Defence right remains intact, war only as last resort: President Zardari

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Zardari says that war is the last option for Pakistan, but the right to self-defense is reserved under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Addressing a joint session of Parliament, President Zardari declared the protection of sovereignty, the rule of the constitution, and economic stability as national priorities at the beginning of the new parliamentary year.

During Asif Ali Zardari’s address to the joint session of Parliament, opposition members also raised slogans of ‘Go Zardari Go’ and ‘Prisoner No. 804, Prime Minister Imran Khan’.

The President said that nations are tested not only in crises but also at crucial junctures, and Pakistan’s strength lies in the Constitution, public steadfastness, the responsibility of Parliament and the government, and the courage of the armed forces.

He reiterated his unwavering belief in the supremacy of Parliament, citing the democratic vision of Quaid-e-Azam, the unanimous constitution of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and the sacrifices of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for democracy.

He said that returning presidential powers to Parliament in the past was a practical expression of this resolve, and the 18th Amendment strengthened federal unity.

President Zardari said that in the last 10 months, the nation faced complex challenges and whenever national sovereignty was challenged, Pakistan demonstrated restraint and strong resolve.

He claimed that the armed forces responded professionally to unprovoked attacks on both borders and turned Indian aggression into a historic strategic victory in the ‘Marka-e-Haq’.

Operation Ghazab-Lil-Haq

Referring to the attacks on the western border on the night of February 26, he said that the security forces took decisive action and made it clear that no infiltration would be tolerated.

The President paid tribute to the martyrs and their families and said that the state is committed to their honorable care.

The President said that a report by the United Nations Security Council has declared terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan as not only a regional but also a global threat.

According to him, several groups, including Al-Qaeda, TTP, and BLA, are finding safe havens on Afghan soil, and the promises of the Doha Agreement are being forgotten.

President Zardari said that negotiations are essential for lasting peace in South Asia, but Pakistan is fully capable of defending itself in case of aggression.

Terming India’s steps to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty as ‘water terrorism’, he said that using water as a weapon is a violation of international law. He said that Pakistan will defend its water rights with unity and the power of law.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The President reiterated his support for Iran’s sovereignty and expressed condolences on the martyrdom of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

He said that new avenues of strategic cooperation are opening between Pakistan and the US, while relations with China have reached new heights.

He thanked President Xi Jinping and said that CPEC Phase 2 will revolutionize infrastructure. The promotion of relations with the Gulf countries, Azerbaijan, and Turkey was also considered important.

President Zardari said that after 2022, key economic indicators have stabilized due to government measures, but now the focus should be on inclusive growth, employment, and direct relief. He called transparency in the tax system, expansion of tax coverage, and institutional reforms indispensable.

He termed energy reforms, clean energy, agricultural policy, water management, and environmental justice as strategic priorities and said that social protection will be strengthened through BISP, and women will be given digital access and financial autonomy.

The President said that a strong federation is not established through centralization but through harmony. Forums like the Council of Common Interests and NFC Awards must be made effective.

He also reiterated his commitment to address the deprivations of Balochistan, bring the benefits of mineral resources to the local population, and eliminate foreign proxies.

The President said that security, economy, and constitutional governance are interconnected pillars. In the new parliamentary year, it is necessary to ensure the protection of sovereignty, the elimination of terrorism, economic stability, and federal harmony so that the fruits of development can reach the common man.