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Senator Sherry Rehman has lauded the signing into law of the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025 as a landmark moment in Pakistan’s legislative history. The bill, which prohibits child marriages under the age of 18 in Islamabad, was signed by President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday after passing through both Houses of Parliament.

“This is a milestone in Pakistan’s long and difficult journey toward protecting the rights of children—especially girls,” said Senator Rehman. “Despite resistance from various quarters, President Zardari signed this important bill into law. His action speaks volumes about the political will to drive real reform.”

Senator Rehman emphasized that this was not just a piece of legislation but a party-led commitment long championed by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). “This has been a PPP bill, one that we have been pursuing for a long time. I especially want to thank President Asif Ali Zardari for his unwavering leadership, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for his consistent support for progressive reforms, and Senator Sehar Kamran who was the first to introduce this bill in the Senate. I also commend MNA Sharmila Faruqi for tabling it in the National Assembly and carrying it forward with determination,” she said.

“This bill is against the atrocities committed against young girls,” Senator Rehman declared. “Girls under the age of 18, when married off, often die during childbirth. We cannot ignore these silent funerals anymore.”

Citing the UNFPA Annual Report 2024, she underscored that “Every 50 minutes, a woman in Pakistan dies from complications related to pregnancy or childbirth. Much of this is directly attributable to underage marriage, where girls have no agency over their nutrition, their health, or even the fate of the children they bear,” she added.

Senator Rehman issued a strong statement: “A person under the age of 18 is not even granted a driving licence, how is it possible to allow them to get married?”

“In Pakistan, “juvenile crime” refers to offenses committed by individuals under the age of 18. The Juvenile Justice System Act (JJSA) 2018 defines a “juvenile” as a child who has not attained the age of 18 and can be dealt with differently than an adult for an offence. Then how can an individual under 18 be considered as a mature person who can get married?”

Senator Rehman further added, “Pakistan has the second-highest infant mortality rate in Asia, with 50.10 deaths per 1,000 live births (World Bank). Over 40% of children under five are stunted due to malnutrition, often a result of young mothers lacking education and health access.”

“This is a statistic of shame. We cannot allow inaction to stand in the way of justice for our girls.”

The bill, formally titled Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025, aims to protect children from harmful practices and bring Pakistan’s legal framework in line with its international commitments, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Senator Rehman underscored the broader significance of this legislative victory: “This law is not just about banning child marriage. It is a declaration that our girls deserve the right to childhood, to education, to health, and to a life free from coercion and harm. It is a message to every family, every school, and every policymaker that Pakistan’s children matter.”

Acknowledging cross-party cooperation, Senator Rehman thanked members of the opposition, civil society, and the broader public who supported the bill. “This is a shared victory—for the Parliament, for the people of Pakistan, and most importantly, for our children,” she added.

Senator Rehman also called on the provinces to follow Islamabad’s lead. “It is now time for the provinces to take meaningful steps towards similar legislation. We cannot allow geography to determine the fate of a child. Protection must be universal.”

The passage of this bill marks a watershed moment in the country’s legal reform efforts, representing a broader commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring a safer, more equitable future for all children in Pakistan.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has saluted the tireless efforts of Pakistan’s scientists, engineers, armed forces, and visionary political leadership—paying special homage to the country’s first elected Prime Minister, Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who laid the foundation of Pakistan’s nuclear program in the face of immense global opposition and pressure.

According to a statement issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP, in his message, said that Youm-e-Takbeer is not just a day of national pride—it is a symbol of Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to safeguard its sovereignty, dignity, and future. “This day reminds us that when a nation stands united—led by visionary leadership, empowered by scientific excellence, and protected by its valiant armed forces—it can defy every challenge and shape its destiny with dignity and strength,” he added.

Chairman Bilawal emphasized that it was Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s foresight and unmatched courage that gave birth to Pakistan’s nuclear ambitions, and it was under his leadership that the journey towards an invincible defense began. He also remembered Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who, with her sagacity and determination, protected and advanced the nuclear program during her tenure, ensuring its continuity and safety amid complex regional and global challenges. “Our nuclear capability is a trust passed down by our martyrs, a symbol of their unmatched sacrifices, and a shield for the generations to come. Let us never forget the vision and struggle behind it,” he urged.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reiterated that the PPP has always stood and will continue to stand for a strong, self-reliant, and secure Pakistan—not just in terms of military might, but also in economic stability, democratic values, and social justice. “On this Youm-e-Takbeer, let us renew our commitment to the dreams of founding fathers. Let us work together to build a prosperous, peaceful, and powerful Pakistan that truly reflects the hopes of its people,” he concluded.

President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday urged the countrymen, including the media, teachers, religious scholars and the community, to create awareness and extend their support to the polio vaccination drive and dispel the allied misconceptions to achieve a polio-free Pakistan.

