President urges legislators to pursue broad economic, social agenda to change people’s lives

Islamabad: President Dr Arif Alvi Thursday in his annual address to the Parliament, suggested a range of measures to legislators to bring improvement in multiple sectors including economy, education, health, agriculture and women empowerment.

During the joint session of Parliament, the President began his speech by talking about the devastation caused by super floods during this year’s monsoon season.

He said the floods caused immense problems for Pakistan and its economy. He felicitated the armed forces for saving lives of the people stranded in the floods.

He appreciated the federal and provincial governments, disaster management authorities and non-governmental organizations and philanthropists for effective rescue and relief efforts and distribution of financial assistance

Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani and Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf chaired the session which marked the beginning of the new parliamentary year.

The President said more than 1500 people lost their lives and houses, buildings and infrastructure were destroyed in the floods.

He said Pakistan was emitting less than one percent of the global carbon emissions but facing severe issues due to climate change and global warming.

He thanked the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres for visiting the flood afflicted areas and meeting the flood affectees.

He lauded the United Nations for launching the flash appeal of $ 160 million in August and later for another appeal of $ 816 million and delivering aid to the flood victims in a coordinated manner.

He said it was time to prepare youth so that they could deliver medical assistance and other essential aid during emergencies and natural disasters.