Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China are celebrating their 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations on Thursday, with both countries&rsquo; leaders reiterating their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation and strengthening their long-standing all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.&nbsp; In his message on the occasion, the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, stated that Pakistan-China relations over the last 75 years have developed into a strong model of an enduring friendship based on mutual trust, strategic cooperation, and unwavering support of each other&rsquo;s core interests.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 825px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2057353987528237263&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=cf61210766af88909be525b07d13027311cade71&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> He further stated that the people of Pakistan place great value on the historic relationship they have with China and continue to seek to strengthen their cooperation with neighboring country in trade, technology, development, and regional harmony, while the spirit of friendship that has existed between the two countries will continue to guide future generations. In a separate message to the people of both countries, Pakistan&#39;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his most sincere congratulations on this momentous occasion, noting that he sees the friendship between Pakistan and China as a bond built on mutual respect, a commitment to shared goals, and a foundation of mutual strategic trust.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 750px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2057321173286043812&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=cf61210766af88909be525b07d13027311cade71&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> In addition, he praised the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and recognized the country of China for its incredible achievements relating to its economic growth, technological advancements/ innovations, poverty alleviation, and modernization. Lastly, he emphasized the significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as the cornerstone of the Belt and Road Initiative and how it has substantially improved Pakistan&rsquo;s infrastructure, energy generation, and provided many other benefits. Meanwhile, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also congratulated the leadership and people of Pakistan and China on the completion of 75 years of Pak-China diplomatic relations. In a post on social media platform X by the Interior Ministry of Pakistan, the minister extended best wishes to Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Communist Party of China, and the people of China.&nbsp;

Foreign Affairs

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirm Pakistan-China friendship, highlighting mutual trust, CPEC cooperation, regional stability and shared commitment to peace on diplomatic ties’ 75th anniversary.

Pakistan, China celebrate 75 years of ties with renewed commitment to strategic partnership

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s President Asif Ali Zardari met the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community on Wednesday, appreciating Aga Khan Development Network&rsquo;s (AKDN) contribution in healthcare, education, community development, climate resilience, and heritage conservation. Prince Rahim Agha Khan V, who is on his first visit to Pakistan, thanked the president for a warm welcome, reaffirming AKDN&rsquo;s continued commitment to supporting development and humanitarian initiatives in the country. The president, accompanied by First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and Pakistan People&rsquo;s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with AKDN for the welfare and development of vulnerable communities. The president also recalled the association of the late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV with Pakistan and appreciated the historic contributions of the family. Upon his arrival at the President&#39;s House, the prince was presented with a tri-services guard of honor, comprising contingents of the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, and Pakistan Air Force. A banquet was hosted in honor of the prince&rsquo;s arrival, which was attended by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and several other dignitaries.

Culture

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V thanks president for a warm welcome, reaffirms continued commitment to supporting development and humanitarian initiatives in the country.

