Fifth parliamentary address: Zardari boasts of PPP's achievements

Zardari becomes the first president of Pakistan to deliver a fifth address to parliament.

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari made history on Saturday when he delivered the fifth consecutive address to a joint session of Parliament. Zardari is the first president of Pakistan to deliver a fifth address in accordance with clause 3 of Article 56 in the Constitution.

The president's speech was disrupted amid rising chants by opposition parties in the parliament, making it difficult for the president to continue with his speech.

However, the opposition later walked out of the parliament in protest, restoring decorum of the session.

President Zardari's speech mainly revolved around what the government has been able to achieve during the past four years in power.

Read the text of the full speech here.

End of live updates

2:31pm

Prime Minister Gilani deserves unqualified appreciation for his political wisdom, says Zardari.

"We acknowledge PML-N, PML-Q, MQM, Fata, legislations, ANP, PML-Awami. I also appreciate the leaders of opposition and members of opposition parties."

2:30pm

Important steps have been taken to open up trade between India and Pakistan, but we must address the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, says Zardari.

"We fully support an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process in Afghanistan".

Pakistan and China also have a unique relationship; Pakistan and US relations are mulit-dimensional and important, says Zardari.

2:25pm

The president says a lot more needs to be done to address issues of under-developed areas.

The president says much more needs to be done to heal the wounds of the past in Balochistan. "We apologise for our mistakes".

Zardari apologises for both political and economical mistakes in Balochistan.

The government is committed towards the empowerment of women, says Zardari.

2:22pm

The MQM is thumping desks in support of the government.

Zardari lists out action taken by the government to help the "common man". He acknowledges the current power crisis but lists efforts of the government to generate electricity, including dam construction and indigenous projects.

"Since 2008, the government has added 3,300MW to the power grid."

2:18pm

The opposition has walked out of Zardari's parliamentary address.  The opposition parties - PML-N and JUI-F - protested in parliament shouting "stop plunder and looting" and stop lying, "fulfill your promises", "stop deceiving public".

Zardari lists out new projects started by the government.

2:14pm

The economy did grow by 4% despite all difficulties, says Zardari.

"Our foreign reserves reached their highest level ever...we've worked hard to bring inflation down from 25% to 11%".

The President lists out multiple economic achievements of the government.

2:12pm

Zardari lauds the government's efforts to empower the provinces, particularly Gilgit Baltistan, Fata and Balochistan. He cites development projects as achievements of the government.

Speaker of the house calls on parliamentarians to "maintain sanctity of the house" as opposition chants continue.

Boos and cat calls echo in parliament.

2:08pm

Zardari says Islam, a religion of peace and harmony has been exploited. He says the government has used force where necessary to fight terrorism.

"I salute all those who have laid their lives to secure the future of our nation."

2:05pm

Zardari says the government worked together to restore the 1973 constitution, supremacy of the parliament has been assured.

President says he relinquished his powers, which was a historic step.

"Today PM and chief execute enjoy full authority as acquired by law."

President Zardari lists challenges the government faced, saying the PPP government inherited a country at war.

"We tried to meet the aspirations of the people" says Zardari.

2:00pm

The world can see the march of democracy goes on, says Zardari.

"During this leadership, we will see free and fair elections".

The president's speech is being drowned out by a ruckus in the assembly.

Chants of "loot maar band karo" begin. Desk banging ensues.

1:50pm

The joint session of parliament begins with the national anthem.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif and Sindh Governor Ishratul Ebad are not present.

1:30pm

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has reached Parliament house.

All provincial governors have also arrived for Zardari's address, which is expected to start soon.

1:22pm

MQM leaders have arrived to take part in the joint session of parliament.

The coalition partners are in a meeting to discuss points to raise regarding the government's performance. The opposition is expected to attack the government on this very point.

1:15pm

Express News reports that the opposition plans to attend the assembly wearing black arm bands as a sign of protest.

The opposition has also decided to engage in vocal protests and create a ruckus during the session.

12:45pm

Opposition leader Chaudhry Nisar, speaking to The Express Tribune termed the President's upcoming address as "a victory of democracy, its a good omen for Pakistan."

Foreign ambassadors and diplomats will be arriving for the speech.

Members of parliament are streaming into the assembly.

High security alert in the city has caused a lot of difficulty for citizens.

The Red Zone has been completely closed off to the public.

12:20pm

Tight security has been put in place for the joint session of parliament, both around the parliament house and across the capital.

12:15pm

The address is scheduled to start at 1:20-2pm.

Members of the opposition are holding a meeting at 12:30pm. It has been reported that the PML-N will attempt to disrupt the President's speech with desk thumping, slogan chanting and prepared speeches.

The MQM is expected to take part in the parliamentary session after a phone call by President Zardari last night convinced the coalition partner to call off its boycott.