President Zardari's address to open National Assembly's second parliamentary year today

• Complete ban imposed on the entry of guests.
• Services chiefs, foreign envoys to attend session.
• President to outline govt's achievement in past year.
  

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari will address the joint session of parliament today (Monday) to kick off the second parliamentary year of the current National Assembly (NA), The News reported on Monday.

With necessary preparations in place,  the NA Secretariat has issued a one-point agenda for the joint session of parliament.

With NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq in chair, the NA Secretariat has made strict security measures for the joint session of parliament — summoned by the president to exercise the powers conferred under Articles 54(1) and 56(3) of the Constitution.

A complete ban has been imposed on the entry of guests into the Parliament House for security reasons.

A limited number of invitation cards have also been issued to journalists. The services chiefs and foreign ambassadors, governors and chief ministers will also attend the joint session.

With President Zardari set to outline the government's previous year's achievements and set the tone for the upcoming year, there is a strong possibility of protests from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members.

The PTI lawmakers have time again protested in the House in the past year demanding the party founder Imran Khan's release — who has been behind bars for well over a year now.

Furthermore, the president will highlight the key accomplishments of the government over the past year, with a particular focus on economic policies and their impact.

He will emphasise national understanding and consensus on national issues. He will give a policy statement on regional issues, especially the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

He will give also a policy statement on national security issues, especially in dealing with the challenge of terrorism.