Islamabad, 14 September 2021 (TDI): On Monday, President Arif Alvi addressed the Joint Session of Parliament. At the start of the 4th parliamentary year, President shed light on the internal developments of the country and its foreign policy outlook.
Sharing his remarks on the economic development, President Alvi said, despite the devastating impacts of COVID-19, Pakistan’s economy has shown a positive turnout. Alvi stated that during the last fiscal year the economic growth remained 3.94%. He shared a few positive indicators for Pakistan’s economy including 60% improvement in the Business Confidence Index and Pakistan Stock Exchange Emergence.
Along with world’s fourth-best performing market, 2.7% growth in the agricultural sector, and 2.12 billion dollars exports in the IT sector. He also acclaimed the government for steps taken under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
The President further commented on the social security initiatives launched by the government. He remarked that social programs such as the Ehsas program, Waseela Taleem, Ehsas Nashonuma, Ehsas Scholarship, Emergency Cash, Koi Bhooka Na Soye, and Lagarkhana are steps towards the right direction.
These programs will significantly improve the socio-economic condition of people across the country. Talking about the health sector, the President remarked that under the Sehat Sahulat Program Pakistan will soon achieve the landmark of Universal Health Coverage. He also encouraged the people to fully utilize the service telemedicine as it will reduce the massive burden on hospitals.
Commenting on the educational sector, the President said that the introduction of the Single National Curriculum is a major breakthrough in building a united nation. He added that government has announced massive scholarships for students, particularly for differently-abled people to make them a productive element of society.
On women’s rights, President Arif Alvi said that the government is taking legislative reforms to provide women their due rights. He also appreciated the government for taking constructive steps to prevent sexual harassment against women and introducing legislative measures for their hereditary rights.
Addressing the issue of climate change, Mr. President stated that projects such as the Ten Billion Trees Tsunami and Clean Green Pakistan will help to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Furthermore, the President shared his remarks on the necessity of introducing electrical reforms. He said that electronic voting machines will help in introducing transparency in the electoral process.
On the Foreign Policy front, Mr. President strictly condemned India’s human rights violations in IOK and its sponsorship of terrorism in Pakistan. He said that Pakistan is standing on its stance on Kashmir and supports the right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people. He thanked China, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Iran for supporting the narrative of Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.
Commenting on evolving dynamics in Afghanistan, President Alvi stated that Pakistan has conducted successful evacuation operations and is at the forefront of providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. He added that Pakistan has no ulterior motives and only wants lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
He urged the international community to help rebuild Afghanistan and prevent an economic and humanitarian crisis in the country. Mr. President further encouraged the Afghan government to establish an inclusive society and unite the Afghan people. He also said that the Afghan government should make sure that Afghanistan’s soil would not be used against any other country.
On the bilateral relationship with China, Mr. President said that China has been an all-weather friend of Pakistan and it aims to further strengthen this relationship. He added that CPEC is significantly improving the socio-economic fabric of the country.
Lastly, the President requested the people to remain cognizant of fake news and propaganda. He urged the nation to remain united and set the country on the path of progress and development.