President Zardari warns against using neighbouring territory to destabilise Pakistan

President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday addressed a joint session of parliament, urging India to move from war to meaningful negotiations or face another “humiliating defeat.” He warned that Pakistan had already shown India and Afghanistan only a fraction of its capabilities. “Make no mistake. We are ready for you,” he said.

President Zardari emphasized that Pakistan’s priority is regional security and the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He stated, “Pakistan will continue to give its fullest diplomatic and moral support to the just cause of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

During the session, opposition lawmakers protested, chanting, “Go, Zardari, go,” while the gathering also included Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, provincial governors, diplomats, and other officials.

The president highlighted Pakistan’s military successes in “Marka-e-Haq” and “Ghazab lil-Haq” operations, praising the armed forces for professionalism and discipline in responding to attacks on both eastern and western borders. He said that Pakistan always responds decisively to threats: “For us, war is always the last option… Let me be clear: the soil of Pakistan is sacred. We will not allow any entity — domestic or foreign — to use neighbouring territory to destabilise our peace.”

On regional issues, President Zardari condemned the war on Iran and attacks in the Gulf, calling for dialogue, restraint, and respect for territorial integrity. He also highlighted Pakistan’s foreign relations, including ties with the U.S., China, Gulf countries, and Bangladesh, while reaffirming support for Palestine.

The president addressed domestic matters such as the economy, provincial autonomy, Balochistan’s development, energy reforms, poverty alleviation, and women’s empowerment. He urged lawmakers to focus on sovereignty, anti-terrorism measures, and inclusive economic growth.

President Zardari also reflected on Pakistan’s democratic history, citing the contributions of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. He highlighted the 18th Amendment, which restored the Presidency’s role as a symbol of national unity and guardian of constitutional law.

Concluding his address, he called for preserving national unity, safeguarding borders, strengthening economic stability, and creating opportunities for all citizens.