War is not a child play, President Zardari tells India

Bilawal says victory against India was the biggest achievement of Pakistan during 2025, adding that ZA Bhutto made this country an atomic power

Published: 09:33 AM, 27 Dec, 2025
Featured News, Pakistan
War is not a child play, President Zardari tells India

President Zardari has said that Pakistan has given befitting reply to India when it resorted to aggression, adding that every citizen was committed to protect the sovereignty of the country, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel. 

Addressing Shaheed Benazir’s 18th death anniversary, Zardari told India that was was not a child play.

President Zardari lauded Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for responding to Indian aggression, saying India realised that war was not a child’s play after Pakistan’s decisive action. Zardari said Pakistan’s commander‑in‑chief answered India “by looking into the eyes of the eternal enemy.

He said India could not sustain the conflict for even four days, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi must now understand that war requires courage, resolve and sacrifice. President Zardari praised Field Marshal Asim Munir, saying his leadership gave India a clear and befitting response. He said the army chief stood firm with the nation and played a key role in safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty.

Zardari claimed the international community is now acknowledging Pakistan’s stance and leadership, adding that even former US president Donald Trump had praised Field Marshal Asim Munir.

Recalling the aftermath of Benazir Bhutto’s assassination, the president said the country was saved by raising the slogan of “Pakistan Khappay,” which helped prevent chaos and instability. He said Benazir Bhutto’s sacrifice strengthened Pakistan’s democratic journey and national unity at a critical moment. President Zardari challenged India’s claims of military superiority, saying numbers alone do not win wars. “To fight, one needs a heart,” he remarked, adding that Pakistan could have shot down more Indian aircraft if it wanted. He warned that anyone who looks at Pakistan’s land with ill intent will receive a strong response, stressing that Pakistan desires peace but remains fully prepared to defend itself.

President Zardari said that “As we reflect on this solemn day on her 18th martyrdom anniversary, we must choose unity over division.”He stressed that Benazir “never believed in vindictiveness and vendetta”. “She always reminded us that democracy was the best revenge. Her message calls on us to heal political rifts, strengthen democratic institutions and work together for the progress of our motherland,” he said.

“On her anniversary, I reaffirm the commitment to carrying forward her vision of a democratic, inclusive, tolerant, pluralist and forward-looking Pakistan,“ he added.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday said victory against India was the biggest achievement of Pakistan during 2025, adding that ZA Bhutto made this country an atomic power.

Bilawal said 18 years have passed since Benazir Bhutto’s martyrdom, adding that the people gathered from all four provinces are the strongest response to terrorists and her assassins. He said the world receives the message that Benazir Bhutto lives on through the love of her supporters.

Bilawal stated that Pakistan’s victory against India in May was a victory for the entire nation and was acknowledged globally. He said sacrifices associated with Garhi Khuda Bakhsh contributed to Pakistan becoming a nuclear power. He added that Asif Ali Zardari strengthened friendship with China by laying the foundation of CPEC.

Speaking on the economy, Bilawal said the country is facing political and economic challenges, stressing that PPP considers federal problems as its own and is committed to public relief. He highlighted PPP-led initiatives including the Benazir Income Support Programme, free healthcare facilities, housing for poor women in Sindh, and agricultural reforms.

Bilawal emphasized that Benazir Bhutto’s final message was reconciliation, saying political extremism must be abandoned to overcome national crises. He urged all political forces to bring politics back within democratic limits and think in the national interest.

 Bilawal said the PPP was a federal party that conducted politics at the national and provincial levels with sincerity, considering the Centre’s issues and problems to be its own.

“If there is an issue of fiscal space for the federal government, then as a patriot, I would want to solve it. The PPP has its own politics and history, and as the chain binding the four provinces, we have a greater responsibility to want to solve the Centre’s issue while protecting provincial rights.

“We think that instead of attempts to snatch authority from provinces, it would be better if the federal government gives further responsibilities to the provinces. We are ready to take on further responsibilities to fix the economy and government’s issues.”

He pointed to tax collection, saying the federal government should work together with provincial governments and assign them further responsibilities in this regard to increase collection.

Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that sacrifices of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto for democracy and the country will always be remembered.

Bilawal said the PPP continues to follow the vision of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.

He said Shaheed Benazir Bhutto as a symbol of unity for all federating units of the country. He said that PPP has rendered countless sacrifices for Pakistan. He also paid tribute to the Armed Forces for their bravery during the war with India in May this year. Bilawal Bhutto also highlighted country's socio-economic and political challenges.

Earlier, huge crowd gathered at Garhi Khuda Buksh to observe the 18th anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto today with a dedicated commemoration, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The Pakistan People’s Party’s leadership, along with party workers from across Pakistan, will participate in the event featuring floral tributes, prayers, and reflections on her life and sacrifices. 

On this day, 2007, Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a gun-and-suicide attack while addressing an election rally at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi, which claimed her life.

Benazir Bhutto served as Pakistan’s first female prime minister from 1988 to 1990 and again from 1993 to 1996, becoming the first woman to lead a Muslim-majority nation through democratic elections. Her legacy continues to inspire efforts toward a progressive Pakistan.

President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari arrived in Naudero on Saturday morning where Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah welcomed them.

Both President Zardari and Bilawal will address a huge public gathering to mark the Benazir Bhutto’s death anniversary.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Sindh Home Minister Zai Lanjar and other leaders have also reached Garhi Khuda Buksh where 10,000 policemen have been deployed for strict security.

