dr. arif alvi president of the islamic republic of pakistan address...

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Dr. Arif Alvi

President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Address to the

“Joint Session of the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament)”

(Islamabad: September 12, 2019)

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“Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Raheem”

Honorable, Chairman Senate,

Honorable, Speaker National Assembly,

Respected Members of Parliament…and,

My Dear Countrymen,

Assalam-o-Alaikum!

I congratulate the current Government on completion of its first

Parliamentary year. It is my constitutional responsibility to oversee the

performance of the Government and the Parliament, and to guide them

according to the constitution and law, where it is needed. The presence

of public representatives here today is a reflection of public aspirations

and from them people have high hopes. We are answerable to Allah

Almighty and people and we should always keep this in our minds. May

Allah Almighty give us the strength to serve the people of this country,

so that we are satisfied in our conscience!

My Fellow Countrymen!

The Government and people of Pakistan have strongly reacted to the

recent Indian actions in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. India, through

its illegal and unilateral actions¸ has not only violated the UN resolutions

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and international laws, but has also harmed the spirit of Simla

Agreement. In this regard, the Parliament, in its joint session of 7th

August 2019, has consensually condemned the illicit and unilateral

actions of India in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in the strongest

manner. The Government has decided to downgrade its diplomatic ties

with India, suspend bilateral trade, review bilateral relations, and to take

up Kashmir Dispute at UN and other international fora.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

It is a big diplomatic triumph for Pakistan that the Kashmir dispute has

been brought in for discussion in a special session of United Nations

Security Council (UNSC) after fifty years, especially when India had

made all-out efforts to prevent it. Security Council deliberations on

Kashmir after decades reflect that Kashmir is not an internal matter of

India; rather it is an internationally recognized dispute, for which the

international community, especially UNSC, has to play its legitimate

role, otherwise this dispute can become a grave danger to the regional

and international peace. Additionally, Organization of Islamic

Cooperation (OIC) has strongly condemned the illegal and aggressive

actions of India in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and has demanded that

all kinds of restrictions in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir be lifted

forthwith and this longstanding conflict be resolved through UN

resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Moreover, the UN

Human Rights Council, with the support of 58 countries, has issued a

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joint statement demanding from India to immediately remove all

restraints in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Here we also want to thank

all those friendly countries, which recognized the severity of Kashmir

dispute and played their role in convening the special session of UNSC.

In this regard, we thank China most earnestly.

Honorable Members of Parliament!

I commend the successful visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to the

United States of America and his drawing the attention of the American

President to the longstanding dispute of Kashmir. Pakistan will welcome

American initiative towards mediation for the just and sustainable

resolution of this dispute.


Due to the presence of nine hundred thousand Indian troops in Occupied

Jammu and Kashmir, it has become the most militarized zone of the

world. India is trying to silence the voice of Kashmiris by using brutal

force. Today Indian secularism and democracy have been surrendered to

the extremism of RSS. India has become hostage in the hands of the

Hindu extremists and fascists in the same way that once Germany had

become in the hands of Nazis and Nazism. The lives of nine million

Kashmiris are in danger. I appeal to the UN to send its observers to

Kashmir to ascertain the true conditions prevailing there.

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The deployment of extra one hundred and eighty thousand Indian troops

in Kashmir in the recent months is a matter of grave concern. Usurper

Indian armed forces are committing blatant violations of human rights of

Kashmiris by such heinous and brutal crimes as slaughter, violence,

illegal imprisonments, use of pellet guns, and rape of Kashmiri women.

Extremist Indian leadership is bent upon mutilating the demographics of

Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and is inclined to repeat in Kashmir the

same inhumane action of genocide as it was done in Yugoslavia. If the

world does not take notice of the Indian genocide in Kashmir, I fear that

the world peace will be gravely imperiled.

Pakistan wants to make it clear to India that genocide of innocent

Kashmiris will not be tolerated. Through the platform of this august

Parliament, I want to clarify to the international community that any

negligence in this regard will pose a serious threat to international peace.


