President Asif Ali Zardari's address to the joint sitting of Parliament (National Assembly and Senate) at the beginning of its third year was to share achievements of the government and aspirations of people.
It was the third address of President Zardari to joint session of Parliament in which he noted that the nation had made history by restoring 1973 Constitution, and congratulated every member of the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms, Parliament, nation all parties in the government and opposition for displaying a true national spirit and above partisan politics in an unprecedented show of national solidarity.
In his address, two years ago, President Zardari urged Parliament to revisit the 17th Amendment and do away with Article 58(2)(b). And last year, he also urged National Assembly Speaker to form an All Parties Committee for this purpose. History will record that these are the first major constitutional reforms in more than three decades. Previously, there were piecemeal constitutional amendments and most of these brought to legitimise unelected leaders, and not for the cause of people. Indeed, it is great achievement of democratic process that has begun to take root. The government honoured its pledge to restore supremacy of the Parliament. The nation is witnessing the power of a democratic government in action. Indeed, much more could have been achieved, only if the democratic process had not been repeatedly buried and the Constitution not dismissed with contempt. The repeated suspension of the Constitution by undemocratic forces gravely undermined the Federation. It led to tragic neglect of the provinces and disempowered the people. Sad is that pillars of the state validated subversion of the Constitution.
Nation can take pride the sorry chapter has been closed. The first Constitution was given to the people in 1973 by political leaders of the time, led by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, founder Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party. It was based on parliamentary democracy, federalism and Islamic principles. It had support and backing of all the provinces and major political parties. The nation was filled with energy, a sense of purpose and shared destiny. But, just as people had begun to feel sense of relevance, on the fateful day of fifth of July 1977 when the Constitution was subverted. Without learning from the history, the Constitution was further distorted by yet another intervention in 1999.
Pakistan Peoples Party and its allies had promised the nation that distortions in 1973 Constitution would be removed and powers of the Parliament would be restored. The PPP and its allies got an opportunity to rise to expectations of people. If we keep aside our prejudices and egos, we can move forward. The imperative need is to pledge for upholding the supremacy of the Constitution. It requires that each pillar of the state work in its constitutional limits, and does not trample on domain of others. For stability, each organ of the state must work within the parameters of the Constitution. There is also need for reconciliation, and not confrontation. Democracy was the best revenge.
The government inherited an ailing economy, compounded by neglect of power sector, circular debt and global recession, rising militancy, extremism and a crisis of confidence. The government has to give solutions by overcoming challenges. To stabilise economy, it had to take some very difficult decisions, even at the cost of its popularity, which no political government likes to do to put economy on road to recovery.
Foreign exchange reserves have increased and Karachi Stock Exchange made impressive gains, without any artificial inducements. Remittances increased by nearly 25% a year, due to new incentives. For the first time, remittances in one month - in September last - exceeded 800 million dollars. A new policy of public-private partnership has been adopted. International credit rating agencies have upgraded Pakistan. As a result, the country, despite all obstacles, achieved international financial respectability. The crisis of confidence has been one of the most serious political challenges.
The government apologised to people of Balochistan for excesses done to them in the past. It also took a number of significant measures. After long years, 7th National Finance Commission (NFC) award was finalised with consensus.
In his second address to Parliament, the President urged the setting up of a Committee on Balochistan. Aghaz-i-Huqooq-i-Balochistan has been announced. A commission on missing persons has been set up. Political reforms have been launched in Gilgit Baltistan. A woman has been appointed Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan. The Council of Common Interests has been reconstituted. A lot more needs to be done and will be done.
In his address, President Zardari said poverty has chained creative potential of people, and said Benazir Income Support Programme was started to break the cycle of poverty. Digital Smart Cards introduced for transparency, which will entitle the poor families to many other social benefits in cases of accident and health insurance. Interest-free loan of Rs 300,000 under Waseela-e-Haq is given to female head of a family to empower mothers and sisters. These are ground-breaking steps towards a welfare state.
The crippling power shortage slowed economic, industrial growth and caused suffering to people. Construction of Neelum Power Project has started. Bhasha Dam launched to generate 4500MW power and store over 6.5 million acre feet of water. Thar coal project has been revived. The government is mindful of water issue. It raised the issue with India and will continue to raise it at every international forum, within the terms of Indus Waters Treaty. The water issues between the provinces are also being addressed and will be resolved through constitutional and legal mechanisms. Thirty two small and medium dams will be built and work on three already started. State land in command areas will be irrigated and distributed free, among women of that area.
For the first time in over four decades, agriculture is being revolutionised, through hybrid seed, improved technology and high intensity cultivation. Landmark legislation was enacted against harassment of women at workplace. Women made beneficiaries of Benazir Income Support Programme and their job quota for women increased. Efforts are continuing, to draw minorities into mainstream of the national life. Blasphemy law will not be allowed to be misused, against any one for settling personal and political scores.
The government believes in transparent accountability of all. That is across the board, and not selective. Let everyone be judged by the same yardstick. Let there be no different laws for different people. After restoring sacked employees, contract employees were also regularised. Now a worker can no longer be dismissed from service for no reason, as was practice in the past. Workers given right to seek legal remedies against dismissal. Trade union activities were restored. Benazir Employees Stock Option Scheme offers 12% stock shares to workers in the state-run enterprises, benefiting five hundred thousand families. For the first time, workers have been made part of national productive process through ownership.
Militancy and extremism have been greatest threat to national security in recent times and is being fought to the finish. But at the same time, efforts will be made to make peace with those, who are willing to give up violence, surrender their arms and accept the writ of the state. The government will not allow use of its soil for terrorist activities against any other country. Sovereignty of Pakistan has been protected and will be safeguarded at all costs.
Nation is proud of sacrifices made by members of armed forces, para-military forces, police and especially citizens in fighting militancy. Their sacrifices will not go in vain. They need to be recognised and honoured. The world community is increasingly realising the importance of Pakistan and role against militancy and strengthening democracy.
However, the passage of 18th Constitutional Amendment Bill will lead to new beginnings. Benefits of democracy must translate into a tangible dividend that is visible in people's lives, satisfy demands of smaller Provinces and in promoting political and economic stability in the country. The government is taking effective steps to ensure the rule of law and the Constitution, which will strengthen political system. It was an historic occasion as all political parties, for the first time, were united to amend the Constitution. It is a major achievement.
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