President Asif Ali Zardari declared on Monday that Pakistan would not permit any entity to use neighbouring soil to destabilise its peace, accusing the Afghan de facto regime of providing safe sanctuaries to various terrorist groups and conveniently forgetting its commitments made in Doha.
Addressing a Joint Sitting of Parliament, the president highlighted a recent UN report that describes the presence of terrorist organisations in Afghanistan as an extra-regional threat, cautioning that any nation could suffer a catastrophic attack if the issue is overlooked.
Mr Zardari asserted that despite numerous diplomatic engagements by Pakistan and allied nations, the Afghan administration continues to shelter militant outfits including Al-Qaeda, BLA, and TTP. He insisted they must choose to dismantle these terror networks that thrive on conflict and its war economy.
He also urged the Afghan Taliban to resist being used by another country as a battlefield for its ambitions.
The head of state also condemned what he termed a war being waged on Iran during ongoing negotiations and reaffirmed Pakistan”s support for the sovereignty of the “brotherly nation.” He further condemned attacks launched on the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. During the address, he also condoled the martyrdom of Iran”s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Domestically, President Zardari emphasised the need to protect national sovereignty, eliminate terrorism, and build upon economic stability to foster growth and create employment. He stressed the importance of strengthening federal harmony and deepening democratic governance.
He stated that crucial issues related to natural resources, fiscal distribution, energy coordination, and water management require resolution through consultation.
Regarding Balochistan, the president assured that the government is equally focused on addressing the genuine social and economic grievances of the Baloch people, who he said must remain full partners in the nation”s progress.
On the Kashmir dispute, he affirmed that Pakistan will continue to extend its fullest diplomatic and moral support to the cause of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, stating that true freedom and safety in South Asia is contingent on Kashmiris winning their freedom from Indian occupation.
Addressing what he described as war-mongering by Indian leaders, the president issued a direct warning, stating, “any aggressor should prepare for another humiliating defeat. Make no mistake. We are ready for you.” He urged a shift from “war theatres to meaningful negotiating tables” as the sole path to regional security.
Mr Zardari labelled India”s alleged actions of placing the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance as “plain and simple hydro-terrorism.” He described this weaponisation of vital water flows as a dangerous escalation in India”s regional strategy and a blatant disregard for international law that jeopardises Pakistan”s agricultural economy.
He made it clear that Pakistan would defend its water rights with unity, resolve, strength, and legal clarity.
Discussing foreign relations, the president noted that ties between Islamabad and Beijing have ascended to new heights, with CPEC 2.0 poised to revolutionise national infrastructure. He also highlighted deepening connections with Gulf countries, Azerbaijan, and Turkiye, and called the Pakistan-Saudi Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement a new regional milestone.
On the issue of Palestine, he reiterated Pakistan”s support for the creation of an independent, undivided Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al Sharif as its capital.
Congratulating Bangladesh on its new government, President Zardari anticipated that relations between the two nations were set to become steadier and stronger, reaffirming Pakistan”s commitment to working for peace and stability within the region and beyond.