Pakistan won’t allow use of neighboring territory to destabilize peace: President

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has said Pakistan will not allow any entity either domestic or foreign to use neighbouring territory to destabilize its peace.

In his address to the Joint Sitting of both Houses of the Parliament in Islamabad on Monday, he said the recent UN report has described the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan as an extra-regional threat. This report warns that any other country could fall victim to another catastrophic attack if the issue is ignored.

The President said despite multiple diplomatic engagements by Pakistan and friendly countries, the Afghan de facto regime continues to provide safe sanctuaries to a variety of terrorist groups including Al-Qaeda, BLA and TTP. He said all promises they made in Doha, not to allow these terror groups to operate from Afghan soil, have been conveniently forgotten.

He said they must choose to dismantle the terror groups that survive on conflict and its war economy. He also urged them to stop being used by another country as a battlefield for their ambitions.

Asif Ali Zardari also condemned the war being waged on Iran while negotiations were under way. He reaffirmed Pakistan's support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its brotherly nation.

He further condemned the attacks launched on UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. He condoled the martyrdom of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the need to protect sovereignty, eliminate terrorism, and build on economic stability to achieve growth and create jobs.

He also stressed for strengthening federal harmony and deepening democratic governance in the country.

The President further said issues relating to natural resources, fiscal distribution, energy coordination and water management must be resolved through consultation.

Regarding Balochistan, Asif Ali Zardari said the government is equally focused on addressing the genuine social and economic grievances of the Baloch people. He said the people of Balochistan are and must remain full partners in Pakistan's progress.

On Kashmir dispute, the President said Pakistan will continue to give its fullest diplomatic and moral support to the just cause of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said nobody in South Asia will be free and safe until Kashmiris win their freedom from Indian occupation.

Regarding the war-mongering of Indian leaders, he said any aggressor should prepare for another humiliating defeat. Make no mistake. We are ready for you. He said they must move away from war theatres to meaningful negotiating tables because that is the only path for the regional security.

About India's illegal actions of placing the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, the President said it is plain and simple hydro-terrorism, a weaponization of vital water flows to exert political leverage. This blatant disregard for international and humanitarian law not only jeopardizes Pakistan's agricultural economy but signals a dangerous escalation in India's strategy to destabilize the region.

He made it clear that Pakistan will defend its water rights with unity, resolve, strength and legal clarity.

Talking about Pakistan's relations with foreign countries, the President said Islamabad-Beijing ties have ascended to new heights in all areas. He said CPEC 2.0 will revolutionize Pakistan's infrastructure. He also highlighted deepening ties with the Gulf countries, Azerbaijan and Turkiye. Besides, the Pakistan-Saudi Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement is a new milestone in the region.

Regarding Palestine, Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan will continue to support the creation of an independent and undivided state of Palestine with borders as before 1967 and with Al-Quds Al Sharif as its capital.

Congratulating the people of Bangladesh on forming a new government, the President said relations between the two countries are poised to become steadier and stronger. He said Pakistan will continue to work for peace, security, and stability in the region and beyond. 

The joint sitting of the Parliament has been prorogued.