President Zardari, PM Shehbaz Urge Unity, Discipline and Hard Work in 2026

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have extended New Year greetings to the nation, calling for unity, fiscal discipline, and collective hard work as Pakistan enters 2026 amid economic, political, and global challenges.

In his New Year message, President Zardari urged citizens and political forces to recommit themselves to protecting the country’s shared future. He said Pakistan was nearing its 79th Independence Day at a time that demanded serious reflection, unity, and collective resolve.

He described the global situation as uncertain, marked by wars, proxy conflicts, extremism, economic instability, climate emergencies, and social polarisation. He said Pakistan was affected by these pressures but was not helpless, stressing that unity, resilience, creativity, and faith were key to overcoming challenges.

On economic issues, the president said rising global inflation, debt pressures, supply chain disruptions, and technological competition highlighted the need for economic sovereignty based on discipline. He called for productivity over populism, exports over excuses, and inclusive growth over crony capitalism. He also stressed sustained investment in education, healthcare, youth development, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.

President Zardari warned that climate change had become a national security concern. He said floods, droughts, water scarcity, and extreme heat were now a recurring reality. He stressed that climate adaptation must move forward alongside mitigation to protect lives and livelihoods.

Addressing internal politics, he said democracy required disagreement handled with responsibility and respect. He urged political forces to engage constructively in Parliament and warned against allowing political disputes to be exploited by hostile elements seeking to destabilise Pakistan or promote terrorism.

As head of the federation, President Zardari said he was ready to lead a process of national reconciliation to bridge political divides and restore trust. He said Pakistan needed cooperation, not confrontation, to move forward.

On security matters, he said national unity and the professionalism of the armed forces had ensured the defence of Pakistan’s sovereignty during challenges earlier in the year. While reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peace, he said the country’s defence was non-negotiable and any existential threat would be met with full national resolve.

The president also expressed concern over what he called the weaponisation of water by India, terming it a violation of international agreements. He said Pakistan reserved the right to address the issue through all available legal and diplomatic means.

On foreign policy, President Zardari said Pakistan would continue to act as a responsible member of the international community. He reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to resolve outstanding disputes with India peacefully, including the Jammu and Kashmir issue, and urged Afghan authorities to honour the Doha Accord and prevent Afghan soil from being used against neighbouring countries.

He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people and their right to an independent state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, expressing hope for an end to global conflicts, including the Ukraine-Russia war. He concluded his message with a call for unity over division and renewal over despair.

In his New Year message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the resilience and sacrifices of the Pakistani people and paid tribute to the armed forces for their courage and professionalism. He said the past year tested the nation but ultimately strengthened its confidence and self-belief.

The prime minister said economic stabilisation and the restoration of confidence were achieved through perseverance, fiscal discipline, and difficult but necessary decisions. He credited the progress to the patience and sacrifices of the people, saying their resilience had placed Pakistan on the path to sustainable growth.

He highlighted the role of the armed forces in defending the country and countering terrorism. He praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for exemplary leadership and said the army, air force, and navy had demonstrated that strength came from resolve and unity.

Outlining the government’s roadmap for 2026, PM Shehbaz said steps had been taken to strengthen economic fundamentals, improve governance, and expand social protection. He pointed to fiscal reforms, renewed investment momentum, export growth, and energy security as signs of progress.

The prime minister said innovation, technology, and human capital development would remain central to national growth. He stressed investments in education, digital transformation, agriculture, industry, information technology, and renewable energy to raise productivity and create jobs.

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving Pakistan’s cultural and spiritual heritage and ensuring inclusive growth through improved healthcare, education, and social safety nets.

On foreign relations, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan would continue to promote peace, dialogue, and regional stability in a rules-based international order. He stressed cooperation over confrontation and development over division.

Concluding his message, the prime minister expressed hope that 2026 would bring peace, prosperity, and opportunity for Pakistan. He said unity, discipline, and hard work would be key to building a strong, just, and resilient nation.