President Asif Ali Zardari Calls for Stronger Role of Scouts in Nation-Building on World Scout Day 2026

ISLAMABAD (IN): President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed confidence that the Pakistan Boy Scouts Association, affiliated with the World Organization of the Scout Movement, will continue to grow as a progressive and impactful institution, inspiring the nation in the years to come.In his message on World Scout Day 2026, the President, who serves as Chief Scout of Pakistan, extended heartfelt congratulations to more than half a million scouts and leaders across the country. The day marks the birth anniversary of Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the global scouting movement, born on February 22, 1857.He noted that World Scout Day is celebrated by over 60 million scouts in 176 countries and territories, honoring Baden-Powell’s vision of empowering youth to make the world a better place through constructive and character-building activities.Recalling the vision of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the President said the Father of the Nation had emphasized the vital role of scouting in shaping the character of young people. Addressing scouts during his investiture as the first Chief Scout of Pakistan in December 1947, Quaid-e-Azam had highlighted scouting’s importance in promoting physical, mental, and spiritual development while fostering discipline, tolerance, and responsible citizenship.President Zardari stressed the need to further strengthen scout activities to help build a greener, climate-resilient, drug-free, and digitally empowered Pakistan. He urged scouts to use their training to enhance life skills, support emergency response and disaster management efforts, and actively contribute to polio eradication initiatives.Concluding his message, the President wished continued success to scouts across the country, expressing hope that the association would remain a strong platform for transforming youth into catalysts for national development.