Islamabad, February 22, 2026 – The Europe Today: President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday expressed confidence that in the years ahead, the Pakistan Boy Scaouts Association, affiliated with the World Organization of the Scout Movement, will become more progressive and impactful, inspiring the nation on a positive trajectory.
In his message on World Scout Day 2026, observed to commemorate the birth anniversary of Robert Baden-Powell on February 22, 1857, the President, who serves as Chief Scout of Pakistan, extended his warm congratulations to more than half a million scouts and leaders across the country.
“I extend my warmest congratulations to more than half a million scouts and leaders of the Pakistan Boy Scouts Association on World Scout Day, commemorating the birthday of Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts Association,” the President said.
He noted that the day is celebrated by over 60 million scouts worldwide and pays tribute to Baden-Powell’s vision of making the world a better place through youth empowerment. He highlighted that the scouting movement has flourished across 176 countries and territories, providing constructive and healthy activities for young people.
Recalling the vision of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Father of the Nation, President Zardari said Quaid-e-Azam had recognised the importance of scouting in shaping the character and future of youth. Addressing scouts during his investiture as the first Chief Scout of Pakistan on December 22, 1947, Jinnah had observed that scouting plays a vital role in promoting physical, mental and spiritual development and in nurturing disciplined, tolerant and responsible citizens.
The President emphasised the need to further strengthen scout activities to help build a greener, climate-resilient, drug-free and digitally empowered nation. He urged scouts to utilise their training to enhance life skills, contribute to emergency response and disaster management efforts, and support the national drive to eradicate polio.
“As the Chief Scout of Pakistan, I wish the scouts of Pakistan continued success in their noble mission. May the Boy Scouts Association serve as a platform to transform our youth into a catalyst for nation-building. I wish you Godspeed,” he added.
