President Zardari Calls for Global Cooperation Amid Emerging Threats
Islamabad : President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday said Pakistan stands ready to work with all nations to promote understanding, peace and sustainable development, as the world faces rapid changes marked by geopolitical shifts, hybrid threats and emerging security challenges.
Addressing an interactive session with participants of the 6th International Workshop for Leadership and Stability 2026 at National Defence University, the president congratulated the participants on the conclusion of the workshop. The forum was attended by around 100 participants, including 69 from 49 countries.
Highlighting leadership and stability as the foundations of nations and institutions, President Zardari said security today extends beyond conventional conflicts to include cybersecurity, hybrid threats and information challenges. He added that climate change, resource scarcity and disinformation transcend borders and require collective responses.
The president urged participants to translate dialogue into real-world solutions, stressing the need to choose cooperation over conflict. He commended the National Defence University for organising the workshop, noting that such forums bring together policymakers, diplomats, military officials, academics and private sector leaders to exchange perspectives on leadership and stability.
Responding to questions, President Zardari said Pakistan was working closely with regional countries and remained open to strengthening its workforce through bilateral technological advancement. He underlined the importance of enhanced interaction between Pakistan and Serbia, particularly through closer engagement among think tanks, industry and academia.
He said Pakistan and the international community had no option but to cooperate, as global challenges are interconnected. Referring to domestic governance, the president said the 18th Constitutional Amendment was designed to ensure a sustainable future by reflecting public ownership of decisions related to national resources.
The president reiterated that Pakistan does not encourage wars or conflicts and instead promotes sustained dialogue to resolve disputes. He described the region as volatile but expressed hope that conflicts could be avoided through engagement.
President Zardari also highlighted the vision of the Pakistan Peoples Party to promote leadership and empowerment of women, paying tribute to former prime minister Benazir Bhutto for her struggle for democracy and women’s rights.
Earlier, Director General Institute for Strategic Studies, Research and Analysis (ISSRA) Major General Muhammad Raza Aizad welcomed the president and briefed participants on the workshop, which included 30 Pakistani participants from industry, business, think tanks, the military, academia and media. He said the workshop covered themes ranging from global order and climate change to perception management, economy, and Pakistan’s art and culture, and noted that participants would join a global alumni network of over 3,000 members.
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