Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has declared that Pakistan will not allow any entity, domestic or foreign, to utilize neighboring territories to destabilize its peace efforts.
According to Radio Pakistan, in his address to the Joint Sitting of both Houses of Parliament in Islamabad, President Zardari highlighted a recent UN report that describes the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan as a threat that extends beyond the region. He warned that neglecting this issue could lead to another catastrophic attack on another country.
The President criticized the Afghan de facto regime for providing safe havens to terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda, BLA, and TTP, despite promises made in Doha to prevent their operations from Afghan soil. He urged the Afghan authorities to dismantle these groups and to refrain from allowing their land to be used as a battlefield by other countries.
President Zardari condemned ongoing hostilities against Iran amidst negotiations and reaffirmed Pakistan's support for Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also criticized attacks on UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, and expressed condolences for the martyrdom of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Emphasizing the importance of sovereignty and economic stability, President Zardari suggested that these are essential for growth and job creation. He also called for federal harmony and democratic governance.
On domestic issues, President Zardari highlighted the need for consultation to resolve matters related to natural resources, fiscal distribution, energy coordination, and water management. He assured that the government is committed to addressing the social and economic grievances of the Baloch people, ensuring their full partnership in Pakistan's progress.
Regarding the Kashmir dispute, President Zardari reiterated Pakistan's unwavering diplomatic and moral support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, stating that regional peace is contingent upon Kashmir's freedom from Indian occupation. He criticized Indian leaders' war rhetoric and warned them against any aggressive actions.
President Zardari accused India of "hydro-terrorism" by placing the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, describing it as a strategic move to destabilize the region. He affirmed that Pakistan will defend its water rights with unity and legal resolve.
Discussing foreign relations, President Zardari noted the strengthened ties between Islamabad and Beijing, with CPEC 2.0 promising to revolutionize Pakistan's infrastructure. He also acknowledged growing relations with Gulf countries, Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and a new strategic mutual defense agreement with Saudi Arabia.
On the topic of Palestine, President Zardari reiterated Pakistan's support for an independent Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al Sharif as its capital. He also congratulated Bangladesh on forming a new government and expressed optimism about stronger bilateral relations, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to regional and global peace and stability.