Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Addressing a joint session of Parliament, President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed that Pakistan will not allow any domestic or foreign entity to use its soil — or that of any neighboring country — to destabilize its peace.

Calling it a “unique honor,” Zardari noted that the address marked his ninth speech to Parliament as a twice-elected president, describing such occasions as reminders of democratic continuity and constitutional responsibility.

He emphasized that nations are tested not only in times of crisis but also at critical turning points. The strength of the republic, he said, lies in the Constitution, the resilience of the people, parliamentary supremacy, responsible governance, and the morale of the armed forces. At the start of the new parliamentary year, he urged lawmakers to uphold sovereignty, constitutional rule, and economic growth.

National Security and Regional Affairs

Zardari stated that over the past ten months, Pakistan has faced complex challenges, including unprovoked attacks along both borders. He praised the armed forces for demonstrating professionalism and discipline, claiming that Indian aggression was turned into a “historic strategic victory.”

Referring to the February 26 attacks on the western border, he said the nation stood united alongside its military in countering threats. He reiterated Pakistan’s diplomatic and moral support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that lasting peace in South Asia is impossible without resolving the Kashmir dispute.

He underscored that Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state and cited Article 51 of the UN Charter as affirming the country’s right to self-defense. He also stressed continued diplomatic efforts to prevent cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan.

The president strongly condemned the conflict sparked during negotiations with Iran and called for restraint, dialogue, and peaceful resolution to prevent further regional instability.

Foreign Policy and Strategic Partnerships

Zardari highlighted expanding strategic cooperation between Pakistan and the United States, while noting that ties with China have reached new heights. He said the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2) would transform Pakistan’s infrastructure and thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for continued support.

On Palestine, he reiterated Pakistan’s principled stance in favor of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders. He also termed India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as “water terrorism.”

Economic Reform and Governance

Linking economic stability with national security, the president stressed the need for institutional reforms, tax system transparency, and prudent public spending. He emphasized that Pakistan cannot afford to lag in clean energy development and technological innovation.

He called for strengthening social protection programs, particularly through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), to empower marginalized communities. “Security, economy, and constitutional governance are interconnected,” he said, urging unity to ensure economic gains reach ordinary citizens.

Tight Security, Opposition Protest

The session was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, foreign diplomats, and senior political leaders, including Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

Extraordinary security arrangements were enforced inside and outside Parliament House, with police commandos deployed and strict checks on access routes.

As the session began, opposition members staged a protest, chanting slogans against the president, creating a tense atmosphere in the chamber.