ISLAMABAD:
This is a time for records and history.
A democratic government finished its full term and handed over power to another democratic government. Then Nawaz Sharif became Prime Minister for the third time. And now, in another record for Pakistani politics, President Asif Ali Zardari has addressed a joint session of Parliament for an unprecedented sixth time.
Beyond that, the presidential address was not exactly full of surprises, but there were certain signals for those who read between the lines.
With his speech coming only a few days after the first US drone strike after the new government took power, the president urged the newly-elected government to take tough decisions to bring about an end to drone attacks, which he termed a serious violation on Pakistans sovereignty.
We need to take some hard decisions without any delay, said President Zardari in his address. Delaying decisions do not avoid problems. They only invite crises.
While condemning the attacks, which the previous government also seemed helpless to curtail, President Zardari also said Pakistan will not allow its soil to be used for terrorist activities against other countries. We will also not allow anyone to violate our sovereignty. It must be protected at all cost, he added.
We value our partnership with the United States and Europe. We need to further strengthen it on the basis of mutual trust, mutual benefit and respect for sovereignty.
No place for dictators
In a comment that observers feel is a hint at the fate of former military ruler General (retd) Pervez Musharraf, the president also assured the newly-elected government of his support to punish those who subverted the Constitution.
There is no place for dictators in todays Pakistan, he said. The Constitution [in the past] has been abrogated and unfortunately its abrogation was endorsed by the pillars of the state, President Zardari said, adding that this practice must end.
Those who subverted the Constitution must be punished. It is for this august Parliament and the government to devise an appropriate and wise policy. I assure you [new government] of my support.
Neighbourly ties
Speaking about foreign affairs, President Zardari said Pakistans relationship with China is the cornerstone of our foreign policy. Relations with China are not affected by internal political changes, he said.
Looking across the Durand line, the president said Islamabad lwants peace and stability in Afghanistan and wishes success to the Afghan-led reconciliation process
Ties with India also need to be improved, the president said. Steps need to be taken to liberalise trade with India.
We want a peaceful settlement of the water issue and a peaceful resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir issue, in accordance with the wishes of the people of the area, he added.
Constitutional amendments
President Zardari said the Parliament, on his recommendations, banished Article 58(2) (b), which had been hanging over the Parliament like a sword for decades.
Blasphemy laws
The president called for measures to prevent the misuse of blasphemy laws for settling personal and political scores.
Disabled and special people need to be integrated in the mainstream of national life. We need to develop a mechanism for transparent accountability of all, President Zardari said, adding that efforts should be made to protect and empower women and minorities, the most vulnerable of Pakistans populace.
On Balochistan
Peace and reconciliation in Balochistan must be a top priority, President Zardari said. On issue of missing persons, he said, a commission has already been set up but a lot more needs to be done.
Other challenges
Counting challenges that that Pakistan faced, President Zardari said the government has to overcome power shortages; rising militancy and extremism, which have compounded economic woes in the country.
Im confident the new government will overcome the challenges, Zardari said.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 11th, 2013.
Presidential address: Zardari urges
