- The Prime Minister highlights economic stabilization, growth and fiscal discipline.
- Leaders praise the bravery and professionalism of the armed forces.
- Both emphasize education, innovation and inclusive social development.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of the New Year, emphasizing national unity, economic stability and reconciliation in 2026.
In his New Year message, the president urged citizens and political forces to recommit to safeguarding the country’s shared future amid growing global and domestic challenges.
He noted 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 turbulence, climate emergencies and deep social polarization, President Zardari said Pakistan was not immune to these pressures, but neither was it ‘defenseless.’
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.
He emphasized productivity over populism, exports over excuses and inclusive growth over crony capitalism, and called for sustained investment in education, healthcare, youth, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
President Zardari warned that climate change had become a national security issue, citing floods, droughts, water shortages and extreme heat as the new normal.
He said climate adaptation must advance alongside mitigation to protect lives and livelihoods.
Addressing domestic political conditions, the president said democracy thrived on disagreements conducted with civility and responsibility.
He urged political forces to engage constructively in Parliament and warned against allowing any political cause to be exploited by hostile elements seeking to undermine Pakistan’s stability or sponsor terrorism.
“This is not the time to turn on the heat. This is the time to turn on the light,” he said.
As a symbol of the unity of the federation, President Zardari said he was ready to lead a process of national reconciliation and healing to overcome divisions and restore trust among democratic forces, stressing that Pakistan needed cooperation rather than confrontation.
Referring to the security challenges faced earlier in the year, the President said national unity and professionalism of the armed forces ensured the defense of Pakistan’s sovereignty.
While reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peace, he said the country’s defense was non-negotiable and any existential threat would be met with full national resolve.
He also expressed concern over what he called India’s “weaponization of water”, calling it a violation of international agreements and international law, and said Pakistan reserved the right to address the issue by all available means.
On foreign policy, the president said Pakistan would continue to act as a responsible member of the international community and a stabilizing force through bilateral and multilateral engagement.
He reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to peacefully resolve all outstanding disputes with India, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, in accordance with international commitments, and urged the de facto authorities in Afghanistan to respect the Doha Agreement and ensure that Afghan soil was not used against neighboring States.
Expressing hope for an end to global conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people and their right to an independent and sovereign State with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
The president called for moderation over anger, unity over division and renewal over despair, ending with the message: “Pakistan Zindabad.
Prime Minister outlines government’s roadmap to 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz, in his address to the nation, paid glowing tribute to the resilience and sacrifices of the Pakistani people, praised the unparalleled valor of the armed forces and outlined the government’s roadmap for a stable, self-reliant and prosperous Pakistan.
In his post on X, the Prime Minister extended warm greetings to all Pakistanis at home and abroad.
He also reflected on the year that passed as one that tested the nation’s mettle but ultimately reaffirmed its collective strength and unwavering faith in the future.
“The past year tested our nation in many ways, but it also reaffirmed our collective strength and self-confidence,” the prime minister said.
He stressed that economic stabilization and restoration of confidence were achieved through “perseverance, discipline and difficult but necessary decisions”, placing the country firmly on the path to sustainable growth.
“These achievements are the result of the hard work, patience and sacrifices of the Pakistani people.
I congratulate you for your resilience and your faith in the future of our country,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz.
He made special mention of the heroic efforts of the Pakistani armed forces.
He praised their “incomparable courage and bravery” in responding to aggression and countering the threat of terrorism, both on the battlefield and in the diplomatic arena.
Paying tribute to the military leadership, the prime minister said: “Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir demonstrated exemplary military leadership that the entire world has come to respect and admire.”
He added: “We are immensely proud of our army, air force and navy, who taught our enemy that wars are won with the heart and not with arrogance.”
Outlining the government’s economic agenda, the Prime Minister highlighted the significant steps taken to strengthen economic fundamentals, improve governance and expand social protection.
“From fiscal discipline and structural reforms to a renewed push on investment, exports and energy security, Pakistan has begun to move forward with renewed confidence,” he said.
The Prime Minister underlined that the government’s efforts were guided by the determination to build a Pakistan that provides opportunities and dignity to all citizens.
He identified innovation, technology and the development of human capital as central elements of the national journey, with investments focused on education, digital transformation and emerging technologies.
“Sustainable growth begins with opportunities and hope for our young people.
“From agriculture and industry to information technology and renewable energy, we are determined to increase productivity, foster innovation and create jobs,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz.
He reaffirmed commitment to nurturing Pakistan’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, which he described as a source of strength and pride, and to ensuring inclusive growth through expanded social safety nets and improved health and education services.
On the foreign policy front, the Prime Minister said Pakistan continues to engage with the world with confidence and responsibility, committed to peace, regional stability and a rules-based international order.
“In times of global uncertainty and conflict, Pakistan will continue to advocate dialogue over confrontation, development over division and cooperation over unilateralism,” he said.
“As the New Year sun rises, may our beloved homeland rise with dignity and strength.
“May our fields produce abundance, our homes be filled with peace and our nation move forward in the light of hope and opportunity,” the prime minister said.
“With unity, discipline and hard work, we will build a Pakistan that is economically strong, socially just and resilient in the face of challenges.
“The road may be long, but our determination is firm. Happy New Year to you and your loved ones,” he added.
