India’s water warfare is unacceptable: Sherry Rehman

Vice President of the Pakistan People’s Party and Senator Sherry Rehman has issued a strong condemnation of India’s aggressive and unilateral actions to block water flow to Pakistan via the Baglihar Dam, calling it a serious violation of the Indus Waters Treaty and a threat to regional stability.

“While its baseless allegations against Pakistan in the Pahalgam attack failed to gain traction, the Modi government continued to use the whole episode to try to sanitise its water weaponisation targets,” Senator Rehman stated. “India’s move to block the flow of water into Pakistan is not only egregiously hostile, it also blatantly violates international agreements in unprecedented ways .”

According to official data from the Irrigation Department, the flow of water in the Chenab River has dropped dramatically — from 87,000 cusecs to just 10,800 cusecs — due to India’s obstruction at the Baglihar Dam. Senator Rehman called this a “dangerously sharp decline” with serious implications for Pakistan’s agriculture, ecology, and economy.

She further condemned India’s sudden release of a flood surge into the Jhelum River on April 26 without prior notification. “This reckless and irresponsible act puts lives, food security and entire ecosystems at risk, highlighting India’s disregard for bilateral protocols, water security and regional peace,” she said.

“India’s repeated unilateral actions on shared rivers are a clear and open violation of international laws and treaties,” Senator Rehman emphasized. “Pakistan must raise this issue forcefully at all international forums. Water is a critical national resource — we will not compromise on our water sovereignty under any circumstances.”

She concluded with a firm warning: “India must understand that using water as a weapon will come at a heavy price. Pakistan’s desire for peace must not be mistaken for weakness — we know how to defend our resources. If India continues down this path, it will face serious consequences.”

Surendar Valasai, spokesperson for Bilawal House, strongly condemned India’s move to block the X (formerly Twitter) account of Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

Surendar Valasai, spokesperson for Bilawal House, strongly condemned India’s move to block the X (formerly Twitter) account of Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. He described the action as a retaliatory response to the Chairman’s unequivocal and bold stance on the Pahalgam incident, which he had presented before the international community.

According to the press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, the spokesperson said that India’s move to block Chairman PPP’s X account proves that Indian Prime Minister Modi is afraid of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. It also proves that India is, in fact, an undemocratic country and its Prime Minister is an extremely cowardly person.

The Bilawal House spokesperson said that Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s narrative on the Pahalgam incident unsettled Modi. He added that India’s suspension of the PPP Chairman’s X account is akin to an ostrich burying its head in the sand. Pointing out past events, he said it was Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari who first exposed the “Butcher of Gujarat” before the world, and he will continue to hold up a mirror to Modi’s war-mongering mindset.

PPP Human Rights Cell President ex Senator Farhatullah Babar has expressed grave concern over the Mines and Minerals Bill in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a blatant attempt

PPP Human Rights Cell President ex Senator Farhatullah Babar has expressed grave concern over the Mines and Minerals Bill in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a blatant attempt by the federation to usurp, in violation of the Constitution, the provincial mineral resources.

This he said today while addressing a seminar on federalism under the auspices of Peshawar Literary Festival in Peshawar today.

He demanded answers to three questions. One, what mineral exploitation projects have already been undertaken by the federal government subsidiaries in the merged districts due to which these areas have been kept separate from the rest of the province in the Bill until December 2030?
Two, what are the so called ‘strategic minerals’ over which the provincial government shall have little say to exploit?
Three, what is the rationale of a federal mineral body to impose unsolicited ‘advice’ to the provincial mineral department?
He said that KP was being treated most unfairly as its share in the NFC was not revised upward after the merger of the tribal districts and the consequent increase in the province’ population, a major determinant of the NFC Award.
He said that the integrity of the federation was not served by the setting up of extra constitutional bodies with the centre’s dominance to oversee economic development and other issues that fall exclusively within the domain of provinces under the 18th Amendments.
He said that federal parliamentary system was threatened by the continuing disregard for the Constitution and trichotomy of powers, blatantly manipulating the mandate of people and power transfer, the rise of the de-facto government sidelining the de-jure government, elite capture of state resources, populism, political polarization and fake news.
He also called upon the political parties to put their own house in order to confront these emerging challenges to the federal system in addition to raising of voice by the civil society against the strident militarization of state and society.

Senator Sherry Rehman Pays Tribute to Workers on Labour Day: Reaffirms PPP’s Enduring Commitment to Workers’ Rights

Vice President of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman has extended a heartfelt tribute to workers across Pakistan and the world on International Labour Day, lauding their tireless contributions to national progress and prosperity.

“On this Labour Day, I extend my deepest respect to the dedicated workers whose relentless efforts drive the wheels of progress and development in Pakistan and across the globe,” said Senator Rehman. “Our labour force is the backbone of our economy and the bedrock of our nation’s growth.”

