Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed that Pakistan will not allow any domestic or foreign entity to use its territory to destabilize peace or act against neighboring countries.
Addressing a joint session of Parliament in Islamabad, the president said it was a unique honor to deliver his 9th address to Parliament as a twice-elected head of state.
He described the speech as a reminder of democratic continuity and constitutional responsibility.
Zardari emphasized that nations are tested not only in times of crisis but also at critical turning points. He said the strength of the republic lies in the Constitution, public resilience, parliamentary supremacy, responsible governance, and the morale of the armed forces.
At the beginning of the new parliamentary year, he urged lawmakers to reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding sovereignty, upholding the rule of law, and promoting economic development.
He paid tribute to Pakistan’s founding and democratic leaders, stating that Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned a democratic state governed by law and constitutional supremacy.
He noted that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto gave the nation a unanimous Constitution, while Benazir Bhutto strengthened democracy through sacrifice and leadership.
The president reiterated his belief in parliamentary supremacy, recalling that during his previous tenure he voluntarily transferred presidential powers back to Parliament under the landmark 18th Constitutional Amendment, reinforcing the president’s role as a symbol of federal unity.
Referring to recent security challenges, Zardari said the nation had faced complex threats over the past 10 months.
He stated that Pakistan’s armed forces responded with professionalism and discipline to unprovoked attacks along both eastern and western borders.
He added that the country achieved success on both military and diplomatic fronts and that the international community recognized Pakistan’s principled stance.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s diplomatic and moral support for the people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, saying lasting peace in South Asia would remain elusive until the Kashmir dispute is resolved. He also stressed that Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state.
Citing Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, he said Pakistan has the right to defend its sovereignty.
He noted that the entire nation stands united against cross-border terrorism and that diplomatic efforts continue to prevent militant infiltration from Afghanistan.
The president condemned the outbreak of war during negotiations involving Iran and called for restraint, dialogue, and peaceful solutions to prevent further regional destabilization.
He also said strategic cooperation between Pakistan and the United States is entering a new phase, while relations between Pakistan and China have reached new heights.
Zardari said the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would transform the country’s infrastructure and expressed appreciation for China’s leadership.
On Palestine, he reiterated Pakistan’s principled support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders.
He criticized India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it an act of “water terrorism.” He also stressed the need to address grievances in Balochistan and strengthen national unity.
Turning to economic matters, the president said economic stability and national security are inseparable.
He called for institutional reforms, transparency in taxation and public spending, and the promotion of innovation and technology.
He emphasized that Pakistan cannot afford to fall behind in clean energy development and highlighted the importance of social protection programs, particularly the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), to empower vulnerable communities.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was present during the session, along with ambassadors from various countries who attended as observers. Strict security measures were in place inside and outside Parliament House.
The session began with protests from opposition lawmakers, who chanted slogans during the proceedings.