President Zardari To Address Parliament Amid Rising Political Tensions

• Asif Ali Zardari planned to address the Parliament today at 3 pm.
• He will focus on political harmony to resolve Pakistan’s political issues.

Zardari’s eighth address to Parliament:

Asif Ali Zardari addressed joint sessions of parliament seven times last year. This is his eighth time, and he will address the session again. The session will include members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and senators.

Expected opposition protest:

It is expected that, like in previous years, the PTI-led opposition is likely to stage a noisy protest during his speech. In Zardari’s previous address, he urged politicians to end hostility and work together. He emphasised political harmony as a solution to Pakistan’s ongoing crisis. In addition, he also stressed the importance of eliminating terrorism and improving key sectors like business, health, education, and poverty reduction.

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Constitutional obligation and security measures:

The National Assembly Secretariat has enforced strict security measures for the parliamentary session. Sources have revealed that Zardari’s speech will outline the federal government’s performance and discuss governance issues and national challenges.

Rising political tensions between coalition partners:

The PMLN and PPP are in dispute, but Zardari will address the parliamentary session. Although the Pakistan People’s Party has no ministers in the federal cabinet, its support remains crucial for the coalition’s survival. PPP leaders have publicly criticised the PML-N’s approach. They accuse the ruling party of sidelining its ally, especially in Punjab, where the PML-N holds power.

Water dispute deepens rift:

A major point of contention is the federal government’s plan to create new canals from the Indus River. The PPP-led Sindh government opposes this move. It argued to reduce Sindh’s water supply. Sindh officials warn that the project could turn fertile land barren. They have demanded a review of the plan and strained relations with the PML-N.