Islamabad, March 2, 2026: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday warned India to abandon “war theatres” and move towards meaningful negotiations, declaring that Pakistan had already shown both India and Afghanistan only a fraction of its military capabilities and would respond decisively to any aggression.
Addressing the joint sitting of parliament at the start of the new parliamentary year, the president described war as a last resort but issued a stern warning.
“Make no mistake. We are ready for you,” he said. “My message is to move away from war theatres to meaningful negotiating tables because that is the only path to regional security.”
The session was co-chaired by Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, members of both houses, diplomats, provincial governors and chief ministers. First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari was also present. Opposition lawmakers staged protests during the address, chanting slogans against the president.
Kashmir, India and regional security
President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering diplomatic and moral support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, saying peace in South Asia was impossible without freedom for Kashmiris. He accused India of violating the Indus Waters Treaty, calling New Delhi’s actions “hydro-terrorism” and a blatant breach of international law.
He warned that any future Indian aggression would be met with a decisive response, stressing that Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state but one that would defend itself resolutely if required.
Middle East crisis
Turning to the Middle East, President Zardari condemned the war against Iran, reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and offered condolences over the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
He also denounced subsequent attacks on Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar, urging restraint and negotiated solutions.
“The sooner stability returns, the sooner the world can rebuild lives and fractured trust,” he said, calling for adherence to international law and respect for territorial integrity.
Marka-e-Haq and Ghazab lil-Haq operations
Referring to Marka-e-Haq, the president said Pakistan initially exercised restraint despite violations of its sovereignty, but later responded with “outstanding professionalism,” turning Indian aggression into a strategic victory.
On Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, he said Pakistan had exhausted diplomatic options before responding to attacks launched from Afghanistan.
“For us, war is always the last option,” he said. “No state can accept serial attacks on its soil.”
He accused the Afghan Taliban regime of providing safe havens to terrorist groups including Al-Qaeda, BLA and TTP, despite assurances made in Doha, and urged Kabul to dismantle groups thriving on conflict.
Foreign policy and global relations
President Zardari welcomed efforts by the United States to help de-escalate recent Pakistan-India tensions and said bilateral ties were expanding in strategic cooperation and investment.
He praised the “ironclad” relationship with China, saying China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Phase-II would transform Pakistan’s infrastructure. He thanked President Xi Jinping for China’s support during Marka-e-Haq.
The president also highlighted strengthened ties with Gulf states, Azerbaijan and Türkiye, calling the Pakistan-Saudi Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement a major milestone.
On Palestine, he reiterated Pakistan’s support for an independent Palestinian state within pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Economy, governance and social welfare
Domestically, President Zardari said provincial autonomy had strengthened participatory governance and called for effective functioning of the Council of Common Interests. He urged consensus on natural resources, fiscal distribution, energy coordination and water management, and expressed hope for a just National Finance Commission Award.
He acknowledged economic stabilization efforts but stressed the need for inclusive, people-centric growth, energy reforms, climate-resilient agriculture and water management. He also called for expanding the Benazir Income Support Programme and removing barriers to women’s empowerment.
Concluding his address, President Zardari urged unity and reform.
“Let us safeguard our borders while creating opportunities within,” he said, calling on the nation to translate macroeconomic gains into real relief for households while protecting sovereignty and eliminating terrorism.