President Zardari appreciates AKDN’s contribution in meet with Aga Khan

Pakistan TV Satellite

ISLAMABAD: Social activist Muhammad Saeed Sheikh, who received Sitara-e-Khidmat from President Asif Ali Zardari, has emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties between Pakistan and the United States, particularly through initiatives focused on trade enhancement and community-driven economic collaboration. Speaking on Pakistan TV&rsquo;s morning show &lsquo;World This Morning&rsquo;, Muhammad Saeed Sheikh said one of the key mechanisms supporting this goal is the Houston-Karachi Sister City Association (HKSCA), which was officially approved by the Houston city government. According to him, the sister city framework has provided a structured platform for not only cultural exchange but also meaningful economic engagement between the two cities. Sheikh shared that his journey in community service began in 1980, when he chose to dedicate himself to social work over political activity. Starting with the Junior Chamber (JCs) in Hyderabad, he later rose to become the national president of Pakistan JCs in 1992. After moving to the United States, he continued his work through the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce USA, eventually serving as its president in 2008, consistently focusing on building networks that support leadership, service, and economic connectivity. He described his key role in establishing the Houston-Karachi Sister City relationship in 2009 and developing a network of more than 40 community organizations engaged in humanitarian and civic initiatives. These networks have also played a role during major crises, including the 2011 Sindh floods, Hurricane Harvey in 2017, COVID-19, and winter emergencies in the United States, coordinating relief efforts across communities in both countries. Muhammad Saeed Sheikh reiterated that his guiding principle remains that &quot;service to humanity is the best work of life&quot;. He also highlighted large-scale community initiatives such as Houston&rsquo;s annual Iftar event, which has grown into a major gathering of over 2,000 participants from diverse faiths and backgrounds, reflecting his emphasis on inclusivity and social cohesion. He further said his contributions have been recognised in both Pakistan and the United States through various civil honors, expressing gratitude to the President of Pakistan, diplomatic institutions, and Overseas Pakistanis Foundation.&nbsp; He described these recognitions not as a final milestone but as a continuation of his broader mission to advance humanitarian service and strengthen Pakistan&rsquo;s economic development through deeper US-Pakistan community and trade collaboration.

Muhammad Saeed Sheikh speaking on Pakistan TV’s morning show ‘World This Morning’ (Photo: Pakistan TV Satellite)

Economy

Sitara-e-Khidmat recipient Muhammad Saeed Sheikh highlighted the need for stronger Pakistan-US economic ties, citing the Houston-Karachi Sister City Association and decades of community service aimed at promoting trade, humanitarian cooperation, and cross-cultural engagement between the two countries.

Saeed Sheikh's humanitarian work earns state recognition

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with President Asif Ali Zardari Monday evening at the President&rsquo;s House in Islamabad.&nbsp; During the meeting, the leaders paid tribute to the martyrs of Marka-e-Haq and discussed the national and broader regional situation.&nbsp; The discussions reaffirmed Islamabad&rsquo;s commitment to national defense and public relief. The meeting also included Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister of Interior Moshin Naqvi, and Chairman of the Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, along with other senior leaders.

Politics

Leaders pay tribute to the martyrs of Marka-e-Haq, discuss the national and broader regional situation.

PM, President discuss evolving regional situation

During President Zardari’s five-day visit to China, Pakistan Navy commissioned its first Hangor-class submarine, marking a major milestone in maritime modernization and strengthening Pakistan’s regional deterrence and sea security capabilities.

Pakistan president wraps China visit, advances CPEC, defense cooperation ties

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has strongly condemned the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem by Israeli occupation forces.&nbsp; In a statement on X, &nbsp;he called the storming a violation of international law and an assault on the sanctity and historical character of the holy site. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2042168549175914927&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=31832da58f60a54736c682928a8fe6791d0a22e1&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 321px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" spellcheck="false">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> According to a statement from the Press Information Department,&nbsp;President Zardari expressed concern over recent restrictions on access to the mosque, including during Ramadan and Eid, and noted that the regional situation, including the current conflict involving the US and Iran, appeared to have been used to justify such measures. He called on the international community to take urgent steps to prevent such actions. The president reiterated Pakistan&#39;s unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their right to an independent state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Al Aqsa mosque (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Security

President Asif Ali Zardari has termed the actions as illegal and provocative, urging global intervention while reaffirming support for Palestinian statehood with Al-Quds as its capital.

President condemns storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli occupation forces

