Zardari, Shehbaz urge unity and discipline as Pakistan enters 2026

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued New Year messages urging national unity, responsible politics, and a sustained focus on economic stability as Pakistan entered 2026.

In his address, President Zardari urged citizens and political forces to recommit to safeguarding a shared national future amid what he described as intensifying global and domestic pressures. He said Pakistan was nearing its 79th Independence Day at a moment that demanded honest reflection and collective resolve.

Zardari pointed to a global environment shaped by wars, proxy conflicts, extremism, economic volatility, climate emergencies, and deep social polarization. He argued that Pakistan must respond with unity, resilience, creativity, and faith, stressing that the country should not treat these pressures as inevitable or insurmountable.

On the economy, the president said international inflation, debt stress, supply-chain disruptions, and technological competition highlighted the need for economic sovereignty grounded in discipline. He called for an approach centered on productivity, export growth, and inclusive development, and urged sustained investment in education, healthcare, youth, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies.

He also warned that climate change should be treated as a national security concern, citing floods, droughts, water scarcity, and extreme heat as increasingly routine. He said adaptation must advance alongside mitigation to protect lives and livelihoods.

Turning to domestic politics, Zardari said democracy could accommodate disagreement, but only if it remained civil and responsible. He urged constructive engagement in parliament and cautioned against allowing political causes to be exploited by hostile elements seeking to destabilize Pakistan or support terrorism.

As head of state and a symbol of federal unity, he said he was prepared to facilitate a process of national reconciliation and healing to bridge divides and rebuild trust among democratic forces. He framed cooperation as essential and warned against deepening confrontation.

On security and foreign policy, Zardari said national unity and the professionalism of the armed forces had ensured Pakistan’s defense. While reaffirming a commitment to peace, he said sovereignty was non-negotiable and that existential threats would be met with full national resolve. He also raised concern over what he called the “weaponisation of water” by India, calling it a breach of international agreements and law, and said Pakistan would pursue available options to address the issue.

He reiterated that Pakistan remained open to peacefully resolving outstanding disputes with India, including Jammu and Kashmir, in line with international commitments. He also urged Afghanistan’s de facto authorities to honor the Doha Accord and ensure Afghan soil is not used against neighboring states.

Zardari expressed hope for the end of major conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Palestinians’ right to an independent state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Prime Minister Shehbaz, in his message and an accompanying post on X, extended greetings to Pakistanis at home and abroad and said the previous year tested the nation but also demonstrated its resilience. He said economic stabilization and renewed confidence were achieved through discipline and difficult decisions, and he credited the public’s patience and sacrifices.

The premier praised Pakistan’s armed forces for what he described as professional and courageous responses to aggression and terrorism, and he singled out Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for leadership that he said earned international recognition.

Outlining priorities for 2026, Shehbaz emphasized fiscal discipline, structural reforms, and strengthening economic fundamentals, along with renewed momentum in investment, exports, and energy security. He said the government’s aim was to build a Pakistan that provides opportunity and dignity to every citizen.

He highlighted innovation, technology, and human capital as central pillars, pointing to investment in education, digital transformation, and emerging technologies. He said the government would focus on raising productivity, encouraging innovation, and creating jobs across sectors including agriculture, industry, information technology, and renewable energy.

On external engagement, he said Pakistan would continue to advocate dialogue, regional stability, and cooperation, arguing that development should take precedence over division. He ended by urging unity, discipline, and hard work to build a stronger, more just, and more resilient Pakistan in the year ahead.