President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday called on the federal government to increase wages and pensions in the upcoming budget, reduce income taxes for wage classes and focus on creating jobs instead of degradation.

In its annual address for the joint session of parliament, which marked the beginning of the new parliamentary year, Zardari highlighted the serious financial difficulties that the ordinary man, workers and employees face. He pointed to inflation, high prices for significant goods and rising energy costs as the most important burdens that affect the people.

The president emphasized that the upcoming budget should give citizens real relief. He called on the government and parliament to take steps to increase wages and pensions, reduce income taxes on wage classes and lower energy costs, which would facilitate the financial burden on the population.

“We should avoid reduction and job cuts. Instead, our focus should be on creating jobs and using trained labor productively, ”added Zardari.

As the first civilian president to refer to parliament for the eighth time, Zardari also emphasized the need for inclusive and uniform development, ensuring that no province, district or village is left.

“The ignored and neglected areas require urgent attention from the federal government. They also need investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and financial opportunities to tackle their sense of deprivation, ”the president concluded.