Islamabad (Web Desk): As Pakistan welcomed the New Year, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shared messages of goodwill and hope for the people of the country, Pakistanis living abroad and the wider international community, offering prayers for peace, progress and collective well-being in 2026.
In their New Year messages, the president and the premier underscored the importance of safeguarding national unity and cohesion, recalling the solidarity demonstrated by the nation in May 2025 during the conflict with India.
They reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to contribute to peace at both regional and global levels and voiced strong support for the oppressed people of Palestine and those living under occupation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, called on citizens and political stakeholders to strengthen unity, uphold democratic responsibility and exercise economic discipline as the country moves forward into 2026.
Extending greetings to the people of Pakistan, overseas Pakistanis and the global community, he observed that the nation was nearing its 79th Independence Day at a time that demanded introspection, renewed commitment and a shared sense of purpose in the face of mounting internal and external pressures.
Describing the international environment as one shaped by wars, proxy confrontations, extremism, economic instability, climate emergencies and deep social divides, the president acknowledged that Pakistan was affected by these global realities but stressed that the country was far from powerless. He said resilience, creativity, unity and faith were vital tools for overcoming these challenges.
Touching on economic issues, President Zardari noted that worldwide inflation, debt burdens, disrupted supply chains and rapid technological competition highlighted the urgency of achieving economic self-reliance through discipline rather than denial.
He emphasized the need to prioritise productivity over populism, exports over excuses and inclusive development over cronyism, while calling for sustained investment in education, healthcare, young people, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
The president warned that climate change had evolved into a serious threat to national security, pointing to repeated floods, prolonged droughts, water shortages and extreme heat as the new normal.
He stressed that efforts to adapt to climate change must advance alongside mitigation strategies to protect both lives and livelihoods.
Addressing the domestic political climate, President Zardari said democracy thrived on differences of opinion when expressed with civility and responsibility.
He urged political forces to engage meaningfully within Parliament and cautioned against allowing political causes to be manipulated by hostile elements intent on destabilising the country or fuelling terrorism, remarking that the moment called for clarity and wisdom rather than escalation.
As the constitutional symbol of national unity, President Zardari said he was prepared to lead an inclusive process of reconciliation and healing to bridge divides and rebuild trust among democratic forces, emphasising that Pakistan’s progress depended on cooperation rather than confrontation.
Referring to the security challenges faced earlier in the year, the president said the unity of the nation and the professionalism of the armed forces ensured the defence of Pakistan’s sovereignty.
While reiterating Pakistan’s desire for peace, he made it clear that the country’s defence was beyond compromise and that any existential threat would be met with full national resolve.
He also expressed concern over what he termed the “weaponisation of water” by India, describing it as a violation of international agreements and law, and said Pakistan reserved the right to address the issue through all available options.
On foreign relations, President Zardari said Pakistan would continue to act as a responsible member of the international community and a source of stability through active bilateral and multilateral engagement.
He reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to settle all outstanding disputes with India peacefully, including the Jammu and Kashmir issue in line with international commitments, and urged the de facto authorities in Afghanistan to honour the Doha Accord and ensure that Afghan territory was not used against neighbouring states.
Expressing hope for an end to conflicts around the world, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, the president reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people and their right to an independent, sovereign state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
He concluded by urging restraint over anger, unity over division and renewal over despair, ending his message with the words “Pakistan Zindabad.”
In his New Year message for 2026, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif praised the resilience of the nation and paid homage to the martyrs, while pledging to push ahead with economic reforms and continue Pakistan’s efforts for global peace.
Extending warm greetings to the people, the prime minister prayed that the New Year would bring happiness, prosperity and divine blessings. Reflecting on the year gone by, he said 2025 would be remembered as a landmark year in the defence of the motherland.
He commended the armed forces and the nation for standing united to thwart hostile designs, specifically lauding the performance of Pakistan’s air defence system, which he described as a model of success admired around the world and worthy of study by military professionals.
Reaffirming the country’s determination to remain an unyielding shield in defence matters, the prime minister also paid solemn tribute to those who laid down their lives in terrorist attacks during the past year, honouring their sacrifice and courage.
On the economic front, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence that improving economic indicators reflected the government’s correct and positive policy direction.
He pledged to continue the wide-ranging economic reforms and initiatives launched in 2025 with greater speed, resolve and effectiveness to ensure visible prosperity for the people.
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to peace at the regional and international levels and, on behalf of the government and the nation, expressed solidarity with the oppressed people of Kashmir and Palestine.
He concluded by praying for Pakistan’s protection from terrorism, sectarianism and internal discord, and expressed hope that 2026 would usher in harmony, stability and sustained progress for the country.