President Asif Ali Zardari. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
ISLAMABAD:
Highlighting the rapid changes the world is facing, ranging from geopolitical shifts and hybrid threats to cyber security, President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday reiterated that amid all such challenges, Pakistan stood ready to work with all nations to build understanding, peace and sustainable development.
The President paid tribute to them during the interactive session with the participants of the 6th International Workshop on Leadership and Stability 2026 at the conclusion of the workshop. The workshop was attended by around 100 participants, including 69 from different 49 countries.
Calling leadership and stability the pillars of nations and institutions, the President highlighted that the world was currently facing rapid changes with geopolitical shifts, new security threats and the growing role of technology in governance.
“Security is no longer only about conventional conflicts. It includes cyber security, hybrid threats and information challenges. At the same time, climate change, resource scarcity and disinformation cross borders, which requires cooperative solutions,” the president emphasized in his speech.
President Zardari urged participants in the workshop to translate discussions into real-world solutions and choose dialogue over division and cooperation over conflict.
He commended the National Defense University (NDU) for organizing this important forum, expressing that such workshops bring together politicians, diplomats, military officials, academics and private sector leaders.
President Zardari said such forums offered a valuable space to discuss leadership and stability. “I hope these insights reach a wider audience across our institutions and communities,” he said.
He expressed his gratitude to the organizers, participants and NDU for making this workshop possible and expressed hope that their discussions would be insightful, collaborative and time spent here meaningful.
Responding to the questions of the participants, President Zardari said that Pakistan was working closely with many countries in the region and was ready to strengthen the workforce with bilateral technological advancements.
Emphasizing that the interaction between Serbia and Pakistan should be improved, he said that Pakistan wanted to work with Serbia and undertake increased interaction between think tanks, industry and academia of both nations.
Responding to another query, he said that Pakistan and the world have no choice but to cooperate as everyone is interwoven; facing cross-cutting issues.
President Zardari said the 18th constitutional amendment was meant to guide the nation to ensure its sustainable future and survival as it honored public sentiments and ownership of the decisions taken by the masses regarding the national wealth.
“Pakistan believes that every country has its national interests. We do not encourage war and conflict between nations, rather promote repeated dialogue to resolve issues. Our region is unstable, but I hope no conflict erupts in the region,” he said.
