ISLAMABAD: In his maiden address to a joint session of the Parliament on Monday, President Dr Arif Alvi termed corruption and group interests as some of the major problems faced by Pakistan.
The president hoped that the upcoming days would be better for Pakistan. “I am grateful to have the biggest constitutional designation. I will perform to the best of my abilities. I pray to Allah for strength and hope fellow parliamentarians will support me.”
Commenting on the continuation of parliamentary democracy, Alvi said, “Pakistan’s parliamentary system has been a victim of instability due to various reasons. However, the fact that the past three governments have been able to complete their terms is encouraging.”
The president stressed that the main cause of issues in Pakistan was extreme corruption and group interests. “Elections proved that people are fed up with dishonesty and want a clean society.”
President Alvi said a free and fair system was necessary for overcoming corruption along with strengthening institutions of accountability so they can perform their duties without fear.
He added that the government had shown the desire to make Naya Pakistan and had won the election on this slogan. “In my opinion, the biggest part of Naya Pakistan should be adopting simplicity, elimination of unnecessary protocol and a system free from corruption.”
President Alvi further said that instead of spending on development projects, Pakistan had to take loans to pay off its debt. “According to the law, the loan to GDP ratio should not be more that 60 per cent. However, for the past several years, we have been breaking our own law.”
He warned of the dangers Pakistan was facing due to internal and external loans.
According to the president, Pakistan would overcome challenges as we were a nation which was brave and determined. “Even overseas Pakistanis are full of determination to put the country on the right track.”
President Arif Alvi with Prime Minister Imran Khan, NA Speaker Asad Qasier and Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani before his address to the joint session of the Parliament.
He highlighted the water crisis in the country, stressing on the need to construct dams. “Balochistan and Sindh are facing drought and global climate change is impacting Pakistan severely,” President Alvi said, adding that population was adversely impacting the environment and focus was also needed on tree plantation.
Speaking on the energy crisis, the president said this could be helped by overcoming electricity theft and line losses along with increasing the means of power generation.
The president spoke on the need to improve the standard of education and empowering women. “Nations cannot succeed without women empowerment. Our women are powerful and hardworking.”
The president said it should be a top priority for the government to resolve the economic crisis being faced by the country. He spoke of industries being shut down and unemployment is at its peak. The president added that inflation had increased in the country owing to an increase in the cost of the dollar, while circular debt was more than Rs1,100 billion.
“I want the government to reduce financial losses and made investment opportunities more feasible.”
Commenting on foreign relations, the president said a new phase had begun. “The new government supports CPEC due to its economic gains and for better Pak-China ties. Serious pacts will also be considered with Central Asia for the economy. Pakistan places special importance on ties with Russia and Turkey for regional stability.”
The president stressed that Pakistan wanted peaceful relations with India. “We want a peaceful solution to Kashmir issues and will continue efforts for this. Kashmiri’s have a right to self-determination and I urge the international community to help.” -Agencies
