I’m confident Nawaz will rise up to expectations: Zardari

President, in his historic address, says govt should ensure that blasphemy law is not misused for personal gains.

ISLAMABAD: I’m confident that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will rise up to the expectations of the people of Pakistan, said President Asif Ali Zardari during his historic sixth address to the joint session of the parliament on Monday.

He became the first elected President of Pakistan who addressed both the houses six times.

While congratulating the newly-elected prime minister and lawmakers, Zardari said there is no place for dictators in today’s Pakistan.

He said that violation of the constitution is unlawful and no court should validate it.

Recalling his first address as president five years ago, Zardari said he asked the parliament to make itself strong and take away the unnecessary powers from the president.

He stressed that “we can achieve a lot if we can keep our prejudices and egos aside.”

Speaking of women and minorities, the president said that they are the most vulnerable segments of the society and the state must protect them.

He added that the government should ensure that blasphemy law is not misused for personal gains.

Admitting that dialogue can alone ensure peace, Zardari, however, added that we should be ready to make peace with those who are willing to give up violence but we should also be willing to use force against those who challenge the country.

Condemning drone strikes, Zardari said the unmanned aircraft violate the country’s sovereignty, are counterproductive and unacceptable.

“Pakistan’s sovereignty must be protected at all cost and it will be,” he asserted.

The session was attended by foreign dignitaries, diplomats, politicians and senior civil servants.

Special personnel were deployed for security while those with special passes only entered the premises.

Sources had earlier told the correspondent that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will protest in the parliament against drone strikes.