Pakistan Will Not Compromise on National Security, Sovereignty: President Zardari

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has strongly reacted to Afghanistan’s recent cross-border aggression, saying that Pakistan is fully committed to defending its national interests, sovereignty, and regional security.

He warned that Pakistan will never accept any misleading or controversial statements regarding Jammu and Kashmir, and called India’s claim over the region illegal and in violation of international law and UN resolutions.

The President criticized Afghan leadership for distancing themselves from the Kashmiri cause, calling it a betrayal of both history and the Muslim Ummah.

President Zardari pointed out that terrorist attacks launched by Khawarij elements from Afghan soil are a proven fact, also noted in United Nations reports. He said Pakistan has clearly exposed the nexus between Khawarij and India, which targets both civilians and security personnel in Pakistan.

He urged the Afghan interim government to take practical steps against terrorist elements operating from their territory, stating that Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan are the biggest threats to regional peace.

President Zardari emphasized that the fight against terrorism is a shared responsibility, and no single country should bear its burden alone.

He highlighted Pakistan’s four decades of support for the Afghan people, offering shelter, education, and humanitarian assistance as part of Islamic brotherhood and good neighborly relations. He added that peace in Afghanistan and the honorable return of Afghan refugees are in the best interest of both nations.

The President reaffirmed that Pakistan will continue to support the Afghan people’s basic needs, including education and humanitarian aid, but warned that there can be no compromise on Pakistan’s sovereignty.

President Zardari also noted that Pakistan has always offered maximum support to Afghanistan in areas like trade, economy, and connectivity, but stressed that regional peace and development can only be achieved through mutual cooperation and economic partnership.

He concluded by saying that brotherly ties must be based on mutual respect, security collaboration, and shared peace, urging the Afghan interim leadership to stop the use of their land by terrorists. He added that joint and practical action is the only path to lasting peace.