Security at Parliament tightened as opposition protesters chanted ‘Go Zardari Go’ during his speech
Joint session of Parliament underway on Monday at Parliament in Islamabad. PHOTO: RADIOPAK
Speaking at a joint session of Parliament on Monday, President Asif Ali Zardari stressed that Pakistan will not allow any domestic or foreign actor to use the territory of a neighboring country to destabilize its peace. He noted that this was his ninth speech to Parliament as a twice-elected president, describing each speech as a reaffirmation of democratic continuity and accountability.
“The test of nations is not only in crises but also at critical turning points,” he said, stressing that the strength of the republic lies in the constitution, public determination, parliamentary and governmental accountability and the morale of the armed forces. He called for advancing the protection of national sovereignty, constitutional state 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 spoke about Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of 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 during the previous term he had returned unilateral presidential powers to Parliament. He described the office of president, under the historic 18th Amendment, as a symbol of federal unity.
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President Zardari highlighted the country’s resilience over the past ten months, citing the armed forces’ professional handling of unprovoked attacks on both borders, including the February 26 operations against the Taliban.
He praised the country’s unified political leadership and determination to counter aggression on the military and diplomatic fronts. He reiterated Pakistan’s principled support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that the region’s freedom is an integral part of South Asia’s security, and highlighted Pakistan’s status as a responsible nuclear state.
Citing Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, President Zardari reaffirmed the right to defend national sovereignty and said the nation stood with the armed forces against cross-border terrorism. He highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent terrorist infiltration from Afghanistan.
Regarding regional diplomacy, the president condemned attempts to provoke war with Iran and called for peace, restraint and negotiated solutions. He highlighted strengthening 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 criticized India’s delay in implementing the Indus Waters Treaty as “water terrorism”.
President Zardari further highlighted the link between economic stability and national security, calling for institutional reforms, transparent taxation and fiscal responsibility. He highlighted the need for technological advancements, energy transition and social protection programs 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, Chief 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 guest stand.
Security was tightened inside and outside Parliament, with the deployment of police commandos and strict checks carried out at all access points. The speech sparked protests from the opposition in the house, with “Go Zardari Go” slogans chanted at the start of the proceedings.
