratic forces.
It is a triumph of the people of Pakistan.
Let there be no doubt or mistake about it.
Collectively our people have written a new chapter in our History.
Collectively the people of Pakistan deserve to be commended.
Mr. Speaker
I
recall standing here five years ago to deliver my first address to the
Parliament. Then I had urged the Parliament to empower itself.
I had
called upon it to revisit the 17th Amendment. I had urged it to take
away the powers of the President under Article 58 (2)(B) of the
Constitution. A year later I repeated the request.
We urged the Speaker, the first woman Speaker in the Muslim World, to form an All Parties Committee for this purpose,
It
is a matter of great satisfaction and pride that Parliament purged the
Constitution of undemocratic Articles.It is a great honor for the
members of the august House.
It will always remain the first line in
their biography.They have reasons to be proud.They brought about the
first major Constitutional reform in more than three decades.
Previously
there were piecemeal constitutional amendments, But these were
designed to promote the personal interests of dictators.
They were
not meant to strengthen democracy or empower the people.The outgoing
Parliament made a lasting contribution.It made the Constitution truly
democratic.
Provincial rights as well as Parliamentary sovereignty have been restored.
It
abolished the Concurrent Legislative List and transferred all subjects
to the Provinces.It banished Article 58(2) (b) that hung over the
Parliament like a sword.The Council of Common Interests has been
strengthened,Oil, gas and natural resources within a province now belong
jointly to the Province and the Federal Government.
The Parliament also has an oversight role, in the selection of the Chief Election Commissioner.
Let
no one think of subverting the Constitution.The suspension and
abrogation of the Constitution is an act of High Treason. No Court shall
validate it.These are no small achievements. And all of it was achieved
with consensus.
I wish to compliment every single member of the outgoing parliament.
I also wish to commend the previous government, the coalition partners and indeed all political parties who made it possible.
Together they worked for democracy to take roots.
Mr. Speaker
Freedom, Democracy and Constitutionalism lead the nations to greater progress and glory.
The first Constitution was given in 1973 by political leaders of the time,led by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
The fundamental rights were introduced for the first time.
The people felt protected.As a result our people made great progress.
They were filled with energy and guided by a sense of purpose.
That
progress was halted when the Constitution was subverted on July
5,1977.The hopes and dreams of the people were shattered,A process of
national decay set in.
There was yet another assault on the Constitution in 1999.
For decades we have been reeling under the forces of decay.
It
is a sad reflection that the Constitution has been abrogated
Unfortunately its abrogation was endorsed by the pillars of the state.
That must come to an end.
There
have been calls to punish those who subverted the Constitution.It is
for this august Parliament and the government to devise an appropriate
and wise policy.I assure you of my support in this.
Mr. Speaker
We can achieve a lot if we keep aside our prejudices and egos.
Let
us renew our commitment to the principles of democracy and the rule of
law.Let us vow to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution.
Each pillar of the state must operate within its constitutional limits.
Let no organ of the state trespass into the domain of others.
We need reconciliation and not confrontation to go forward.
Let not democratic forces challenge one another.Democratic forces must come together and join ranks.
We
are confronted with serious challenges.Economic hardships have caused
pain.Power shortages, rising militancy and extremism have compounded
economic woes.We have to find solutions to our problems.The Basha Dam
has already been
launched.It will generate 4500 MW of power and store
over 6 million acre feet of water.Work on it and other energy projects
like the Thar Coal need to be stepped up.We are faced with a huge task. I
am confident the new government will overcome the challenges.
Peace and reconciliation in Balochistan must receive high priority.
We
need to address the issue of missing persons.A Commission on Missing
Persons has already been set up.It has also made some progress.
But a lot more needs to be done.It can be done.
The
cycle of poverty must be broken.A program of poverty alleviation and
women empowerment has already been launched. The poor women expect the
program to continue and strengthened further.
Women and minorities
are the most vulnerable groups.Efforts to protect and empower them need
to be kept up.We need to further strengthen interfaith harmony.We need
to take measure to prevent the misuse of the blasphemy law for settling
personal and political scores.
The disabled and special people need
to be integrated in the mainstream of national life. We need to have a
mechanism for transparent accountability of all.
It must be across the board and NOT selective.Let everyone be judged by the same yardstick.
Militancy,
extremism and terrorism pose the greatest threat to our national
security.The nation is united against militancy.We need strong
leadership to overcome the threat.
We are ready to make peace with
those willing to give up violence. But we should also be ready to use
force against those who challenge the writ of the state.
We will undertake economic development of the affected areas.
The
government will not allow the use of our soil, for terrorist activities
against any other country.We will also not allow anyone to violate our
sovereignty.The sovereignty of Pakistan must be protected at all cost.
It will be.
Our Armed forces, Para military forces, Police and the
citizens have made great sacrifices in fighting militancy.The nation is
proud of their sacrifices.
