President Dr Arif Alvi is addressing the joint session of the parliament today (Thursday).
At the outset of his address, the president expressed that the biggest problem Pakistan was facing today was the catastrophic flood that wreaked havoc across the country and rendered millions homeless.
“I want to felicitate the Pakistan Army for helping victims while sacrificing their lives. The federal and provincial governments, PDMA (Provincial Disaster Management Authority), and NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) all worked hard on the ground. I thank all of them.”
Dr Alvi pointed out that if the relief work was not done on time, the human and economic losses from the floods would have been higher.
Pakistan’s contribution to global warming was not even 1 per cent, but the country was suffering the most, he said. “I want to commend agencies and the government for the way they worked. I believe they deserve commendation.”
According to a notification issued by the President House on Oct 4, the session was called in line with articles 54(1) and 56(3) of the Constitution.
The president has summoned the session on the recommendation of the federal government, it added.
The mandatory address of the president to the joint sitting of the parliament became due since the start of the National Assembly’s parliamentary year on August 14.
As per tradition, the president, in his address highlights the performance of the incumbent government. The speech is prepared by the government.
However, this will be a tricky situation for President Alvi, who belongs to the PTI, as he has to highlight the achievements of the current PML-N government during the past four months, along with the eight-month performance of his party.
Earlier, NA Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf had already adjourned the joint sitting of parliament twice, without assigning any reason.
President Arif Alvi addresses joint session of Parliament
