By Anzal Amin
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday said that India’s blatant aggression had further united and strengthened the Pakistani people, and that the entire nation and its armed forces were always ready to respond to India’s hostility.
The president, in a statement, paid tribute to those martyred as a result of unprovoked Indian aggression against Pakistan and said that the entire nation saluted the brave sons of the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force who sacrificed their lives for the country’s security.
“We are proud of the sacrifices of our martyrs. Our brave forces have successfully defended the nation and the country’s integrity. Through Operation Bunyan–un-Marsoos, our brave forces shattered the enemy’s arrogance,” he remarked.
President Zardari said that the people and the brave forces of Pakistan were always ready to thwart any aggression and would give a crushing response to every attack on their national security and sovereignty.
He expressed grief over the loss of precious lives, including children and women, during the Indian attacks.
He also extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and prayed for their patience and strength, and swift recovery of the injured.
Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari summoned a session of the National Assembly to be held on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 5:00 PM at the Parliament House.
The 16th session of the current National Assembly is scheduled to discuss the escalating tension between Pakistan and India and the resulting situation in the region.
According to the National Assembly Secretariat, the session was called under Clause 1 of Article 54 of the Constitution, using the powers vested in the President.
Earlier, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan Jiang Zaidong on Monday called on President Asif Ali Zardari here.
In the meeting, they discussed matters of bilateral importance, with a particular focus on the ongoing situation between Pakistan and India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam incident.
President Zardari expressed concern over the recent irresponsible and aggressive rhetoric by the Indian government, saying that such actions threaten regional peace and stability.
The Chinese ambassador reaffirmed the enduring and time-tested friendship between China and Pakistan, describing the relationship as one of “ironclad brothers” who have always supported each other in challenging times.
He thanked President Zardari for sharing Pakistan’s perspective, and emphasised that China would always support Pakistan to achieve the common desire of both countries to secure peace and stability in South Asia.
The president conveyed his deep appreciation and gratitude to the Chinese government for its consistent support, which has always stood by Pakistan in difficult times.