Pakistan endorses the right to self-determination of the people of

Occupied Jammu and Kashmir under the UNSC resolutions and

international law. In this regard, the whole Pakistani nation stands by its

oppressed Kashmiri brethren and will continue its moral, political and

diplomatic support to them until they are given their just right to self-

determination. We will never leave them alone. We have always been

with them, we are with them, and we will always remain with them.

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India is continuously violating the ceasefire agreement through its

unprovoked firing and bombing of unarmed civilian population across

the Line of Control (LOC). Last year, Pakistan informed UNMOGIP of

India’s repeated violations of LOC. The irresponsible and aggressive

Indian actions have seriously endangered South Asian peace and

stability. Even now we warn India to come to its senses and not to cause

an irreversible situation.

Pakistan has always responded with patience to Indian war hysteria and

repeatedly admonished it not to consider our desire for peace as a

weakness. When the Pulwama incident transpired, India pinned the

blame on Pakistan without any proof. At that time also, Prime Minister

of Pakistan offered cooperation in investigations and asked India for

proofs, but instead India started provocations on Pakistani border. As a

result of that, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), displaying supreme courage,

had shot down the invading Indian planes. The pilot of one Indian plane

that crashed on our side of the border was taken into custody. The very

next day, Prime Minister Imran khan in a joint session of the Parliament

announced the release of Indian pilot as a gesture of goodwill, which

was globally applauded.

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Honorable Parliamentarians!

India has always been involved in subversive activities and terrorism in

Pakistan. One of its examples appeared in the form of the arrest of

Commander Kulbushan Yadav, who confessed that he is a serving

officer of Indian navy and the purpose of his arrival in Balochistan was

to sponsor and fan terrorism in Balochistan. He was imprisoned for these

heinous crimes by a military court of Pakistan. Afterwards, India took

the case to International Court of Justice that dismissed all Indian

appeals for the acquittal, release, and return of Commander Kulbushan

Yadav.


The world will have to realize that today, a Hindu extremist mindset has

taken over India. The world will have to confront these fascist policies.

The religious extremism of RSS is fast reshaping the face of the India of

Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. This change has made the lives

of minorities and moderates of India unsafe. We believe that the events

transpiring in India have once again proven the veracity of the vision of

founding fathers of Pakistan and Two-Nation Theory.


The purpose of Pakistan was the establishment of a system based on

justice, tolerance, and equality, where every citizen would enjoy liberty.

The State of Medina was a practical manifestation of the principles of

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justice, tolerance, and equality. Moreover, the dream of Allama Iqbal

and the struggle of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah were also

inspired by the ideal of formation of such a model state.


Islam highly values mosque and it is not merely meant as a place for

offering prayers, but it has also been used as a centre for the training,

betterment, spiritual purification and reformation of the individuals.

Masjid-e-Nabvi is its living example. Even today, mosque is the best

platform for the reformation of the society. Ulemas should come forward

and play their role in fighting the social evils. I have also requested

Council of Islamic Ideology to effectively use the pulpit of the mosque

to create awareness among people about women’s Right to Inheritance,

cleanliness and hygiene, water conservation, environment and tree

plantation, and human health.


Prime Minister Imran Khan in his inaugural address had presented the

vision of shaping Pakistan on the model of State of Medina. In fact, the

political, social, economic progress and stability of Pakistan is

contingent upon transforming Pakistan into State of Medina.

Even behind the migration of Holy Prophet (PBUH), the vision was the

introduction and establishment of the same social system. The

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exemplary governance of Holy Prophet (PBUH) united the internally

and externally dispersed Yathrib and transformed it into an Islamic

welfare state. Keeping in view the shape of the State of Medina that

appeared during the life of Holy Prophet (PBUH), it can be easily said

the first state to accord human right was the State of Medina.


The incumbent Government from day one has been endeavoring to

formulate policies to materialize the projects of progress and welfare of

the country and to implement these policies. In the short duration of one

year, 52 Cabinet sessions were held, which reflects that the Government

is proactive and dedicated to the discharge of its responsibilities. I am

pleased that the Prime Minister, taking personal interest, is watchful of

the performance of every ministry.

