All institutions should work within ambit of constitution: Mamnoon
Mamnoon Hussain says the continuation of democracy essential for prosperity in the country.
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – President Mamnoon Hussain addressed the joint session of the Parliament at the beginning of new parliamentary year today (Monday).
He said continuity of democracy was important for the country s progress and stressed that all state institutions must work within the ambit of Constitution.
The President said democracy was not about pursuing confrontation, conflict and revenge but it promoted affinity, tolerance, forgiveness and mutual cooperation.
Mamnoon Hussain urged the parliamentarians to come up to the expectations of the people and work hard for their development, progress and prosperity.
The president said opposition had to play a key role in strengthening the democracy and it was appreciable that the opposition in the parliament had played a commendable role in this regard.
He expressed satisfaction over the performance of the both houses of the parliament during the last years and hoped that they would continue to work for speedy development of the country.
The president said government also took a bold initiative and launched dialogue with Taliban to bring peace and hoped this would lead towards its logical end.
Referring to Pakistan s relations with other countries, Mamnoon said we want brotherly and friendly relations with all neighbours on the principle of sovereignty and equality. He said the visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to New Delhi was also a step forward to normalise relation with our neighour to bring peace and stability in the region.
The president said Pakistan wants a negotiated settlement of Kashmir dispute according to UN Security Council Resolutions and aspirations of the people.
He said Pakistan gives priority to its relations with China and realises that friendship between the two countries was not merely a traditional diplomatic bond but in present times it had become a live metaphor of exemplary and eternal relationship. He said Pakistan is grateful to European Union for providing it access to their markets.
Coming to internal issues, President Mamnoon Hussain said realistic and pragmatic policies of the government for the development and prosperity of the country had enhanced our esteem and respect in the international community.
He also highlighted various schemes and projects launched by the government to generate employment for youth.
The President said it is a matter of satisfaction that all state institutions are performing their duties with consummate harmony and devotion. He said our armed forces are defending and protecting borders of country very proficiently and other defence institutions are working diligently day and night while the whole nation is proud of them.
President Mamnoon Hussain said the Armed forces are not only protecting our boundary but they now are also performing important functions for ensuring internal security. They rendered matchless sacrifices for securing our future and we honour their sacrifices.
He also paid tribute to the sacrifices given by the people specially FATA who have always been in the fore front in the defence of the country.
The president lauded vibrant role of civil society and called upon it to give consideration to the law of the country, national tradition and temperament of society and feelings of the masses while performing of their role.
Mamnoon said media was playing its role as a watchdog and there was complete freedom of expression in the country. However, he said, people of Pakistan feel that along with its freedom the media should also realize its responsibility.
The President said performance of judiciary did not require any analysis and it was improving its traditions as per new standards.
He said it is matter of satisfaction that minorities were enjoying equal rights in Pakistan and they were not facing any discriminatory attitude. He said the role of minorities in the development and construction of country was really laudable.
Mamnoon said supremacy of constitution had become inter dependent and solution for all problems has to be sought while remaining within the established constitutional framework. He said democratic transition and sustainability was not only a national requirement it was also equally important for our national security, dignity and political identity. He stressed further promoting reconciliatory approach to move forward the country.
The president called upon all state institutions to perform their duties according to the law of the land and they may not make political likes and dislikes while performing their duties.
He called upon the nation and the parliament to make a solemn pledge for eradicating curse of terrorism, overcoming corruption, injustice, exploitation and disparity.
Chairman and Deputy Chairman Senate, Speakers, Governors, Chief Ministers, AJK President and Prime Minister, the three services chiefs and diplomats attended the session on special invitation.
On the other hand, Opposition parties in Senate including Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Baloch National Party, PML-Q and Awami National Party (ANP) boycotted President Mamnoon Hussain’s address to the joint session of the Parliament.
Talking to media, PPP leader Senator Aitzaz Ahsan said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif did not visit the Upper House of the Parliament (Senate) even for a single moment.
He said PM’s name should be included in Guinness World Records for his constant ignorance of Upper House of Parliament.
