President Asif Ali Zardari. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
ISLAMABAD:
President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday highlighted the rapid changes facing the world, ranging from geopolitical shifts and hybrid threats to cybersecurity, and reiterated that amid all such challenges, Pakistan was ready to work with all nations to build understanding, peace and sustainable development.
The president, during the interactive session with the participants of the VI International Workshop on Leadership and Stability 2026, congratulated them at the end of the workshop. The workshop was attended by around 100 participants, including 69 from 49 different countries.
Calling leadership and stability the pillars of nations and institutions, the President highlighted that the world is currently facing rapid change, with geopolitical shifts, emerging security threats and the growing role of technology in governance.
“Security is no longer just about conventional conflicts. It includes cybersecurity, hybrid threats and information challenges. At the same time, climate change, resource scarcity and disinformation cross borders, demanding collaborative solutions,” the president emphasized in his speech.
President Zardari urged workshop participants to translate discussions into real-world solutions, choosing dialogue over division and cooperation over conflict.
He commended the National Defense University (NDU) for organizing this important forum, noting that such workshops bring together policymakers, diplomats, military officers, academics and private sector leaders.
President Zardari said such forums offered a valuable space to discuss leadership and stability. “I hope these ideas reach a broader audience in our institutions and society,” he said.
He extended his gratitude to the organisers, participants and NDU for making this workshop possible, and expressed the hope that their discussions would prove enlightening, the collaborations lasting and the time spent here meaningful.
Responding to questions from participants, President Zardari said Pakistan was working closely with many countries in the region and was ready to strengthen the workforce with bilateral technological advancements.
He stressed that interaction between Serbia and Pakistan must be improved and said that Pakistan is willing to work with Serbia and undertake enhanced interaction between think tanks, industry and academia of both nations.
Replying to another question, he said that Pakistan and the world have no option but to cooperate as they are all intertwined; facing cross-cutting issues.
President Zardari said the 18th Constitutional Amendment was aimed at guiding the nation to ensure its sustainable future and survival, while honoring public sentiment and ownership of decisions made by the masses related to national wealth.
“Pakistan believes that every country has its national interests. We do not encourage war or conflict between nations, but instead promote repeated dialogue to resolve problems. Our region is volatile, but I am hopeful that no conflict will break out in the region,” he said.
