Islamabad, Pakistan – Web Desk: President Asif Ali Zardari has pledged that Pakistan will not allow any internal or external force to destabilize the country, addressing a joint session of Parliament at the start of the new parliamentary year.
Speaking at the Parliament House in the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Zardari said Pakistan would not permit any country to use its soil to undermine regional peace, nor would it allow its own territory to be used against others.
Calling it a “unique honour” to address Parliament for the ninth time as a twice-elected president, Zardari said each address serves as a reminder of democratic continuity and constitutional responsibility. He stressed that the strength of the republic lies in adherence to the Constitution, parliamentary supremacy, public resilience, and the morale of the armed forces.
The president said Pakistan faced complex challenges over the past ten months, including security tensions along both eastern and western borders. He praised the armed forces for what he described as professionalism and discipline in responding to “unprovoked attacks,” adding that political leadership and the public remained united.
Referring to regional issues, Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s support for the people of Indian-administered Kashmir and said lasting peace in South Asia would not be possible without resolving the Kashmir dispute. He also described Pakistan as a responsible nuclear state and cited Article 51 of the UN Charter as affirming the country’s right to self-defense.
On foreign policy, he condemned the outbreak of conflict during ongoing negotiations with Iran and called for restraint, diplomacy and dialogue to prevent further regional escalation. He said Pakistan’s strategic cooperation with the United States was expanding, while ties with China had reached “new heights,” highlighting the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase 2 in boosting infrastructure and economic growth.
Domestically, the president emphasized economic stability, institutional reforms, tax transparency and investment in technology and clean energy. He said social protection programs such as the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) would continue to empower vulnerable segments of society.
Tight security arrangements were in place inside and outside Parliament House for the joint session, attended by diplomats from several countries. Among those present were Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
The session began amid protests by opposition members, who chanted slogans during the president’s speech.
