Parliament security was tightened as opposition protesters chanted “Go Zardari Go” during his speech
Joint session of the Parliament is underway on Monday in the Parliament House Islamabad. PHOTO: RADIOPAK
Speaking at a joint session of parliament on Monday, President Asif Ali Zardari stressed that Pakistan will not allow any domestic or foreign actor to use the territory of a neighboring country to destabilize its peace. He highlighted that this marks his ninth address to Parliament as a twice-elected president, describing each speech as an affirmation of democratic continuity and responsibility.
“The test of nations is not only in crises but also at critical turning points,” he said, stressing that the republic’s strength lies in the constitution, public resolve, parliamentary and governmental accountability and the morale of the armed forces. He called for the promotion of the protection of national sovereignty, constitutional governance and economic development in the new parliamentary year.
President Zardari stressed the importance of promoting stability and prosperity for citizens and noted that Pakistan stands on the foundations laid by national leaders. He referred to Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of a democratic state governed by law, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s constitutional contribution and Benazir Bhutto’s leadership and sacrifices to strengthen democratic processes.
The president reaffirmed his commitment to parliamentary supremacy, noting that in the previous term he returned unilateral presidential powers to parliament. He described the office of the President under the historic 18th Amendment as a symbol of federal unity.
Read also: Normality returns to Karachi after deadly protests outside US consulate leave 10 dead
President Zardari highlighted the nation’s resilience over the past ten months, citing the armed forces’ professional handling of unprovoked attacks on both borders, including operations on February 26 against the Taliban.
He praised the united political leadership and the steadfastness of the nation in countering aggression on both military and diplomatic fronts. Reiterating Pakistan’s principled support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he stressed that the region’s freedom is an integral part of South Asian security and emphasized Pakistan’s status as a responsible nuclear state.
Citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, President Zardari affirmed the right to defend national sovereignty and declared that the nation stands with the armed forces against cross-border terrorism. He noted ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent terrorist infiltration from Afghanistan.
On regional diplomacy, the president condemned attempts to provoke war with Iran and called for peace, restraint and negotiated solutions. He highlighted strengthened strategic partnerships with the US and China and noted that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC II) will transform Pakistan’s infrastructure.
Read more: US cancels visa deals in Pakistan after deadly protests
He reiterated Pakistan’s principled support for a free Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders and criticized India’s delay in implementing the Indus Waters Treaty as “water terrorism.”
President Zardari further emphasized the link between economic stability and national security and called for institutional reforms, transparent taxation and fiscal accountability. He emphasized the need for technological advancements, energy transition and social protection programs to empower disadvantaged populations while ensuring that economic benefits reach ordinary citizens.
The session was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, foreign ambassadors and senior political figures including Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Jamiat Ulema-e-Fazl guests in Chilema-e-Fazl, Chief Mauh, Chief gallery.
Security was tightened inside and outside Parliament House, with police commandos deployed and strict checks carried out at all access points. The address was met with opposition protests in the House, with slogans of “Go Zardari Go” being shouted as the proceedings began.
