Security at Parliament was tightened as opposition protesters chanted “Go Zardari Go” during his speech.
The joint session of parliament begins on Monday at Parliament House in Islamabad. PHOTO: RADIOPAK
Addressing a joint session of Parliament on Monday, President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized that Pakistan will not allow any domestic or foreign actor to use the territory of a neighboring country to destabilize its peace. He noted that this is his ninth speech to Parliament as a twice-elected president, and described each speech as a reaffirmation of democratic continuity and responsibility.
“The test of nations is not only crises but also critical turning points,” he said, stressing that the strength of the republic lies in the constitution, public determination, parliamentary and governmental accountability and the morale of the armed forces. He called for progress in the protection of national sovereignty, the constitutional regime and economic development in the new parliamentary year.
President Zardari highlighted the importance of promoting stability and prosperity of citizens, noting that Pakistan is building on the foundation laid by national leaders. He referred to Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of a democratic State governed by law, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s constitutional contributions and Benazir Bhutto’s leadership and sacrifices in strengthening 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 president, under the historic 18th Amendment, as a symbol of federal unity.
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President Zardari highlighted the nation’s resilience over the past ten months, citing the military’s professional handling of unprovoked attacks on both borders, including the February 26 operations against the Taliban.
He praised the nation’s unified political leadership and steadfastness in countering aggression on both the military and diplomatic fronts. He reiterated Pakistan’s principled support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasized that the freedom of the region is an integral part of the security of South Asia and underlined Pakistan’s status as a responsible nuclear state.
Citing Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, President Zardari reaffirmed the right to defend national sovereignty and affirmed that the nation supports the armed forces against cross-border terrorism. He highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent terrorist infiltration from Afghanistan.
Regarding regional diplomacy, the president condemned attempts to provoke a war with Iran and called for peace, restraint and negotiated solutions. He highlighted strengthened strategic partnerships with the United States and China and noted that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC II) will transform Pakistan’s infrastructure.
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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, calling for institutional reforms, transparent taxes and fiscal responsibility. He highlighted the need for technological advances, 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, Chief Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. in the guest gallery.
Security was reinforced inside and outside Parliament, police commandos were deployed and strict controls were carried out at all access points. The speech was met with protests from the opposition in the house, and slogans of “Go Zardari Go” were chanted as the proceedings began.