Their sacrifices will not go in vain.
Mr. Speaker,
Expatriate
Pakistanis are a national treasure.They need to be recognized and
honored.We need to work towards giving them the right to vote.
Devolution set into motion need to be taken forward.It needs to be taken further to the level of local bodies.
The government is committed to upholding the freedom of the media.
There is also need to create an atmosphere of self regulation without state interference.
Pakistan seeks a conducive and stable regional environment.
Our relationship with China remains the cornerstone of our foreign policy.
Relations with China are not affected by internal political changes.
We believe in investing in relationships.
My
nine visits to China are a manifestation of this investment. My trips
to Central Asia and seven visits to Turkey demonstrate our eagerness to
strengthen ties with these countries.
We look forward to peace and stability in Afghanistan.
We wish success to the Afghan-led reconciliation and reconstruction process.
We are seeking to improve relations with all countries in the region.
The
Prime Minister has already given the guideline. The goal of prosperity
and development will not succeed without regional peace.
We want to
improve relations with India.Steps have been taken to liberalize trade
with India.We want a peaceful settlement of the water issue.
We seek a
peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue, in accordance with
the wishes of the Kashmiri people.We do not want an arms race in the
region.
We believe in dialogue to resolve issues.Dialogue alone can ensure peace and understanding.
We
are determined to root out militancy.It is not an issue of any single
country.Militancy threatens all countries in the region and indeed the
whole world.It calls for sincere and collective efforts of all.
We can fight militancy better, through dialogue and cooperation rather than doubting each other.
We greatly value our relations with the Muslim world.
We will continue to strive for further improving our ties with them.
We also value partnerships with the United States and Europe.
We need to further strengthen it on the basis of mutual trust, mutual benefit and respect for sovereignty.
Drone attacks are a serious violation of sovereignty and international law.
They are also counterproductive and are not acceptable.
Mr. Speaker
We
need to take some hard decisions and without delay.Delaying decisions
do not avoid problems.They only invite crises.We need to carry forward
the fruits of democracy to the grass roots.We cannot afford
confrontation.
We need reconciliation.We need to learn the truth
about past mistakes in order not to repeat them.This calls for a Truth
and Reconciliation Commission.
I am confident that as democracy takes
roots we will be able to deliver on it. I have no doubt that we will
rise to the dream that our founding fathers had about Pakistan.
I wish the new government and the Parliament good luck.”
Thank You.
Pakistan Paindabad
Highlights of President’s address
ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP):
Following are the highlights of the sixth address of the President to
joint sitting of the Parliament.Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq chaired the
joint sitting of both Houses of the Parliament. Speaker was accompanied
by Chairman Senate Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari. Before addressing the
sitting President was also sitting with Speaker and Chairman Senate.
• Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif entered the Hall at 4:40 pm.
• Speaker Ayaz Sadiq invited the president to address the Parliament.
• Before the commencement of the address National Anthem of the country was played.
• Former Speaker Fehmida Mirza appeared in the House late, when the address of the President was continuing.
• The legislators especially belonging to Pakistan Peoples Party applauded President’s address by frequent desk thumping.
• PML-N members and even Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also joined the PPP in desk thumping on few occasions during the address.
• Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was flanked by Senator Raja Zafarul Haq, Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.
Leader
of the Opposition Syed Khurshid Shah occupied the seat of leader of the
opposition for the first time following the issuance of the orders by
the speaker last day.
• Khurshid Shah was flanked by Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan and former speaker Fehmida Mirza. In the same row deputy Parliamentary leader of Pakistan Tehrik e Insaaf Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Javed Hashmi were sitting.
• Another front row was occupied by former Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhaw Amir Haider Hoti, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Senator Haji Adeel, Farooq Sattar, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao.
The
galleries were occupied by four chief ministers including chief
minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah, CM Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif, CM KP
Pervaiz hattak and CM Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik.
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhaw Engineer Shaukatullah, Prime Minister Azad Kashmir Chaudhry Abdul Majeed, President Sardar Yaqoob, Speaker Khyber Pakhtunkhaw Asad Qaiser, Deputy Speaker Sindh Shehla Raza, Chief Election Commissioner Fakhruddin G Ibrahim, former chairman Public Accounts Committee Nadeem Afzal Chan and Asifa Bhutto Zardari, Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan Mehdi Shah.
• Services Chiefs including Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani, diplomats and high officials also heard the address of the President.
•
Some ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Khawaja Saad Rafique were sitting on back
seats. Senator Farhatullah Baber, Zafar Ali Shah, Saleem Mandviwalla,
Talha Mehmood were also sitting in back.
• Tehmina Daultana came late, assembly staff helped her in locating the seat.
After
the address great rush was witnessed in lobbies. Some diplomats and
legislators waited for long as their vehicles were blocked in great
rush.
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Presidential address to the joint sitting of parliament 
