Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari. Photo: APP/AFP
ISLAMABAD:
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday called for national unity, democratic accountability and economic discipline as Pakistan enters 2026, and urged citizens and political forces to recommit to safeguarding the country’s shared future amid growing global and domestic challenges.
In his New Year message, the president extended his greetings to the people of Pakistan, overseas Pakistanis and the international community, noting that the country was approaching its 79th Independence Day at a time that required “national soul-searching and collective resolve.”
Describing a world marked by wars, proxy conflicts, extremism, economic turmoil, climate emergencies and deep social polarization, President Zardari said Pakistan was not immune to these pressures, but neither was it “helpless.”
He said unity, resilience, creativity and faith were essential to overcome these challenges.
Turning to the economy, the president said global inflation, debt pressures, supply chain disruptions and technological competition underscored the need for economic sovereignty based on discipline rather than denial.
In a separate message, the prime minister praised the nation’s resilience and paid tribute to its martyrs, while promising to accelerate economic reforms and defend Pakistan’s role in global peace.
The Prime Minister extended his heartfelt greetings to all Pakistanis and prayed that the new year brings happiness, prosperity and His grace and mercy.
Reflecting on the passing year, the Prime Minister declared that “2025 will be recorded in history with golden letters for the defense of the homeland.”
He praised the armed forces and the nation for standing shoulder to shoulder in thwarting the enemy’s designs, specifically praising the country’s air defense as a model of success for the world and a textbook-worthy commitment for warriors around the world.