On special directions of Prime Minister, Pakistan Citizen Portal has been

launched, through which citizens can directly get their complaints sent to

the concerned authorities and get them resolved speedily. I would like

that this system be made more efficient, so that good governance and the

welfare of the people can be ensured. Moreover, Cabinet decisions on

austerity measures must also be commended.

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Information Technology Policy of the Government is noteworthy. The

use of Information Technology (IT) will play an important role in

bringing more transparency in the Government affairs. Without

developing indigenous IT market, we cannot compete with the world. I

would like to emphasize that it is essential for our economic stability and

growth that we focus on Technology Driven Knowledge Economy, so

that Pakistan can compete with the developed nations in the Fourth

Industrial Revolution. We will have to familiarize our youth with the

understanding of Computer Languages and modern knowledge of

Artificial Intelligence, Internet of things, Cloud Computing, and

Blockchain.


There is no denying the fact that the future of our beloved country

depends upon democracy. Only through the stability of the democratic

institutions and the strength of federal units democracy can flourish and

strengthen. The elections held in erstwhile tribal areas last month are yet

another step towards the democratic process in the country. The merger

of erstwhile FATA will give it the chance of being mainstreamed into

the national development. The Government has dedicated a huge amount

of money for the development and construction of erstwhile FATA. This

amount is in addition to Successful Youth, construction of low-cost

houses, Clean and Green Pakistan, Sehat Insaf card, and Billion Tree

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Tsumani. This will help raise the standard of life of the people of

erstwhile FATA.


Economically, the country is passing through a challenging time. The

Government inherited Current Account and Budget Deficits and Circular

Debt. Domestic and foreign debts have also exceeded limits. The

national economy was on the verge of collapse. A large proportion of

our revenues is used to service debts and very little revenues are left for

development work.

It is important to note here that compared to the previous financial year,

there has been a considerable reduction in our Current Account Deficit,

due to increase in exports and decrease in imports. Additionally,

remittances have increased and Foreign Exchange Reserves have also

gone up.

Pakistan could not meet its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in

2015. I would like to underscore here that it is our national responsibility

to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to allow the

common man to reap their benefits. I expect from all relevant

institutions that they will make concerted efforts to ensure achievement

of SDGs.

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Smuggling destroys the economy of any nation. It also creates hurdles

in international relations. The need of the hour is the will to bring all

economic activity into Government purview through documentation and

to eradicate the bane of smuggling.

Corruption remained rampant during the previous eras and unjust

decisions were taken. Ignoring accountability, rulers irreparably harmed

the national economy. It is for this reason that our economy could not be

remodeled on modern principles and a large part of it went into Black

Economy, whose effects we are reeling from even today.

To deal with these challenges, the Government had to take hard

decisions in Budget 2019-2020. Tough actions like tax reforms are

important for the economic betterment. FBR has introduced reforms to

bring more people into tax net and to increase the percentage of

taxpayers, which are essential for economic stability. These measures

have increased the number of tax filers and it is a continuous process,

which ought to continue. I also want that FBR is further reformed and

the tax filing made easier and more comprehensible for the ease of tax

filers.


There are huge opportunities of investment in Pakistan. The importance

and need of investment and trade for the progress and prosperity of the

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country cannot be ignored. Formulation of easy and pragmatic policies

for encouraging investments and promoting trade is an important step.

Various countries are willing to invest in Pakistan and various projects

are already underway in this regard. It is praiseworthy that Pakistan has

gone up several notches on the Ease of Doing Business Index and it is

hoped it will continue to improve further. This facility is not meant only

for foreign investors but is very important for domestic investors as well.

My Fellow Countrymen!

Institutions and civil services hold paramount importance in the

development of a nation. Since inception, civil bureaucracy of Pakistan,

despite challenges, has been rendering unparalleled Public Service

Delivery for progress and development of the country. However, the

incumbent Government has initiated the process of institutional reforms

in order to bring further improvements in civil institutions to make them

at par with the international standards. I would like that this important

task be completed at the earliest.

My beloved People!

Corruption is capable of destroying any society by weakening its

foundations. Unfortunately, this curse has widely spread in our society.

The accountability of those who plundered national wealth and resources

continues. Remember, if the society is clean and transparent, we will be

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able to keep alive our glorious national traditions and to earn a respectful

place in the comity of nations.