“I call on parents to open their doors to vaccinators, ensuring every child receives the life-saving polio drops. I urge teachers, religious leaders, and community elders to champion this noble cause, dispelling myths and building trust. I appeal to the media to amplify the truth: the polio vaccine is safe, effective, and our best weapon,” the president said in his message on the occasion of the countrywide polio eradication campaign launched on Monday targeting 45.4 million under-five children.

He reiterated his full support to his daughter and the First Lady, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, whose tireless advocacy and efforts had galvanized Pakistan in this fight against polio.

“Her call to unite parents, community leaders, and youth reminds us that eradicating polio is our shared responsibility,” President Zardari said.

He said that over 400,000 dedicated frontline workers would go door-to-door across the cities, villages, and remote valleys to administer life-saving polio drops. This effort is a cornerstone of our mission to eradicate polio and secure a healthier future for our nation, he added.

The president also paid tribute to the brave polio workers, who risk their lives to reach every child, often in the face of grave danger.

“We also honour those polio workers and security officials who have made the ultimate sacrifice, losing their lives to cowardly attacks aimed at derailing our efforts to make Pakistan polio-free,” he added.

President Zardari also condemned the attack on a polio team in Naushki on Tuesday, in which a police official lost his life, and offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Their courage and sacrifice inspire us all to save our children from this crippling disease, he reiterated.

The president observed that since the 1990s, Pakistan had made remarkable progress as polio cases had been reduced by over 99% through relentless vaccination drives, robust surveillance, and the courage of our health workers.

“Yet, the battle is not over. The 2024 surge in cases, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, signals that we must intensify our efforts. We must protect our polio workers as well as dispel myths about the polio vaccine,” he said.

He observed that remote areas and mobile populations remained hard to reach, requiring innovative tools to ensure no child is missed, stressing the need for sustained high vaccination coverage to fully eliminate the virus.

“Today, we reiterate our commitment that we will not rest until polio is fully eradicated. We have the tools, the will, and the support of our global partners to make this vision a reality,” he said.

He expressed the confidence that Pakistan could be made polio-free through collective efforts. Let us seize this moment to vaccinate every child and protect our people from the crippling threat of the polio virus, he emphasised.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif conferring the batton of the Field Marshal upon the Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir NI(M), during a ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr on 22-05-2025.

President Asif Ali Zardari has extended heartfelt congratulations to the governments and peoples of Pakistan and China on the occasion of the 74th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He said that Pakistan highly valued its historic and time-tested relationship with China, adding that ties with China remained a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

The President remarked that over the past seven decades, bilateral relations between the two brotherly nations had grown from strength to strength, evolving into a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. He described Pakistan and China as “iron brothers” bound by an all-weather friendship. “Pakistan is a staunch supporter of the ‘One China’ policy and will continue to stand firmly with China on its core national interests,” he added.

The President expressed gratitude to the government and people of China for consistently supporting Pakistan in times of need. He lauded China’s vital role in Pakistan’s economic and social development, as well as in strengthening Pakistan’s defence sector.

Highlighting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a shining example of bilateral cooperation, the President noted that CPEC has positively impacted Pakistan’s economy, infrastructure, and energy sector.

“Pakistan-China relations are anchored in mutual trust, respect, and goodwill, and both countries remain committed to promoting regional peace, stability, shared prosperity, and enhanced connectivity,” the President stated. He reiterated Pakistan’s desire to further deepen bilateral ties in the areas of economy, technology, defence, education, and trade. He also reaffirmed his resolve to broaden and strengthen these relations in the future.

The President also extended his best wishes to the people and leadership of China on this occasion. 

President Asif Ali Zardari has called for further improving bilateral ties with Thailand, the Philippines, Slovenia, Serbia, Burkina Faso, Zambia, and Latvia, in the fields of trade, economy, and culture.

The President expressed these views while talking to the Ambassadors-designates of Thailand, Philippines, Slovenia, Serbia, Burkina Faso, Zambia, and Latvia to Pakistan, who called on him and presented their diplomatic credentials to him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.

The Ambassador-designate of Thailand, Mr Rongvudhi Virabutr, the Ambassador-designate of the Philippines, Dr Emmanuel R. Fernandez, Non-Resident Ambassador-designate of Slovenia, Mr Igor Jukič, Non-Resident Ambassador-designate of Serbia, Mr Damir Kovacevic, Non-Resident Ambassador-designate of Burkina Faso, Mr Mohamadi Kabore, Non-Resident Ambassador-designate of Zambia, Mr Ivan Zyuulu, and Non-Resident Ambassador of Latvia, Ms Dana Goldfinča, presented their diplomatic credentials to President Asif Ali Zardari during a credentials ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Upon their arrival, the envoys were presented with the guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Armed Forces.

