Lahore: President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the need for comprehensive economic reforms and prudent financial policies during his speech at the Professor Waris Mir Memorial Seminar held in Lahore on Tuesday. The President outlined a vision for developing various sectors of the economy, particularly agriculture, to ensure sustainable growth and alignment with international standards.
According to Pakistan Peoples Party, President Zardari discussed plans to implement agricultural income taxes as part of the conditions set by the International Monetary Fund. These taxes, aimed at large landholding farmers, will be managed by provincial governments and scaled as per profitability and expenditures. His remarks were made before a diverse audience, including journalists, academicians, political workers, and civil society members.
During his address, President Zardari also commented on the power dynamics within the media and the impact of religious lobbying on Muslim societies. He expressed support for press freedom and reflected on his experiences with media criticism, emphasizing the importance of vigilance against agenda-driven information. Furthermore, he honored the political legacy of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed, noting the continuous challenges faced by the Pakistan People’s Party in its fight for democracy.
Tributes were also paid to the late Professor Waris Mir for his contributions to democracy and journalism, with acknowledgments to his sons, Faisal Mir and Hamid Mir, for continuing his legacy. Senior journalist Hamid Mir called for an end to political victimization and a firm adherence to the 1973 Constitution, while senior journalist Sohail Warraich highlighted the need for political reconciliation, recognizing President Zardari’s potential role in mitigating the nation’s political and economic challenges.