ISLAMABAD, Feb 13 (APP):President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday highlighting the rapid changes facing the world, ranging from geopolitical shifts and hybrid threats to cybersecurity, reiterated that, amidst all such challenges, Pakistan stood ready to work with all nations to build understanding, peace and sustainable development.
The president, during the interactive session with the participants of the 6th International Workshop for Leadership and Stability 2026, felicitated them at the conclusion of the workshop. The workshop was attended by around 100 participants, including 69 hailing from different 49 countries.
Calling the leadership and stability the pillars of nations and institutions, the president highlighted that the world was currently facing rapid changes, with geopolitical shifts, emerging security threats and the growing role of technology in governance.
“Security is no longer only about conventional conflicts. It includes cybersecurity, hybrid threats and information challenges. At the same time, climate change, resource scarcity and disinformation cross borders, demanding collaborative solutions,” the president emphasized in his address.
President Zardari urged the participants of the workshop to translate discussions into real-world solutions, choosing dialogue over division and cooperation over conflict.
He commended the National Defence University (NDU) for organising this important forum and termed that such workshops bring together policymakers, diplomats, military officials, academics and private sector leaders.
President Zardari said that such forums offered a valuable space to discuss leadership and stability. “I hope these insights reach a broader audience across our institutions and society,” he said.
He extended his gratitude to the organisers, participants and NDU for making this workshop possible, and expressed the hope that their discussions would become insightful, collaborations lasting and time spent here meaningful.
Responding to the questions by the participants, President Zardari said that Pakistan was working close with many countries in the region and was ready to strengthen workforce with bilateral technological advancement.
He emphasised that interaction between Serbia and Pakistan should be enhanced and said that Pakistan desired to work with Serbia and undertake enhanced interaction between think-tanks, industry and academia of both nations.
Replying another query, he said Pakistan and the world have no choice but to cooperate as all are interwoven; facing crosscutting issues.
President Zardari said the 18th Constitutional Amendment was meant to guide the nation to ensure its sustainable future and survival as it honored public sentiment and ownership of the decisions made by the masses pertaining to the national wealth.
“Pakistan believes that every country had its national interest. We do not encourage war and conflicts among nations rather promote repeated dialogue to resolve issues. Our region is volatile but I am hopeful that no conflict triggers in the region,” he said.
Pakistan Peoples Party, he said believes in the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to inculcate the sense of leadership in women and empower them by granting their due rights.
He also paid homage to former prime minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for her vision and struggle for democracy. He also recalled his memories and vision as a companion of Shaheed Mohtarma to endow his energy and passion for the service of the masses, empowerment of women and strengthening of the nation as a democratic society.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Director General Institute for Strategic Studies, Research & Analysis (ISSRA), Major General, Muhammad Raza Aizad extended gratitude to the president for extending the opportunity to the workshop participants for visiting the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
He introduced the participants of the workshop which was also attended by 30 participants from Pakistan hailing from all segments of society including industry, business, think-tanks, military, academia and media had attended the workshop.
The workshop covered multiple subjects from transforming global order, climate change, xenophobia, perception management, economic perception to the art and Culture of Pakistan, he added.
He said after attending the Workshop, the participants would become part of very strong network of over 3,000 alumni across the globe.