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s leadership on Monday reviewed the country&rsquo;s energy supplies and economic situation, emphasizing the need to protect the public from rising prices amid global market volatility and regional uncertainty, according to official statements. President Asif Ali Zardari chaired an expanded consultative meeting in Islamabad with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, provincial leaders, and senior cabinet members, directing authorities to take &ldquo;all possible measures&rdquo; to ease the burden of rising costs on the public, particularly for essential goods and services, according to the President&#39;s Media Wing. The meeting was told that despite global pressures, timely decisions had ensured no disruption in fuel supply, with adequate stocks available and future arrangements underway. Officials also reviewed the broader regional situation and its potential impact on Pakistan&rsquo;s security environment, economic outlook and food security. Sufficient petrol availabilitySeparately, a cabinet committee overseeing petroleum prices said the country&rsquo;s fuel supply remained stable, with diesel stocks covering around 23-24 days and petrol availability sufficient. Crude oil stocks were reported to cover about 11 days, with additional shipments in transit expected to sustain refinery operations through April, according to the Finance Division statement. The committee noted that international oil markets remained volatile, with rising benchmark prices and higher cargo premiums linked to regional developments. It said import plans for April were being actively managed, with volumes secured through commercial and government-to-government arrangements. Officials said refinery operations were being maintained at optimal levels to meet domestic demand, while procurement strategies were being adjusted to secure favourable supply terms under existing contracts, as per the statement. Authorities also reviewed fuel demand trends, noting increased consumption in recent weeks, and directed provincial administrations to strengthen oversight to prevent hoarding and ensure smooth distribution. The government said efforts were underway to maintain an uninterrupted fuel supply while minimising the impact of global price fluctuations on consumers.

Pakistan’s leadership reviews the country’s energy supplies and economic situation, stressing the need to shield the public from rising prices amid global market volatility and regional uncertainty.

Pakistan reviews fuel supplies, vows public relief amid global volatility

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday called for collective action on climate change ahead of Earth Hour 2026, urging citizens to adopt more sustainable habits. This year&#39;s &quot;Give an Hour for Earth&quot; campaign, which is observed globally through a symbolic lights-off hour, encourages people to consider how their everyday decisions impact the environment and to take action beyond the gesture. President urges reflection, sustainable livingIn a message issued to mark the occasion, the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, said environmental protection requires&nbsp;collective effort,&nbsp;emphasizing that individual acts, when combined, can have a significant impact. He noted that a country responsible for less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions continues to bear a disproportionate share of climate consequences.&nbsp; &quot;The pressures we place on natural systems are steadily reducing the space in which life can sustain itself,&quot; the president said.&nbsp; The statement pointed to recent floods, heatwaves, and droughts as clear indicators of escalating environmental stress, affecting agriculture, water availability, and urban life. Zardari called for development strategies that stay within environmental limits, pointing to the need for more responsible energy use, sustainable consumption patterns, and climate-conscious industrial and agricultural practices.&nbsp; He reiterated Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to the Paris Agreement and said climate resilience remains a key focus of national planning. He also referred to ongoing initiatives such as the Upscaling Green Pakistan Programme, Living Indus, and Recharge Pakistan, which aim to expand forest cover, restore ecosystems, and improve water management. Citizens were encouraged to switch off non-essential lights on March 28 and use the occasion to consider long-term changes that reduce environmental impact. PM encourages Earth Hour participationMeanwhile, Pakistan&#39;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged citizens to take part in Earth Hour by switching off unnecessary lights between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm, or at least minimizing electricity use during the hour. He said the initiative serves as a reminder that protecting the environment is a shared national responsibility, particularly at a time of &quot;serious environmental challenges&quot;.&nbsp; He stressed that decisions taken today to address environmental degradation would shape the future of coming generations. Senate chairman stresses policy and coordinationIn a separate statement, the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, underscored the urgency of a coordinated national response, warning that climate-related threats are becoming more frequent and severe. He pointed to accelerating glacial melt, growing water stress, and recurring extreme weather events as key challenges requiring stronger policy alignment and institutional accountability.&nbsp; Describing climate change as &quot;a profound intergenerational obligation,&quot; the Chairman called for tighter policy integration, stronger institutional accountability, and a coordinated response spanning federal and provincial governments. Describing Earth Hour as a symbolic but important initiative, he said it serves to reinforce the need for efficient energy use and more sustainable consumption across society. He added that legislative efforts would continue to prioritize environmental protection, renewable energy, and conservation of natural resources. Notably, the chairman expanded the circle of responsibility beyond government, calling on civil society and the private sector to engage meaningfully. The transition to sustainable consumption, he reiterated, cannot be legislated into existence alone.

