Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari, serving as the Chief Scout of Pakistan, extended his congratulations to over half a million scouts and leaders of the Pakistan Boy Scouts Association in a message commemorating World Scout Day 2026.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, the President's message highlighted the significance of World Scout Day, which celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts Association. This global event, observed by more than 60 million scouts across 176 countries and territories, honors Baden-Powell's vision of youth empowerment and aims to foster healthy activities for young people worldwide.

The President reflected on the words of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who recognized scouting's crucial role in shaping youth character and development. Jinnah, during his investiture as the first Chief Scout of Pakistan in 1947, emphasized scouting's contribution to the physical, mental, and spiritual growth of young individuals, helping them become disciplined, tolerant, and good citizens.

In his message, President Zardari stressed the importance of strengthening scout activities to address national challenges, including environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and digital empowerment. He urged scouts to leverage their training to enhance life skills, contribute to emergency response and disaster management, and play a role in eradicating polio in Pakistan.

President Zardari expressed confidence in the progressive and impactful future of the Pakistan Boy Scouts Association, affiliated with the World Organization of Scout Movement. He envisioned the association inspiring a positive trajectory for the nation and wished the scouts continued success in their mission to transform youth into catalysts for nation-building.