President Dr Arif Alvi praised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led federal government for successfully tackling coronavirus pandemic and also highlighting the Kashmir issue at all international forums.
He was addressing a joint session of parliament in Islamabad on Thursday to mark the advent of the new parliamentary year as some members of the opposition staged a walkout amid slogans and protest.
"It makes me proud when Japan and the Philippines say they can learn from Pakistan [in dealing with the pandemic]. The government, NCOC, Ulema, doctors, paramedical staff and especially Prime Minister Imran Khan deserve all the praise," he said as the premier also attended the joint session.
"I wanted to congratulate [the entire] parliament but one part is not here. Parliament deserves all the praise for FATF, anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism related legislations. This is what parliaments are supposed to do," he added.
He said that the government handed over Rs12,000 to 14.9 million people under Ehsaas Programme which was a big achievement.
Talking about the government’s foreign policy, the president said that the Kashmir issue was discussed four to five times in the United Nations Security Council.
"Kashmiris are our brothers and we will never leave them alone. India is isolating minorities especially Muslims. The world community should talk about it more."
He went on to say that the neighbouring country had to impose a curfew in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) because it feared a strong backlash from the people.
President Alvi said that India has violated Geneva Convention, human rights' charter, UNSC resolutions over and over again. "This cannot go on for long and Kashmir would get its independence very soon."
While talking about Pakistan’s bold stand on the historic deal in the Middle East, the president praised the prime minister for taking a firm stance over the recent UAE-Israel deal that Pakistan will never accept Israel until Palestine gets independence.
He also thanked Turkey, Iran, Malaysia, China and Azerbaijan for their continuous support for Kashmir cause, saying that the bonding between these countries and Pakistan is getting stronger.
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President Alvi said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a deep friendship it will continue to thrive as both countries care for each other.
Pakistan suffered the most after Afghanistan due to the turmoil in the neighbouring country, he said, adding that bo country would be happier than Afghanistan if there is peace.
"Pakistan will benefit the most if there is peace in Afghanistan. We want to promote US-Taliban and Taliban-Afghanistan government negotiations."
Talking about the economy of the country he said that despite coronavirus pandemic, the country was able to reduce current account deficit from $20 billion to $3 billion.
He said that the foreign exchange reserves increased from $7 billion to $12.5 billion. “Remittances also increased from $20 billion to $23 billion in July a new record was set.”
He added that Moody's and Fitch have declared our economy stable. “The Pakistan Stock Exchange also crossed the 40,000 mark which also shows the confidence of investors.”
The president said that the government gave Rs280 billion package to the agriculture sector.
He said that Karachi is his city and Sindh his province and he wanted to address the issues the city and provinces was facing through cooperation.
“All institutions of Pakistan including Pakistan Army, government, media and judiciary are on the same page,” he said, adding that all wanted to eliminate the hurdles in the prosperity of Pakistan.
He said that the country is at a tipping point. "From here we can achieve great heights which have not been seen by this country in its history."
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