Climate & Environment

President Asif Ali Zardari, PM Shehbaz Sharif, and the Senate chairman call for sustainable practices, warning that climate threats demand collective action, policy coordination, and long-term environmental responsibility.

Pakistan observes Earth Hour, leaders urge climate responsibility

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari led a high-level consultative meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr to assess the evolving economic and energy situation amid oil supply constraints and rising petroleum prices, as well as regional security developments, according to a press release issued by the President&#39;s Secretariat on Thursday.&nbsp; Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also attended the meeting. Other participants included cabinet members and senior government officials. The meeting reviewed the impact of fluctuations in global oil and gas supplies and prices on Pakistan&rsquo;s economy, with particular focus on managing inflationary pressures and ensuring energy security.&nbsp; The ministers for finance and petroleum briefed the meeting on ongoing measures to stabilize petroleum prices, manage the effects of rising fuel costs on other sectors of the economy, and enforce fiscal discipline through austerity measures to reduce expenditure pressures.&nbsp; The broader regional situation also came under discussion, including its implications for Pakistan&rsquo;s security, economic outlook and food security.&nbsp; The meeting emphasized the need for a coordinated national response, noting that policy decisions must prioritize stability while safeguarding the public interest. The meeting underscored the importance of maintaining national consensus and strengthening institutional coordination in view of emerging regional challenges. It was agreed that economic management, energy planning, food security, and broader security concerns must stay closely aligned to address this challenging situation. The meeting also emphasized the need for public awareness to reduce fuel consumption, encourage the use of public transportation and promote shared ride systems.

President Asif Ali Zardari chairs a high-level meeting attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir at Aiwan-i-Sadr on March 26, 2026. — Photo courtesy President’s Secretariat

Meeting highlights need for national consensus and stronger institutional coordination to tackle regional challenges. Economic management, energy planning, food security, and security issues must stay aligned.