Another problem that deserves our immediate attention is the population

explosion, which constrains national resources. I warn the Government

to pay instant attention to this and create public awareness about it by

utilizing all available resources. In this regard, awareness campaign on

media can be very helpful. Public should be sensitized about the adverse

effects of population growth, by taking on board the ulema, political

and social leaders as well as civil society. In this context, I would like to

draw your attention to the fact that due to lack of gap between

pregnancies, the mother and the child are falling prey to malnutrition

and stunting. I would like to direct the Government to pay special

attention to the issues of malnutrition and stunting.


Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. Keeping in view the

importance of this sector, the Government has launched Prime

Minister’s Agriculture Emergency Program for enhancing the yield of

basic commodities like wheat, rice, and sugar. This Program will help in

the promotion of National Oilseed Enhancement Program, protection

and optimal use of water reservoirs, fishing, small and medium livestock

farming, poultry farming, and olive plantation on commercial scale.

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In the development of this sector, for provision of agricultural drugs,

fertilizers, and other agricultural tools to farmers at reasonable cost, it is

important to formulate an effective and comprehensive policy as well as

to ensure easy access of commodities to the market. I hope that the

Government will also focus on this.


It is the basic responsibility of a state to protect the fundamental rights of

citizens. Protection of life and property and honor and esteem, provision

of education and health services, and access to speedy justice are the

symbols of good governance. We have to make Pakistan a welfare state,

where employment, health of the downtrodden, education, equitable

distribution of resources, and justice are available. Provision of easy and

speedy justice is a step towards the State of Medina. In this regard,

Code of Civil Procedure (Amendment) Bill,

Legal Aid and Justice Authority Bill,

Letters of Administration and Succession Certificate Bill,

Whistleblower Protection and Vigilance Commission Bill,

Enforcement of Women’s Property Rights Bill, and

Mutual Legal Assistance Bill,

which are at different legislative stages, are crucial legal steps. I would

request the Parliament to pass these bills at the earliest, so that swift

justice can be dispensed to people. On this occasion, I would also like to

commend the efforts of the Judiciary. Last year, our courts swiftly

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disposed of decades old cases. Moreover, the launching of Model Courts

is also an admirable decision, which will help provide swift and cheap

justice to the masses.

The current Government has launched Ehsaas Program. Prime Minister

Imran Khan is personally overseeing this Program. In terms of

magnitude, this program will prove to be the largest social protection

program. Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division has a broad

scope. All the welfare programs of this ministry will prove beneficial for

the low-income segments of society and those who are living below

poverty line. I direct the incumbent Government to ensure transparency

in the process.


To empower women according to the vision of Prime Minister, they are

being given equal ownership in Ehsaas Program. The present

Government is also comprehensively reviewing the programs initiated

by the previous governments to further improve them. It is necessary

that the Government broaden the scope of the Program to extend its

benefits to the indigent segments in the remote areas. We will have to

restore women esteem in the society so that they can play their critical

role in making their whole family a productive part of the society.

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I want to emphasize that to give women their due place in society, it is

imperative to protect their right to inheritance, which we will have to

ensure through requisite legislation and practical steps.


No society can progress unless its citizens are healthy. Both physical and

mental wellbeing is important. In this regard, the current Government

has initiated Sehat Sahulat Program, under which Sehat Insaf Card has

been launched. Under this scheme, 15 million people will gain access to

health services and numerous public and private hospitals will provide

free treatment. The prime Minister’s National Programme for Prevention

and Control of Hepatitis C is a remarkable endeavor. I hope that this

program will be comprehensively spread to all corners of the country so

that this fatal disease can be eradicated.

The Government deserves commendation for its initiative of Panah Gahs

for the homeless. Likewise, the provision of houses on cheap and easy

terms is a revolutionary step of this Government. Prime Minster of

Pakistan has inaugurated several projects in this regard. I hope that these

projects will be completed speedily.


No country can progress until it invests in education. Only those

countries succeeded n the world that focused on education. Keeping in

view the importance of education for national development, the

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Government has taken all stakeholders on board in the preparation of

National Education Policy Framework (NEPF). This is a positive step.