Reaffirming the PPP’s historic and unwavering commitment to workers’ rights, Senator Rehman emphasized the foundational role her party has played in institutionalizing labour protections in Pakistan. “From its inception, the PPP has led the national discourse on workers’ welfare. Under the visionary leadership of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Pakistan’s first comprehensive Labour Policy was introduced in February 1972, and labour rights were formally enshrined in the 1973 Constitution,” she noted.

She further underscored the PPP’s legacy of landmark reforms that transformed the labor landscape in Pakistan. “The establishment of the Employees’ Old Age Benefit Institution (EOBI) in 1976 was a pioneering step in social protection. Over the decades, the PPP has introduced numerous progressive laws and initiatives to safeguard the dignity and rights of workers,” she added.

Senator Rehman also pointed to the critical steps taken by the Sindh government under the PPP following the 18th Constitutional Amendment, including the introduction of the first Provincial Labour Policy in 2018. “This policy reaffirmed our commitment to decentralization and ensured provincial autonomy in implementing labour protections tailored to local realities,” she said.

“As pioneers of labour rights in Pakistan, the PPP remains resolute in its struggle to empower workers, ensure fair wages, decent working conditions, and expand access to social security,” she declared. “We honour the sweat and toil of our workers not just with words, but through action and policy.”

Senator Rehman concluded with a call for unity and continued advocacy: “On this Labour Day, let us all reaffirm our collective responsibility to protect and uplift the workers of Pakistan. A just, inclusive, and equitable society is only possible when the rights and dignity of its workers are respected and upheld.”

President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, 3rd May 2025

On World Press Freedom Day, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding and promoting a free and responsible press in Pakistan. Today, we also honour the sacrifices made by those who have lost their lives in pursuit of truth, especially reporting in conflict zones like Gaza and Palestine. Their courage and dedication continue to inspire us.

Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the right to freedom of speech and a free press, subject to certain restrictions. The media is indispensable for promoting dialogue, highlighting issues of social, economic and environmental significance, uncovering corruption and advocating for the marginalised. We have taken a number of steps for the protection and welfare of journalists, but more needs to be done by providing them a safe, secure, and enabling environment.

A culture where journalists feel secure to perform their duties without fear and harassment is the need of the time. I urge the media to uphold the highest standards of journalism, accuracy, and professionalism. The responsibility of the Media has become onerous in view of the environment of fake news, disinformation, and sensationalism undermining public trust.

Moreover, the media has a critical role in raising awareness of citizens’ rights and responsibilities, socio-economic issues, promoting civic education, and encouraging informed public participation in the democratic process. The press should serve as a bridge between the people and public institutions, and give voice to the voiceless.

On this day, let us renew our resolve to protect and promote press freedom as an essential element of our democracy. I hope the government would continue working to protect press freedoms and ensure journalists’ safety, dignity, and independence. I am also hopeful that our media will continue to play its role in educating and informing our nation on issues of national and global significance.

President Asif Ali Zardari congratulates Canadian Prime Minister on Election Victory

President Asif Ali Zardari extended warm felicitations to the Prime Minister of Canada on his party’s victory in the federal elections. He stated that Pakistan and Canada enjoy excellent bilateral relations and expressed hope that ties between the two countries would continue to further strengthen under the leadership of Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Pakistan Peoples Party parliamentarians (PPPP) Central Spokesperson and Member of the National Assembly, Shazia Atta Marri, once again condemned the Modi government’s provocative actions under the pretext of the Pahalgam incident.

Pakistan Peoples Party parliamentarians (PPPP) Central Spokesperson and Member of the National Assembly, Shazia Atta Marri, once again condemned the Modi government’s provocative actions under the pretext of the Pahalgam incident. She warned that India must not be mistaken into thinking its aggression will go unanswered; Pakistan is fully capable of giving a fitting response.

Addressing a press conference at the Bilawal House Media Cell, Shazia Marri endorsed Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s strong statement, calling it a true reflection of the emotions of every Pakistani. Bilawal had earlier warned the Modi government that “the River Indus belongs to us, and either our waters will flow through it — or their blood.”

Shazia Marri emphasized that Chairman Bilawal’s remarks were accurate, adding that Narendra Modi is attempting to cover up his government’s failures by exploiting the Pahalgam incident. She criticized Modi’s immediate and baseless accusations against Pakistan without any investigation and condemned the provocative announcements made thereafter.

She said Modi’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is a cruel and condemnable move, warning that India’s reckless actions will have consequences. Marri highlighted that Pakistan is a sovereign and responsible nuclear state, and advised Modi to audit his 700,000-strong army stationed in Occupied Kashmir rather than leveling baseless accusations against Pakistan.

Marri further stated that Pakistan has itself suffered greatly from terrorism, losing over 90,000 lives — including police personnel, security forces, and civilians — in the fight against terror.

She also criticized the Indian media for acting as a propaganda tool for the Modi government rather than practicing responsible journalism during their coverage of the Pahalgam incident.