Pakistan leaders review energy crisis, economy amid regional tensions

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s leadership on Monday urged unity, resilience and collective resolve as the country marked Pakistan Day, with officials at home and abroad paying tribute to the sacrifices that led to the nation&rsquo;s creation in 1947.&nbsp;In separate messages, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the enduring relevance of national cohesion, while reaffirming commitments to economic recovery, security, and democratic strength.&nbsp;Zardari said the occasion was a reminder that &ldquo;unity and solidarity are the most important elements in transforming national resolve into reality,&rdquo; paying tribute to &ldquo;our elders whose struggle and sacrifices led to the creation of Pakistan.&rdquo;&nbsp;He noted that Pakistan had overcome major challenges through &ldquo;mutual cooperation, hard work, and capability,&rdquo; but cautioned that both internal and external challenges persist. &ldquo;We will not allow any group to use Afghan soil for actions against Pakistan,&rdquo; he said, adding that those who sponsor terrorism would be eliminated.&nbsp;Referring to regional dynamics and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the president described India&rsquo;s treatment of minorities, particularly Muslims, as &ldquo;proof&rdquo; of the need for a separate homeland. He called on the international community to support Kashmiris&rsquo; right to &ldquo;self-determination.&rdquo;&nbsp;Zardari also stressed the importance of democratic continuity and equality. &ldquo;Unity, faith and discipline are the guiding principles through which we can make Pakistan even stronger and more prosperous,&rdquo; he said. <div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cqNXb2FfrBI?si=Wbj_-RuDsYAhuLkC" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; max-width: 100%; display: block;">&nbsp;</iframe>&nbsp;</div>&nbsp;PM Sharif described March 23 as a defining moment in South Asian history. &ldquo;It was on this day in 1940 that the Muslims of the Subcontinent passed the historic Lahore Resolution and demanded a separate homeland,&rdquo; he said, adding that the vision was realized through the sacrifices of the founding fathers.&nbsp;Acknowledging current pressures, Sharif said Pakistan faces &ldquo;serious challenges&hellip; including inflation, unemployment, circular debt, fiscal and trade deficit, and above all the growing scourge of terrorism.&rdquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;We stand committed to put Pakistan on the path to economic recovery and prosperity with a cogent policy reform framework,&rdquo; he said, urging collective action. &ldquo;Let us renew our firm resolve to follow the footsteps of our founding fathers to make Pakistan a pivot of peace, progress and stability.&rdquo;&nbsp;He added: &ldquo;Let us work for a Pakistan that is not driven apart by differences but is united around shared values.&rdquo;&nbsp;China reaffirms partnershipChinese President Xi Jinping extended congratulations to Zardari, praising Pakistan&rsquo;s efforts to safeguard &ldquo;national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national dignity,&rdquo; and its contributions to &ldquo;regional peace, stability, and development.&rdquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;As a close friend, China is sincerely pleased with Pakistan&#39;s development achievements,&rdquo; Xi said, expressing readiness to &ldquo;build an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future.&rdquo;&nbsp;Chinese Premier Li Qiang also conveyed greetings to Prime Minister Sharif.&nbsp;Ceremonies across global missionsPakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic missions worldwide marked the day with flag-hoisting ceremonies and community events.&nbsp;At the Consulate General in Dubai, Consul General Hussain Muhammad recalled the Lahore Resolution as the foundation of an independent homeland, calling Pakistan&rsquo;s creation through a peaceful democratic struggle &ldquo;an unparalleled milestone in the human history.&rdquo; <div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8lBADKuUHKo?si=6CMFRn36J1lciqrB" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; max-width: 100%; display: block;">&nbsp;</iframe>&nbsp;</div>&nbsp;He praised the Pakistani diaspora in the United Arab Emirates as a &ldquo;vital bridge&rdquo; and commended their contribution, noting record remittances in February 2026.&nbsp;In London, High Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Faisal said Pakistan &ldquo;had always professed peace and stability in the region,&rdquo; but warned that it &ldquo;will not tolerate any aggression from neighbouring countries.&rdquo;&nbsp;He described the nation as resilient, showing &ldquo;courage &amp; perseverance&rdquo; despite challenges, and reaffirmed support for Kashmiris&rsquo; right to self-determination.&nbsp;In Dhaka, High Commissioner Imran Haider highlighted Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to global peace while linking sustainable regional stability to a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute.&nbsp;Solidarity was also expressed with the people of Palestine, while national resolve against terrorism was emphasized.&nbsp;At the embassy in Beijing, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi underscored the enduring relevance of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah&rsquo;s principles of &ldquo;Unity, Faith, and Discipline,&rdquo; and highlighted efforts to expand cooperation with China in investment, education, technology, and people-to-people exchanges, particularly as both countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.&nbsp;In New Delhi, Charg&eacute; d&rsquo;Affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich described the Lahore Resolution as a &ldquo;touchstone&rdquo; for Muslims of the subcontinent. <div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TcGh4ycGIuQ?si=3u0-3ZsXQti_YdfY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" style="width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; max-width: 100%; display: block;">&nbsp;</iframe>&nbsp;</div>&nbsp;He said Pakistan&rsquo;s &ldquo;unwavering resolve to preserve and protect its sovereignty and independence&rdquo; remains evident, adding that lasting peace with India depends on &ldquo;equality, mutual respect and peaceful settlement of all disputes,&rdquo; including Jammu and Kashmir, in line with UN resolutions.&nbsp;Across these ceremonies, officials consistently paid tribute to the founding leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and reaffirmed a shared commitment to unity, resilience and national progress.

Pakistan marked Pakistan Day with leaders urging unity, resilience and economic recovery, while reaffirming counterterrorism resolve and support for Kashmir. Global missions echoed solidarity, as China renewed commitments to deepen bilateral cooperation and partnership

Articles tagged with "President Asif Ali Zardari"