NAVTTC and other institutions are being made functional so that the

standard of technical and professional training can be improved.

Cooperation from Benazir Income Support Program is also obtained for

this. I expect that the Government will continue its efforts in this

regards.


Pakistan is the second largest Asian countries in terms of youth

population. More than 60% of our population consists of youth.

Undoubtedly, the future of our nation is in their hands. In this regard,

various projects are in process under Prime Minister’s Successful Youth

Program. It is another auspicious fact that according to Forbes, Pakistan

ranked among the top ten fastest growing Software Freelance Markets,

with a growth rate of 47% this year. The need of the hour is to prepare

our youth for these emerging opportunities so that they can earn gainful

employment as well as contribute to national development.

Overseas Pakistanis are our asset. The Government has taken

considerable steps for their ease and facility. I would like that hurdles in

transmission of money through banking channels should be removed

immediately so that remittances may be enhanced. Digital Payment and

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Digital Wallet should be arranged so that everyone can make payments

through their mobiles. This will also facilitate documentation.

People with Special Abilities are an important part of our society, who

are unfortunately impaired either physically or mentally. Such people

deserve our special attention and love. It is important to provide them

with opportunities and facilities to become part of the society and to

move forward in life. I direct the Government to make the best plans for

such people so that they can become proactive members of the society.


Climate change is one of the most complicated global issues. The global

temperature is rising, as a result glaciers are fast melting. This is

adversely affecting our country. The increase in air and industrial

pollution is adversely affecting the environment of the cities. To grapple

with its consequences, the Government has initiated Clean and Green

Pakistan Program, under which 10 billion trees will be planted in 5

years.


The construction of water reservoirs is the need of the hour. The only

solution to this is the construction of new dams. Additionally, we will

have to stop the wastage of water. For this, it is important to create

public awareness about how to use water more prudently in our daily

lives. This needs special attention. Islam also enjoins upon us to

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moderately use water. There cannot be a better instruction than this that

our beloved Prophet (PBUH) forbade the extravagant use of water even

for ablutions.


Our beloved country is facing energy crisis since the last decade. This

Government immediately focused on this sector after assuming power

and took various steps at the technical and administrative level to reduce

energy losses. Provision of electricity to masses and industry must be

ensured. A policy of zero-tolerance has been adopted against electricity

theft, over-billing, and departmental corruption. However, people will

benefit from these steps only if the rates of electricity are lowered. The

Government must also focus on this.

Beloved Countrymen!

Pakistan is a beautiful country that can attract tourists from across the

world. We have huge potential for religious as well as cultural tourism.

Surely, if steps are taken for promotion of tourism, national economy

can also be improved. Online Electronic Visa Regime has been

introduced for 175 countries, which will effectively promote tourism. In

this regard, the opening of Kartarpur Corridor is commendable. It will

not only provide Sikh Pilgrims easy access to their holy places but also

boost our religious tourism.

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The geographical significance of Pakistan has focused the world’s

attention on it. Pakistan is world’s seventh and Muslim world’s first

nuclear power. Our nuclear assets are a deterrent to the aggressive

designs of our enemies. We are proud that our valiant armed forces have

proved their mettle to the world by fighting a long, arduous war against

terrorism. The sacrifices rendered by our armed forces for the protection

of the country are unmatched. I salute my meritorious and brave armed

forces and assure that the whole nation stands with them shoulder to

shoulder in the security and defense of the motherland. The

establishment of National Internal Security Committee and National

Intelligence Committee is auspicious. In past, due to certain bad

decisions, we incurred the curse of extremism and our biggest political

mistake was to get involved in others’ wars. We have been giving refuge

to millions of Afghan brethren. Although, this is an unprecedented

example of hospitality and generosity in the world, yet it adversely

impacted Pakistani economy. In view of these matters, I would like to

highlight that all major decisions should be taken by keeping national

interests supreme.

Ladies & Gentleman!

Pakistan is desirous of friendly relations with all its neighbors and all

other countries indiscriminately on the basis of impartiality, equality,

mutual trust and shared interests. With the formation of this

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Government, a new era has begun in the realm of Foreign Relations.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has made several important foreign visits.

