President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday called for national unity, democratic responsibility and economic discipline as Pakistan entered 2026, urging citizens and political forces to recommit themselves to safeguarding the country’s shared future amid mounting global and domestic challenges.

In his New Year message, the president extended greetings to the people of Pakistan, overseas Pakistanis and the international community, noting that the country was approaching its 79th Independence Day at a time that required “national soul-searching and collective resolve.

Describing a world marked by wars, proxy conflicts, extremism, economic turbulence, climate emergencies and deep social polarisation, President Zardari said Pakistan was not immune to these pressures but was also “not helpless.”

He said unity, resilience, creativity and faith were essential to overcoming these challenges.

On the economy, the president said global inflation, debt pressures, supply chain disruptions and technological competition underscored the need for economic sovereignty based on discipline rather than denial.

In a separate message, the prime minister hailed the nation’s resilience and paid tribute to its martyrs while pledging to accelerate economic reforms and uphold Pakistan’s role for global peace.

The prime minister extended his heartfelt greetings to all Pakistanis, praying that the new year brings happiness, prosperity, and His grace and mercy.

Reflecting on the passing year, the prime minister declared that “2025 will be recorded in history in golden letters for the defence of the motherland.”

He praised the armed forces and the nation for standing shoulder to shoulder to foil the enemy’s designs, specifically lauding the country’s air defence as a model of success for the world and a textbook-worthy engagement for warriors globally.