Addressing a joint sitting of parliament co-chaired by Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, and attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Zardari said Pakistan had already shown India and Afghanistan “a fraction” of its capabilities.
“My message is to move away from war theatres to meaningful negotiations because that is the only path for regional security,” he said, reiterating Pakistan’s diplomatic and moral support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Opposition lawmakers staged a protest during the address, chanting slogans against the president.
Middle East and regional tensions
Zardari condemned the war in Iran and expressed condolences over the reported martyrdom of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, reaffirming support for Iran’s sovereignty. He also condemned subsequent attacks affecting Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar, urging restraint and adherence to international law.
Referring to recent military operations, including “Marka-e-Haq” and “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq,” he said Pakistan initially exercised restraint but responded decisively to Indian and Afghan Taliban actions. He praised the armed forces and security agencies for what he described as professionalism and discipline.
On Afghanistan, Zardari accused the Taliban government of providing sanctuary to militant groups including Al-Qaeda, BLA and TTP, and urged Kabul to dismantle such networks. “The soil of Pakistan is sacred. We will not allow any entity — domestic or foreign — to use neighbouring territory to destabilise our peace,” he said.
Foreign policy and alliances
The president welcomed recent de-escalation efforts between Pakistan and the United States and said bilateral ties were expanding in strategic cooperation and investment.
He described Pakistan’s relationship with China as “ironclad,” expressing gratitude to President Xi Jinping for solidarity and support under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.
He also highlighted strengthened ties with Gulf countries, Azerbaijan and Turkey, calling the Pakistan-Saudi Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement a regional milestone.
On Palestine, Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s support for an independent state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al Sharif as its capital.
Domestic priorities
Turning to domestic matters, the president accused India of “hydro-terrorism” over alleged violations of the Indus Waters Treaty and vowed to defend Pakistan’s water rights.
He stressed the importance of provincial autonomy under the 18th Amendment, equitable fiscal distribution, and effective coordination through constitutional forums.
Zardari commended the government for stabilising the economy but said the next phase must focus on inclusive growth, job creation and relief for salaried classes and low-income households. He called for tax reforms, energy sector restructuring, climate-resilient agriculture and expansion of the Benazir Income Support Programme to empower vulnerable communities.
Concluding his address, Zardari urged lawmakers to safeguard sovereignty, eliminate terrorism and translate macroeconomic gains into tangible household relief while preserving national unity.
