Garkhi Khuda Bakhsh: President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari on Friday issued a strong warning to India, stating that Pakistan had the capability to down more Indian aircraft in the past but deliberately exercised restraint. He said that if war is imposed on Pakistan again, the country is fully prepared to respond.

Addressing a large public gathering in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on the occasion of the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, President Zardari said that the slogan “Pakistan Khappay” was originally raised by Benazir Bhutto and continues to reflect the spirit of national unity and resistance.

He said India had now realized that Pakistan knows how to defend itself. “India should be thankful that we showed restraint; otherwise, all of their aircraft could have been shot down,” Zardari remarked. He warned that anyone who looks at Pakistan with malicious intent should remember that Pakistan has leadership ready to defend the country. “If anyone casts an evil eye on Pakistan, they should remember that Zardari is here, the Pakistan Peoples Party is here, and the party’s devoted workers are here,” he said.

The president praised the country’s military leadership, saying that Pakistan appointed a chief who gave India a decisive and forceful response. “India now knows that we can defend ourselves,” he added. In a fiery tone, Zardari said that while India claims to be one of the world’s largest economies, it could not sustain even four days of war. “You talk about bread and bullets — we will fire bullets if needed. Where will you find the courage and resolve that our army chief has?” he questioned.

President Zardari further stated that India may be a big power, but it lacks the courage and determination that Pakistan’s leadership possesses. “Where will India find the kind of resolve that Pakistan’s president, prime minister, and army chief have?” he asked. Reiterating his earlier statement, he said once again that Pakistan could have shot down more Indian jets but chose restraint. “If anyone imposes war on us again, we are ready,” he emphasized.

Sharing a personal anecdote, President Zardari said that during tense moments, he told party workers to stay safe while he would face the situation alone. He recalled that his military secretary informed him that war had begun and advised him to move to a bunker. “I told my military secretary that we do not die in bunkers; we die in the battlefield. We are ready,” he said, drawing loud applause from the crowd.

The president stressed that Pakistan does not want war and believes in peace, but will respond forcefully to any aggression. “We do not want to fight, but if any hand is raised towards us, we will answer it. If anyone looks at Pakistan with an evil eye, they should remember that our army chief will make them pay a heavy price,” he warned.

In his speech, Zardari also criticized past policies that, according to him, damaged Pakistan’s relations on the global stage. Without naming anyone directly, he said that “one foolish man” had, in four years, ruined Pakistan’s relations with countries around the world. He said restoring Pakistan’s diplomatic standing requires wisdom, patience, and unity.

Throughout his address, President Zardari repeatedly invoked the legacy of Benazir Bhutto, describing her as a symbol of courage, democracy, and national resilience. He said her message of unity and sacrifice continues to guide the Pakistan Peoples Party and the nation as a whole.

The speech came at a time of heightened regional sensitivities, with Pakistan’s leadership emphasizing both preparedness and restraint. While reaffirming Pakistan’s desire for peace, President Zardari made it clear that the country would not hesitate to defend its sovereignty if challenged.

His remarks were met with chants from party supporters, who hailed the leadership of the PPP and reiterated their commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s integrity. The event concluded with renewed vows to uphold Benazir Bhutto’s vision of a strong, democratic, and sovereign Pakistan.