ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has criticized the Taliban administration in Afghanistan, calling it “illegitimate” and accusing it of depriving the Afghan people of celebrating Nowruz.
In his message marking Nowruz on March 20, Zardari extended warm greetings to communities in Pakistan and across regions including Iran, Central Asia, South Asia, and beyond, where the festival has been celebrated for centuries as a symbol of spring, renewal, and hope.
He emphasized that Nowruz represents rebirth, rejuvenation, and the triumph of light over darkness, adding that cultural diversity remains one of Pakistan’s enduring strengths.
Reflecting on the current regional situation, Zardari expressed concern for people celebrating the festival amid conflict and hardship. He noted that in several areas, the arrival of spring has been overshadowed by destruction, with damaged infrastructure and ongoing violence dampening the spirit of the occasion.
The president made special mention of Afghanistan, where Nowruz has deep historical roots, saying the Taliban authorities have denied citizens the opportunity to observe the festival. He extended his greetings to the Afghan people and voiced hope that the occasion would mark the end of their prolonged suffering.
Zardari concluded with optimism, expressing hope that tensions in the region would ease and that the season of spring would bring peace, stability, and renewed optimism for all.