President vows to carry forward BB’s democratic vision

President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed the commitment to carrying forward Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s vision of a democratic, inclusive, tolerant, pluralist and forward-looking Pakistan.

In his message on the death anniversary of Shaheed-e-Jamhooriat, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, the president said today, the world in general and Pakistanis in particular remember Shaheed-e-Jamhooriat, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. “We honour a leader whose life and sacrifice are inseparable from Pakistan’s democratic journey.”

Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was first woman Prime Minister of the entire Islamic world, elected twice by the people of Pakistan, he president said adding that in a political landscape shaped by exclusion, patriarchy, longer authoritarian rule and repeated disruptions of democratic order, she stood like a rock for the supremacy of the Constitution, authority of the Parliament and the peoples’ right to choose their representatives.

He pointed out that her repeated return to electoral politics reflected an unshakeable faith in peaceful political struggle and unadulterated democracy.

“She gave voice to the voiceless. She pulled farmers, workers and low-income families like a super magnet towards her who remained at the centre of her politics. Through people-focused initiatives and a clear emphasis on opportunity, she sought to widen access to livelihoods, education, public services and upward social mobility, particularly for the youth,” the president added.

Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto believed deeply in an inclusive Pakistan. She rejected sectarianism, bigotry and intolerance, and consistently spoke for the protection of minorities. Her vision was of a federation where citizens of all faiths could live with dignity and equal rights.

President Asif Zardari emphasized that she also recognised the importance of engaging with the modern world. During the 1990s, she supported opening Pakistan’s economy, encouraging investment and modern communications. These early steps helped lay the foundation for greater connectivity and economic participation in later years.

“Her courage in the face of extremism remains one of her most enduring legacies. She stood against violence and intolerance and paid the ultimate price for her convictions. Her martyrdom is a reminder that the fight against terrorism is not only about security, but also about ideas, education and respect for diversity,” he added.

For the youth of Pakistan, her life offers a clear lesson. Speak up for justice, organise peacefully and do not surrender hope in the face of adversity. She confronted censorship and repression with resolve, proving that truth cannot be silenced forever.

“As we reflect on this solemn day on her 18th martyrdom anniversary, we must choose unity over division. Shaheed Benazir Bhutto never believed in vindictiveness and vendetta. She always reminded us that democracy was the best revenge. Her message calls on us to heal political rifts, strengthen democratic institutions and work together for the progress of our motherland,” the president added.

Bilawal pays tribute to Benazir

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid a profound and glowing tribute to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto — the first elected woman Prime Minister of the Islamic world and Pakistan’s twice-elected Prime Minister — on the 18th anniversary of her martyrdom, saying that the Daughter of the East’s life was a rare fusion of courage and compassion, and that her supreme sacrifice was a pledge written in blood that democracy in Pakistan would never surrender.

Th PPP chairman said December 27 is a day of collective mourning, reflection and renewed commitment. “Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was not just a leader; she was the fearless voice of democracy, the hope of the oppressed and an unyielding symbol of resistance against dictatorship, extremism and intolerance,” he said.

Highlighting her historic national and global role, Bilawal said her vision of a peaceful, democratic and inclusive Pakistan continues to inspire generations, especially women and youth.

He said that as Prime Minister, despite immense challenges, she pursued people-centred policies, strengthened Pakistan’s defence, safeguarded national sovereignty and restored the country’s progressive and dignified image internationally.

Recalling her unmatched personal sacrifices, he said that despite losing her father, brothers and enduring years of persecution, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto remained steadfast and fearless until she embraced martyrdom in the struggle for democracy.

Reaffirming the PPP’s unwavering commitment to her mission, Bilawal said the party will continue to fight for social and economic justice, constitutional supremacy, women’s empowerment and the protection of minorities.

Mohsin Naqvi pays tribute to Shaheed Benazir

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the outstanding services of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto on her martyrdom anniversary in powerful words.

In his message, Mohsin Naqvi said Shaheed Benazir Bhutto is the name of an era that will live on. 

Mohsin Naqvi said Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s national and political services for Pakistan will always be remembered. 

Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s personality was an embodiment of hope, perseverance and unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy, Mohsin Naqvi said.

He said Shaheed Benazir Bhutto had complete faith in the power of the people. 

Shaheed Benazir Bhutto sacrificed her life for a peaceful, progressive and democratic Pakistan, Mohsin Naqvi said.

He said Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s vision is a beacon for all democratic forces. 

Mohsin Naqvi said Shaheed Benazir Bhutto considered workers, farmers and the backward classes as the basis of national development. 

Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s dream was a Pakistan where the dignity and respect of every individual is ensured and democracy is strengthened, Mohsin Naqvi said.

Today, President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari are carrying forward the legacy of Shaheed Bibi, he added.

Mohsin Naqvi said the ideology of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto is still alive today and it will be alive tomorrow too.

Govt delegation in GKB

A high-level government delegation attended the martyrdom anniversary ceremony of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed in Garhi Khuda Baksh on Saturday.

The delegation led by Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and consisted of PM's Advisor Rana Sanaullah, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, and Members of the National Assembly.

The delegation participated in the anniversary ceremony on the special instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and also met central leadership of the Pakistan Peoples' Party.

Paying homage to former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto Shaheed, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said today the nation is observing the death anniversary of Pakistan's great daughter. He said she played a significant role in empowering women and took valuable steps for the protection of minorities' rights.

The Speaker said Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed worked tirelessly to make Pakistan a peaceful, progressive, and democratic state.

Reporters Abdul Khaliq Mugheri, Rozina Ali and Awais Kiyani

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