President Zardari reaffirms sovereignty, democratic principles in joint session of Parliament

Parliament security tightened as opposition protesters chant “Go Zardari Go” during his address

Speaking at a joint session of Parliament on Monday, President Asif Ali Zardari emphasised that Pakistan will not allow any domestic or foreign actor to use the territory of a neighbouring country to destabilise its peace. He highlighted that this marks his ninth address to Parliament as a twice-elected president, describing each speech as a reaffirmation of democratic continuity and responsibility.

“The test of nations is not only in crises but also at critical turning points,” he said, underscoring that the strength of the republic lies in the constitution, public resolve, parliamentary and governmental accountability, and the morale of the armed forces. He called for advancing the protection of national sovereignty, constitutional rule, and economic development in the new parliamentary year.

President Zardari stressed the importance of promoting stability and prosperity for citizens, noting that Pakistan stands on foundations laid by national leaders. He referred to the vision of Muhammad Ali Jinnah for a democratic state governed by law, the constitutional contributions of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, and the leadership and sacrifices of Benazir Bhutto in strengthening democratic processes.

The president reaffirmed his commitment to parliamentary supremacy, noting that in the previous term he returned unilateral presidential powers to Parliament. He described the office of the president, under the historic 18th Amendment, as a symbol of federal unity.

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President Zardari highlighted the nation’s resilience over the past ten months, citing the armed forces’ professional handling of unprovoked attacks on both borders, including operations on February 26 against the Taliban.

He praised the unified political leadership and the nation’s steadfastness in countering aggression on both military and diplomatic fronts. He reiterated Pakistan’s principled support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that the region’s freedom is integral to South Asian security, and underlined Pakistan’s status as a responsible nuclear state.

Citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, President Zardari reaffirmed the right to defend national sovereignty and stated that the nation stands with the armed forces against cross-border terrorism. He noted ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent terrorist infiltration from Afghanistan.

On regional diplomacy, the president condemned attempts to provoke war with Iran and called for peace, restraint, and negotiated solutions. He highlighted strengthened strategic partnerships with the United States and China, noting that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC II) will transform Pakistan’s infrastructure.

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He reiterated Pakistan’s principled support for a free Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders and criticised India’s delay in implementing the Indus Waters Treaty as “water terrorism.”

President Zardari further emphasised the link between economic stability and national security, calling for institutional reforms, transparent taxation, and fiscal accountability. He stressed the need for technological advancement, energy transition, and social protection programmes to empower disadvantaged populations, while ensuring that economic benefits reach ordinary citizens.

The session was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, foreign ambassadors, and senior political figures including Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in the guests’ gallery.

Security was tightened inside and outside Parliament House, with police commandos deployed and strict checks conducted at all access points. The address was met with opposition protests in the house, with slogans of “Go Zardari Go” being chanted as proceedings began.