President Asif Ali Zardari delivered a powerful and comprehensive address to the joint session of Pakistan’s parliament on Monday, emphasizing that war must always remain a last resort. He urged India to abandon the path of conflict and instead engage in meaningful negotiations to foster regional peace and security. The president issued a stern warning that Pakistan has already demonstrated only a fraction of its military capabilities to both India and Afghanistan, signaling readiness to defend its sovereignty if provoked further.
Opening his speech, President Zardari made it clear that Pakistan is prepared to face any aggression. He called on India to listen carefully and shift focus from battlefield confrontations to diplomatic dialogue, stressing that this is the only viable route to lasting peace in South Asia. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering diplomatic and moral support for the Kashmiri people’s struggle for freedom, underscoring the country’s commitment to the just cause of Jammu and Kashmir.
The joint session, co-chaired by Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif along with members of both houses of parliament. The galleries were filled with notable dignitaries including First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, provincial governors, chief ministers, and foreign diplomats. Despite the significance of the occasion, opposition lawmakers staged protests, chanting slogans against the president, reflecting the ongoing political tensions within the country.
Addressing a wide range of national and international issues, President Zardari touched upon critical topics such as the Kashmir dispute, the Palestinian cause, escalating tensions in the Gulf region, and recent military operations like Marka-e-Haq and Ghazab lil-Haq. He also highlighted challenges related to the economy, provincial autonomy, and poverty alleviation. The president stressed that true freedom and security in South Asia remain elusive until the Kashmiri people achieve liberation from Indian occupation.
Turning to regional conflicts, the president condemned the war against Iran and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He expressed condolences on the martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Additionally, he denounced recent attacks on Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Qatar, urging all parties to pursue negotiated solutions. Zardari emphasized the urgent need for restraint and respect for international law to prevent the region from descending further into crisis.
Reflecting on the Marka-e-Haq military operation, President Zardari acknowledged Pakistan’s initial restraint in the face of Indian violations of its sovereignty. However, he praised the armed forces for their professionalism and discipline in turning the Indian aggression into a significant strategic victory. He also recounted the decisive response to the Afghan Taliban’s attacks on February 26, highlighting the unity of political leadership and the resilience of the Pakistani people. The president extended heartfelt gratitude to all branches of the security forces, including the army, air force, navy, Rangers, Frontier Corps, police, and intelligence agencies, for their role in these successful military engagements.
During his visits to the families of fallen soldiers, President Zardari shared the profound pain reminiscent of the loss of his late wife, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. He described the military victories not only as tactical successes but as a powerful expression of national resolve during times of crisis. The president asserted that Pakistan’s firm and principled stance had earned international recognition, dispelling any doubts about the country’s capability and determination.
Addressing recent threats from Indian leaders about preparing for another war, Zardari, a lifelong advocate of peace in the region, discouraged such escalation. Nevertheless, he warned that any aggressor should be ready for a humiliating defeat. He reiterated Pakistan’s status as a responsible nuclear power that remains committed to defending itself decisively when necessary.
On the Ghazab lil-Haq operation, the president explained that Pakistan had exhausted all diplomatic avenues to avoid military confrontation over terrorist incursions from Afghanistan. He reiterated that war is always the last option for Pakistan, but no country can tolerate repeated attacks on its territory. Zardari made it clear that Pakistan’s soil is sacred and vowed to prevent any domestic or foreign entity from using neighboring lands to destabilize the country’s peace and security.
Despite numerous diplomatic efforts by Pakistan and friendly nations, the Afghan Taliban regime has continued to provide safe havens to various terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), violating commitments made in Doha. The president urged the Taliban to dismantle these groups, warning that continued conflict only fuels instability and deprives Afghan children of opportunities for peace and development. He appealed to the Taliban to avoid becoming pawns in the ambitions of other countries, emphasizing Pakistan’s longstanding kinship with the Afghan people and its openness to dialogue.
Turning to Pakistan’s international relations, President Zardari praised recent efforts by Pakistan and the United States to de-escalate tensions following the Pakistan-India conflict. He highlighted the opening of new channels for strategic cooperation, investment, and economic partnerships between the two countries, expressing optimism for a more productive year ahead. Similarly, he noted that Pakistan’s relationship with China has reached unprecedented heights, with the upcoming China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0 expected to transform Pakistan’s infrastructure landscape. The president expressed national gratitude to China for its solidarity during Marka-e-Haq and acknowledged President Xi Jinping’s role in advancing shared goals of security and connectivity.
President Zardari also acknowledged strengthened ties with Gulf countries, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, describing the Pakistan-Saudi Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement as a landmark achievement in regional cooperation. He reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people, condemning the destruction in Gaza and reaffirming the country’s principled stance in favor of an independent and undivided Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al Sharif as its capital.
On the domestic front, the president congratulated Bangladesh on its recent elections and the formation of a new government, expressing hope for stronger bilateral relations. He strongly criticized India’s unilateral actions to manipulate river flows and suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, labeling these moves as acts of hydro-terrorism that weaponize vital water resources to exert political pressure. Zardari warned that such violations threaten Pakistan’s agricultural economy and contravene international and humanitarian laws. He vowed that Pakistan would defend its water rights with unity, resolve, and legal clarity to maintain regional stability.
Regarding internal governance, President Zardari emphasized that enhanced provincial autonomy has strengthened participatory governance in Pakistan. He stressed that a robust federation requires coordination rather than centralization and called for effective functioning of constitutional bodies like the Council of Common Interests. He urged all stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues related to natural resources, fiscal distribution, energy coordination, and water management through dialogue. Looking ahead, he expressed anticipation for a fair and equitable National Finance Commission Award in the coming year.
Finally, the president drew special attention to Balochistan, acknowledging ongoing efforts to dismantle insurgencies fueled by foreign proxies. At the same time, he recognized the legitimate social and economic grievances of the Baloch people and affirmed their rightful place as full partners in Pakistan’s progress. This balanced approach reflects a commitment to both security and inclusive development in one of the country’s most sensitive regions.