Speaking further, the PPP Spokesperson referred to Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s address at a public rally in Sukkur, where he questioned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif about his controversial discussions regarding canal projects. She stressed that any decision on such projects must be taken with mutual consent in the Council of Common Interests (CCI) meetings, as required by the Constitution.

Shazia Marri pointed out that while the Constitution mandates the CCI to meet every 90 days, the current government, like the previous one, has failed to convene these meetings. She reaffirmed the PPP’s commitment to the Constitution and the party’s consistent stance against controversial canal projects.

Marri concluded by saying that the PPP respects all voices protesting on the canal issue and believes that every concern raised is worthy of attention and respect.

Political engagements of SG PPP Humayun Khan in Islamabad

Islamabad, April 25, 2025The Secretary General Pakistan Peoples Party, Humayun Khan, held an introductory meeting with the Party beat reporters in Islamabad. The PPP’s Secretariat In-charge, Sabtul Haider Bukhari, was also present with him during this meeting. It was held at the PPP’s Central Secretariat, where the beat reporters introduced themselves to the newly elected Secretary General PPP.

On this occasion, Humayun Khan briefed journalists about the party’s recent decisions and political activities. He highlighted the steps taken by the party to promote democratic values and for the welfare of the public. He stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party has always struggled for the rights of the people and will continue to work for their betterment.

During the meeting, journalists asked Humayun Khan various political questions, to which he responded in detail. He emphasized the importance of maintaining strong communication with party workers and the public and stated that journalism is a vital pillar of democracy and should be respected.

Afterwards, Humayun Khan, along with PPP workers, visited the location of martyrdom of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. He arrived at Liaquat Bagh, the historic site in Rawalpindi, and paid homage at the location where Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the martyr of democracy, was assassinated. On this occasion, senior party members including Hidayatullah Khan, Tariq Raheem, Ms. Shazia Batool and a large number of party workers accompanied him.

Together with the workers, Humayun Khan offered Fatiha for Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and paid tribute to her democratic struggle. He said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto sacrificed her life for the restoration of democracy and the rights of the people in Pakistan.“We will continue her mission and strengthen the Pakistan Peoples Party through the power of the people,” he resolved. The Party workers, while remembering the sacrifice of their martyred leader, offered prayers and pledged to stand shoulder to shoulder with the party leadership.

Ambassador People’s Democratic Republic of Korea calls on SGs of PPP and PPPP

The Ambassador of North Korea, Mr. Choe Chang Man, along with his delegation, visited the Central Secretariat of the Pakistan Peoples Party. He met with Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, Secretary General of the Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians, and Humayun Khan, General Secretary of the Pakistan Peoples Party.

The North Korean ambassador congratulated Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari on the successful conduct of intra-party elections. Mr. Choe Chang Man also congratulated Humayun Khan on being elected as Secretary General of the PPP, and congratulated Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on being elected as the Chairman. On behalf of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, he presented a commemorative souvenir and extended an invitation to participate in the Foundation Day celebrations of the Workers’ Party of Korea.

The Korean ambassador expressed that he feels at home in Pakistan and wishes for the everlasting bond between the PPP and North Korea to continue. He stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party has always supported North Korea in difficult times. As a result, the PPP holds a permanent place in the hearts of the Korean people. He added that he will continue to play his role in further strengthening the excellent and beneficial relations with Pakistan and the PPP.

Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, Secretary General of the PPP Parliamentarians, thanked the Workers’ Party of Korea through Mr. Choe Chang Man and said that North Korea has always honored them with great respect. He noted that the relations between Korea and the PPP have always been strong, and the PPP will continue working to promote mutual cooperation in the future. He praised the way the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has stood firm against imperialism and imperialistic tactics for the welfare of its country and people, calling it admirable.

He expressed confidence that not only will the two countries, but also the two parties, maintain strong relations for the well-being and prosperity of their nations and people. On this occasion, newly elected Secretary General of the PPP, Humayun Khan, also expressed gratitude to the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea and extended his best wishes for the continuation of relations between the two countries.

Also present at the meeting were in-charge of the PPP Central Secretariat, Syed Sibtul Haider Bukhari, Hidayatullah Khan and other senior party members.

Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s talk in Islamabad

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, led a PPP delegation in a meeting with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and his team in Islamabad. After the meeting, both the PPP Chairman and the Prime Minister informed the media about the decisions made.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that after detailed discussions between the two delegations, an important decision was reached that no canal will be constructed without total consensus among the provinces. The decisions from this meeting will be ratified in the Council of Common Interests meeting on May 2, where it will be confirmed that no canal will be constructed.

He added that three provinces had raised objections to the Kalabagh Dam, and today, a joint decision has been made that no canals will be built without mutual agreement. He also condemned India’s statements regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, asserting that Pakistan will raise the Indus issue at the public level and give a strong response to India’s decisions.