Taliban Crossed Red Line, Pakistan Responded Strongly: President Asif Ali Zardari

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari told a joint session of Parliament that the Taliban regime crossed Pakistan’s red line, prompting a decisive response from the country. He said Pakistan’s armed forces turned an Indian attack into a historic victory while prioritizing national sovereignty and the rule of the Constitution.

The joint session, marking the beginning of the new parliamentary year, opened with a recitation of the Holy Quran followed by the national anthem. Attendees included Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Asifa Bhutto Zardari, along with governors and chief ministers of the four provinces.

During the session, prayers were offered in the Senate for Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other martyrs, as well as for victims of attacks by militant group Fitna al-Khawarij.

President Zardari said addressing Parliament for the ninth time is an honor and emphasized that nations are tested not only in crises but also at critical turning points. He praised the legacy of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto for giving Pakistan a consensus constitution and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto for strengthening democratic governance. He noted that presidential powers were returned to Parliament in the previous tenure, making the office a symbol of national unity under the 18th Amendment.

Highlighting recent security developments, Zardari said on February 26, Taliban forces attacked the western border, but Pakistan’s response sent a clear message. He added that India increased proxy operations via Afghanistan, yet Pakistan, as a responsible nuclear state, delivered a historic defeat to Indian forces in the Battle of Haq, ensuring no incursion would be tolerated.

He condemned attacks by banned groups Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), praising the armed forces and martyrs for defending national stability. Zardari emphasized that Pakistani forces demonstrated professionalism in responding to unprovoked attacks along both borders.

The president also stressed that Pakistan’s political leadership remained united, and the bravery of the nation’s forces has kept the country secure. He reiterated Pakistan’s principled stance on the Palestinian issue and affirmed the country’s commitment to defend its sovereignty whenever challenged.