ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, March 17 (UPI) -- The Pakistani opposition first shouted in protest Saturday as President Asif Ali Zardari addressed a joint parliamentary session and then walked out.
As the president detailed the achievements of his government and said coming elections will be free and fair, opposition members of Parliament accused him and his allies of "looting and plundering," Dawn News reported. The opposition ignored cries from Fehmida Mirza, the speaker, to "maintain the sanctity of the House."
"We are starting a new parliamentary year. During this period, we will see free and fair election," Zardari said.
Laws passed during his administration are designed to "make the democracy more transparent and ensure that the elections are fair and free," he said.
Zardari's wife, Benazir Bhutto, who was twice prime minister of Pakistan, was assassinated in 2007 after she returned from exile to campaign for the Pakistan People's Party.
In his speech, Zardari said the government is making progress in its fight against extremist groups.
"Where necessary, we have used force to ensure that the writ of the state is not challenged. We will continue to show resolve on this issue," he said.
