Pakistan President rejects govt’s Indus Canal plan, warns against ‘unilateral policies’

Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday criticized the government's plan to draw additional canals from the Indus River system, calling it a "unilateral decision" and urged the administration to find consensus among federal units instead.

Zardari, whose Pakistan People's Party (PPP) is a ruling coalition partner, stated firmly, "I cannot support this proposal as President. I request that this government abandon the current proposal and work with all stakeholders to find a workable, sustainable solution based on unanimous consensus among the federal units."

In his approximately 32-minute address to the joint session of Parliament marking the beginning of its second parliamentary year, Zardari warned, "It is my constitutional duty as your President and my personal responsibility as a patriotic Pakistani to warn the House and the government that some of your unilateral policies are causing severe pressure on the federation."

The president emphasized Parliament's responsibility in nation-building, strengthening institutions, and improving governance. "In democracy, there is a need for give and take. There can be no better place than Parliament to work on collective goals," he said, adding that elected representatives should serve as role models for the nation.

President Asif Ali Zardari addresses a Joint Session of Parliament at the Parliament House, Islamabad on March 10, 2025.GoP

Zardari urged parliamentarians to "think beyond narrow goals" and focus on unity and consensus, which he said the country "desperately needs." He stressed that "Parliament is a forum where any sense of deprivation can be addressed in a constructive manner" and that the executive branch could address such feelings with political sensitivity.

While criticizing aspects of governance, the president also praised the government's economic policies and advocated for tax reforms, youth skills development, creating employment opportunities for women, and further improvements to various sectors, including information technology.

Regarding foreign affairs, Zardari characterized relations with other countries, including China and the United States, as promising and recommended further enhancement of diplomatic initiatives.

The joint session adjourned after the president's speech, officially beginning the second parliamentary year. The first parliamentary year had been characterized by high legislative output despite reduced working hours, rushed constitutional changes, and intensifying political polarization.

Opposition protests during address

The president's speech continued despite vociferous protests and sloganeering from opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Sunni Ittehad Council members. The opposition, led by National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub and Senate Opposition Leader Shibli Faraz, demanded the release of Imran Khan and repeatedly chanted "why were shots fired?"

This slogan references PTI's allegations that government forces fired live ammunition at "peaceful protesters" during the November 26, 2024, demonstration at D Chowk in Islamabad. PTI had previously demanded a judicial commission to investigate these allegations and others related to May 9 incidents during three rounds of negotiations that broke down in January.

Members of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai notably did not participate in the opposition protests, remaining seated and listening to the president's speech throughout the session.

Historic eighth address to Parliament

President Zardari made history during Monday's joint session, marking his eighth address to a joint sitting of Parliament -- the most by any Pakistani president. This address was his second since the formation of the 16th National Assembly last year.

According to parliamentary records, Zardari delivered six addresses during his previous presidential term (2008-2013), with his first on September 20, 2008. In the current coalition government, he has now addressed joint sessions twice -- on April 18, 2024, and March 10, 2025.

This achievement surpasses former presidents Ziaul Haq, Ghulam Ishaq Khan, and Dr. Arif Alvi, each of whom addressed joint parliamentary sessions five times. The presidential address, mandated under Article 56(3) of the Constitution, formally marks the beginning of each new parliamentary year.

Attendance and absences

The joint session was presided over by Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari present in the House.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was observed smiling at the opposition's slogans against Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif. She attended alongside Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb in the guests' gallery. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti were also present, along with the Governors of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

President Asif Ali Zardari, PM Shehbaz Sharif, Speaker NA Ayaz Sadiq, Chairman Senate Yousuf Raza Gillani, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, before adressing the Joint Session of the Parliament, on March 10, 2025.GoP

Foreign missions, ambassadors, and diplomatic staff from various countries in Pakistan attended the session from the guests' gallery.

Several notable figures were absent, including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and former Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and military leadership, none of whom attended the joint session of Parliament.

Following this joint session, the first National Assembly session of the new parliamentary year is scheduled for Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. with no items on the agenda. The first session will be adjourned after recitations of Fateha and expressions of condolence for the late Nawab Yousaf Talpur, with subsequent sessions continuing until March 19.