My fellow compatriots,
As we enter 2026 and the second quarter of this century, I convey my warm greetings to you, the people of Pakistan including our overseas Pakistanis and the international community.
As we approach our 79th Independence Day, it should be a moment for national soul-searching and collective resolve. Beyond individual New Year resolutions, we must recommit ourselves as custodians of Pakistan’s shared future.
We live in an era marked by wars and conflicts, proxy wars, extremism, xenophobia, populist fascism, out of control population growth, economic turbulence, climate emergency, food and water insecurity, disinformation, and extreme social polarisation. Pakistan is not immune to these challenges, but we are not helpless either. With unity, resilience, creativity and faith, we can overcome them.
The global landscape is shaped by inflation, supply chain disruptions, debt pressures, trade wars and competition over future technologies. Economic sovereignty demands discipline over denial, productivity over populism, exports over excuses and inclusive growth over crony capitalism. Investment in education, healthcare, youth, creativity, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies is essential for our survival and progress.
Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a national security challenge. Floods, droughts, water scarcity and extreme heat have become a new normal. Adaptation must advance alongside mitigation.
In an age of monetised disinformation and engineered polarisation, our strongest defence lies in critical thinking, media literacy, democratic tolerance and national cohesion. We must reject all forms of extremism and renounce violence in every form, whether religious, ethnic, political, ideological, armed, sectarian or digital.
I also wish to speak candidly about our internal political climate. Democracy thrives on disagreement conducted with civility and responsibility. Political expression must strengthen, not weaken, state institutions. I urge all political forces to engage constructively in Parliament for the betterment of the people. No political cause should allow itself to be exploited by hostile forces seeking to undermine Pakistan’s stability or sponsor terrorism. This is not the time to turn on the heat. It is the time to turn on the light.
As the symbol of the unity of the Federation, I remain ready to lead a process of national reconciliation and healing, to bridge divides, restore trust and bring all democratic forces firmly back onto the constitutional path. Pakistan needs cooperation, not confrontation.
Earlier this year, Pakistan faced a serious security challenge. The unity of our people and the professionalism of our armed forces ensured the defence of our sovereignty. Pakistan’s defence remains robust and credible. While we remain committed to peace, let there be no ambiguity: the defence of Pakistan is non-negotiable, and any existential threat will be met with full national resolve and might of 250 million Pakistanis.
I would also like to emphasise that weaponisation of water by India is not only a violation of an internationally recognised agreement but also of international law, and Pakistan reserves the right to address this issue through all possible means.
Pakistan will continue to act as a responsible member of the international community, a peacemaker and a stabilising force through bilateral and multilateral engagements. Pakistan remains ready to resolve all outstanding disputes with India peacefully, including the right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people, in accordance with international commitments. We also urge the de facto authorities in Afghanistan to honour the Doha Accord and ensure that Afghan soil is not used against neighbouring states.
As this new phase of the century unfolds, we hope for an end to global conflicts, including the Ukraine–Russia war. We reaffirm our unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their right to an independent, sovereign state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Let this New Year be one of restraint over rage, unity over division and renewal over despair.
Pakistan Zindabad.
