Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari. Photo: APP/AFP
ISLAMABAD:
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday called for national unity, democratic accountability and economic discipline as we move into 2026, urging citizens and political forces to recommit to safeguarding the country’s common destiny in the face of growing global and domestic challenges.
In his New Year message, the President extended greetings to the people of Pakistan, overseas Pakistanis and the international community, noting that the country was approaching its 79th Independence Day at a time that demanded “national introspection and collective resolve.”
Describing a world marked by wars, proxy conflicts, extremism, economic turmoil, climate emergencies and deep social polarization, President Zardari said Pakistan was not immune to these pressures but neither was it “helpless.”
He said unity, resilience, creativity and faith were essential to overcome these challenges.
On the economy, the president said global inflation, debt pressures, supply chain disruptions and technological competition underscored the need for economic sovereignty based on discipline rather than denial.
In a separate message, the Prime Minister praised the nation’s resilience and paid tribute to its martyrs while pledging to accelerate economic reforms and uphold Pakistan’s role in world peace.
The Prime Minister extended his sincere greetings to all Pakistanis, praying that the New Year brings happiness, prosperity, grace and mercy.
Reflecting on the past year, the Prime Minister said that “2025 will be written in history in golden letters for the defense of the homeland.”
He commended the armed forces and the nation for standing shoulder to shoulder to foil the designs of the enemy, particularly hailing the country’s air defense as a model of success for the world and a textbook commitment for warriors across the globe.
