Zardari says people, armed forces stand united ‘like a wall of steel’

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday declared that the people of Pakistan and the country’s armed forces stand united “like a wall of steel” to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning that any aggression would be met with a firm and decisive response.

In a strongly worded statement, President Zardari said the State of Pakistan would make no compromise on peace, stability, or regional integrity.

“No one should be under any illusion that Pakistan can be pressured or intimidated,” he asserted, emphasising that the country’s defense capabilities are comprehensive, timely, and decisive.

“Our armed forces possess the full capacity to uproot the enemy’s nefarious designs,” he said, adding that while Pakistan does not seek confrontation, any misinterpretation of its desire for peace as weakness would draw a strong response.

The president alleged that over the past five years, the “ungrateful Taliban regime” has facilitated terrorist activities across Pakistan through Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

He stated that despite Pakistan’s sustained diplomatic efforts and the involvement of friendly nations to persuade the group to change course, no meaningful progress had been achieved.

According to President Zardari, the situation escalated when the group allegedly crossed the international border, directly challenging Pakistan’s sovereignty. He said Pakistan, as a responsible state, had pursued diplomatic channels and made serious attempts — alongside brotherly countries—to bring the group back to the path of moderation, but those efforts failed to yield positive results.

The president revealed that he had issued a clear and stern warning to the Taliban regime following the suicide attack at a mosque in Islamabad on February 8. He reiterated that message on February 22, delivering what he described as an unequivocal warning.

“Pakistan is fully aware of where the planners, facilitators, and sponsors of violence are based,” President Zardari said. “If the bloodshed continues, those responsible will not remain beyond our reach.”

Reaffirming the country’s commitment to peace, the president concluded that Pakistan seeks stability in the region but remains fully prepared to defend its territory and people against any threat.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026