ISLAMABAD(National Times)- President Asif Ali Zardari has said that South Asia cannot be secure until Kashmir is liberated from Indian occupation. He was speaking at the joint session of Parliament that is underway under the chairmanship of Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also present in the House. The special session is being attended by chief ministers and governors of the provinces, as well as foreign ambassadors. The proceedings began with the national anthem followed by the recitation of the Holy Quran, after which the President commenced his address. In his speech, President Zardari said that as a two-time elected President, this marked his ninth address to Parliament. At the beginning of the new parliamentary year, he urged the nation to move forward with renewed determination, emphasizing that nations are tested not only in times of crisis but also at critical turning points. He stated that the strength of the republic lies in the Constitution, the steadfastness of the people, the responsibility of Parliament and the government, and the role of the armed forces. He stressed the need to safeguard national sovereignty, uphold constitutional supremacy, promote economic development, and ensure peace and prosperity for citizens through stability and progress. The President added that the country stands today on the foundations laid by the architects of the national struggle. He recalled that Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned a democratic state based on constitutional and legal supremacy, while Zulfikar Ali Bhutto provided the nation with a unanimous Constitution. He further said that Benazir Bhutto strengthened the democratic process through sacrifice and exemplary leadership.؎ President Zardari affirmed that his belief in parliamentary supremacy is not confined to words but demonstrated through practical actions. He also referred to a Security Council report describing Afghan terrorists as a threat not only to the region but to global security.