President Zardari’s Call for Unity Amid Crisis

President Asif Ali Zardari has emphasized the need for collective action to guide the country out of crisis, urging all stakeholders to contribute to the nation’s prosperity. His remarks came during the joint session of parliament convened after the February 8 general elections, despite protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) lawmakers.

The joint session, called under the powers vested in Articles 54 (1) and 56 (3) of the Constitution, marks President Zardari’s seventh address to the parliament. Notable attendees included Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Aseefa Bhutto, along with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

In addition to the joint session, President Zardari has summoned a National Assembly session on Friday, exercising his authority under Article 54 (1) of the Constitution. This session, originally scheduled for April 16, was postponed until today.

This session holds significance as it marks the commencement of the new parliamentary year, following the election of members to both the upper and lower Houses. Former President Arif Alvi had previously been unable to convene a joint session due to pending Senate elections, despite the general elections on February 8.

In a previous instance, Alvi had called a joint session on October 6, 2022, to mark the commencement of the last parliamentary year of the then-National Assembly. The session saw the participation of key figures, including the chief justice of Pakistan, governors, and chief ministers of all provinces, along with military officials and provincial assembly representatives.

President Zardari’s call for unity and collaborative efforts underscores the importance of addressing national challenges and fostering prosperity for all citizens.