By; Dilshad Hadi
Islamabad – President Asif Ali Zardari delivered a comprehensive address to the joint sitting of Pakistan’s Parliament on Monday, marking his ninth speech to the house as a twice-elected president. The address, delivered at the start of the new parliamentary year, came amid disruptions from opposition members who chanted slogans including “Go Zardari Go” and calls for the release of Imran Khan.
In his speech, President Zardari described it as a “singular privilege” and emphasized that each such address serves as a reminder of the continuity of Pakistan’s democratic system and collective responsibility. He stated that nations are tested not only in crises but also at critical junctures, underscoring the strength of democracy rooted in the Constitution, public resolve, parliamentary supremacy, governmental accountability, and the morale of the armed forces.
The president paid tribute to the founders of the nation, including Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of a democratic state based on constitutional rule, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s gift of a consensus Constitution, and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s sacrifices to strengthen democratic processes. He reaffirmed his commitment to parliamentary supremacy, recalling how he had devolved unilateral presidential powers back to Parliament through the historic 18th Amendment, positioning the presidency as a symbol of federal unity and guardian of constitutional laws.
National Security and Military Achievements
A significant portion of the address focused on national security. President Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s firm response to challenges over the past ten months, particularly praising the armed forces for their professionalism and restraint against unprovoked attacks on both borders. He referenced the “Maarka-e-Haq” (Battle of Truth) in 2025 as a decisive victory against Indian aggression, describing it as not just a military triumph but an expression of national resolve. He noted that the international community recognized Pakistan’s principled and decisive actions.
The president issued strong warnings to aggressors, stating that any war would result in “another humiliating defeat” for the aggressor, and urged a shift from the battlefield to the negotiating table for regional peace. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s status as a responsible nuclear state, committed to self-defense while exercising restraint after achieving objectives.
On terrorism, President Zardari condemned cross-border incursions, particularly from Afghanistan, where he accused the Taliban regime of providing safe havens to groups like TTP, BLA, Al-Qaeda, and others, in violation of the Doha Agreement. He cited UN Security Council reports warning of the global threat posed by these groups and called on the Afghan regime to eliminate terrorist sanctuaries. He stressed that Pakistan’s soil is sacred and no entity—domestic or foreign—would be allowed to use neighboring territory to destabilize the country.
He also expressed deep concern over recent events involving Iran, offering condolences on the martyrdom of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reaffirming support for Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and condemning attacks on Gulf countries while advocating dialogue and restraint to prevent further regional escalation.
Foreign Policy and Regional Issues
The president highlighted strengthened ties with key allies, including new avenues of strategic cooperation with the United States, elevated relations with China (with gratitude for solidarity during Maarka-e-Haq and anticipation for CPEC Phase II’s transformative impact), and expanded partnerships with Gulf states, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. He noted the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia strategic defense agreement as a milestone.
On Kashmir, he reiterated diplomatic and moral support for the just struggle of the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir, stating that South Asia cannot be secure until it is freed from Indian occupation. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled stance on Palestine, supporting a free Palestinian state on pre-1967 borders.
Water Security and Economic Priorities
President Zardari strongly criticized India’s “water aggression,” describing unilateral actions to stall the Indus Waters Treaty as “water terrorism” and a violation of international law aimed at destabilizing Pakistan’s agriculture and the region. He vowed to defend Pakistan’s water rights through unity, resolve, strength, and law.
On the economy, he acknowledged improvements in key indicators since 2022, crediting government measures for stabilization. He called for institutional reforms, expanded tax base, transparency, technological innovation, clean energy transition, agricultural resilience, and social protection via programs like BISP to empower women and disadvantaged groups. He emphasized fair resource distribution, provincial autonomy, and a just NFC Award.
In conclusion, President Zardari urged unity, institutional reforms, and ensuring economic benefits reach the common man, outlining priorities of safeguarding sovereignty, eradicating terrorism, promoting growth and jobs, strengthening federal harmony, and deepening democratic governance.