Eminent personalities from various countries also visited Pakistan,

which is the manifestation of a vibrant foreign policy.

Ladies & Gentleman!

It is the success of our narrative that today the world accepts that there is

no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan. We want peace in

Afghanistan through Afghan-owned and Afghan-led political dialogue.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have historical relations, which are based on

neighborhood, brotherhood and friendship. Lasting peace in Afghanistan

will open new trade routes for the region and we will always work with

sincerity in this regard.


Pakistan-China relations are an expression of ideal friendship and

mutual trust. Over the time, these relations continue to grow from

strength to strength. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is not

only beneficial to these two countries but its completion will also usher

in a bright future for the entire region. It will provide easy access to

Central Asian Republics. New sectors have been added in CPEC for the

sustainable development of the country.

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In line with the requirements of the country, apart from Energy and

infrastructure, focus of the CPEC projects has also been shifted to

industrial cooperation, socio-economic development, agriculture, third-

party participation and Gwadar. The second phase of Free Trade

Agreement (FTA) with China will also open the doors of substantial

investment in Pakistan. China lifted 700 million people out of poverty

and took concrete measures against corruption. The current Government

can take effective measures to eradicate poverty and deprivation from

the country by taking advantage of China’s experiences.

Respected Members!

Bilateral relations between Pakistan and USA are of historical and

pivotal importance. During the last few years, these ties have witnessed

a downturn due to trust deficit. Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recent

successful visit to Washington has reversed this trend and started a new

phase in the relationship.

Pakistan’s relations with Saudi Arabia are of paramount importance.

Saudi Arabia has always fully supported Pakistan through thick and thin.

People of Pakistan have strong feelings of devotion and respect for the

custodian of Holy Mosques.

Relations with Iran are also witnessing an upward trajectory. Prime

Minister’s visit to Iran also reflects that Pakistan desires to further

enhance bilateral ties with this brotherly neighbor. Excellent relationship

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between Pakistan and Iran has huge significance for the common

interests of the people of both countries.

Our special relationship with Turkey spans over decades. We are

grateful to this brotherly country that has always stood with us in

difficult times.

Pakistan also attaches great importance to its relations with Russian

Federation. We have been cooperating in various fields of economy,

defense and culture, which should further grow with time.

Pakistan wants closer economic, trade and investment relations with

Europe and European Union. In this regard, recent agreement on

Strategic Engagement Plan is a welcome development.

Incumbent Government’s policy of promoting closer relations and

cooperation with the African countries is of utmost importance.

Similarly, enhancement in the cooperation with Far East and Latin

American countries is also being made.

Pakistan is playing a vibrant and proactive role in UN and other

International and regional organizations like ECO and SCO. Our brave

soldiers will also continue to play their positive role in UN peacekeeping

missions, as always.

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Media is considered as the fourth pillar of the State. From day one,

present Government has been encouraging media to perform its positive

and constructive role. Media is free and enjoys full freedom. The current

century profoundly depends upon the significance of media. However, I

would like to stress that in the current situation, media will have to

responsibly play its positive and constructive role, which should be

based on truth and national sentiments.

The importance of social media cannot be over emphasized. One cannot

deny its scope and outreach. I would like that Government should

formulate a comprehensive and effective policy regarding social media,

so that fake news, disinformation, and misinformation could be

countered and real news could be given proper coverage. Likewise, this

important medium should be optimally utilized for the promotion of

national identity, health, education, progress and development.

Respected Members of the Parliament!

It is dream of the Government to establish a modern welfare State like

Medina and efforts are being made day and night in this regard. But it

would not be possible, unless we, as a nation, collectively participate in

it. Therefore, it is imperative that every single individual must contribute

in the development of the State. If we commit, our country can

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exemplify State of Medina to the world in accordance with the wishes of

Quaid-e-Azam.

May Allah Almighty grant us strength to serve our motherland-Pakistan

and contribute in its progress and development.

May Allah be with us all, Ameen!

Pakistan Paindabad!

dr. arif alvi president of the islamic republic of pakistan address...

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