The President highlighted the need for further expanding bilateral trade and business relations with the respective countries. He congratulated the Ambassadors on their new assignments and wished them success in the exercise of their duties.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Human Rights Cell convened a significant and strategic meeting today to chart a comprehensive course for strengthening child rights across Pakistan. The gathering underscored the Party’s unwavering dedication to upholding and advancing the rights of children, grounded in both national legislation and international commitments.

Chaired by Malaika Raza, General Secretary of the HR Cell, the session served as a platform to foster collaboration among NGOs, civil society organisations, and policymakers. Ms. Raza reaffirmed the PPP’s historic commitment to child protection, recalling the Party’s leadership in signing and ratifying key international treaties—most notably the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)—which Pakistan acceded to in 1990, thereby committing to uphold the fundamental rights of every child within its jurisdiction.

She highlighted that the PPP government, under the visionary leadership of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has consistently championed child welfare through landmark legislation and proactive measures. These include the Child Marriage Restraint Act, the Juvenile Justice System Act, and initiatives aimed at eradicating child labor and promoting universal access to quality education and healthcare for children.

President of the Human Rights Cell, Mr. Farhatullah Babar, emphasised the urgent need to prioritise vulnerable children—particularly those in conflict zones and residing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He called for a critical review of the national report on the status of children in Pakistan, ensuring its compliance with international standards set by the United Nations Human Rights Council, and advocated for active provincial participation in the report’s development.

Ms. Raza further called upon the government to allocate adequate budgetary provisions for child rights in the upcoming national budget, recognising children as Pakistan’s most valuable asset and a cornerstone of national development.

In addition, HR Cell Vice President Mr. Zulqurnain attended the meeting and suggested the implementation of special initiatives for children with disabilities, emphasising the importance of inclusive policies that cater to all children’s needs.

The meeting also featured valuable inputs from Dr. Khalil Ahmed, a representative of SPARC, who underscored the necessity for a robust data management system to accurately record and analyse cases related to child rights across all provinces, thereby informing evidence-based policymaking and targeted interventions.

A representative from SAAHIL stressed the importance of capacity-building programs for law enforcement agencies, especially police forces, to enhance their competence in handling cases involving children and juvenile offenders with sensitivity and professionalism.

Kausar Abbas from SSDO called for the establishment of a dedicated Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Committee in Islamabad, coupled with extensive awareness campaigns on Pakistan’s anti-trafficking legislation and policies, to combat the heinous crime of child trafficking.

Concluding the session, Mr. Babar addressed Pakistan’s children directly, declaring: “We see you, we hear you, and we are committed to raising a united and powerful voice to protect your rights and ensure your safety and dignity.”

This pivotal meeting reaffirms the PPP Human Rights Cell’s resolute commitment to fulfilling Pakistan’s international obligations under treaties such as the CRC, and to creating a society where every child can thrive free from exploitation, violence, and neglect. The Party remains steadfast in its resolve to forge alliances, strengthen institutions, and mobilise resources to secure the future of Pakistan’s children.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of Pakistan and the Armed Forces on the resounding success of Operation Bunyān al-Marsūs.

“Today is a day to pay rich tribute to the unmatched courage and valor of our brave soldiers,” the Chairman remarked.

He declared the day as one of national reaffirmation — a solemn vow that whenever the sovereignty and survival of our beloved homeland are threatened, the people of Pakistan will stand united, unwavering, and resolute.

“The success of Operation Bunyān al-Marsūs has shattered the illusion of India’s artificial military supremacy in the region,” Chairman Bilawal stated.

He emphasized that today, it has been proven beyond doubt: from the skies above to the depths of the seas, from the towering mountains to the sprawling plains, Pakistan commands strength and superiority.

“India’s cowardly aggression has met with utter failure and has brought disgrace to the Indian government on the global stage,” he added.

Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to peace, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari warned that those who seek confrontation will be met with a decisive and formidable response.

Touching upon regional matters, he expressed strong condemnation of India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it unacceptable.

“We shall defend every drop of our rightful share of water — any attack on our water rights is an attack on our sovereignty,” he asserted.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has strongly condemned the attack on the convoy of party leader and Balochistan Assembly Member (MPA) Ali Madad Jattak in Quetta.

According to a press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP expressed gratitude that Ali Madad Jattak remained unharmed in the terrorist attack and prayed for his continued safety. He termed the attack on Jattak’s convoy a cowardly and brazen act of terrorism, affirming that such desperate attempts will not shake the resolve of the PPP.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed hope that the terrorists involved in targeting the convoy of Ali Madad Jattak would soon be brought to justice. He also prayed for the swift recovery of those injured in the incident and stressed that the best possible medical treatment must be ensured for them.

President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday said that India’s blatant aggression had further united and strengthened the Pakistani people, and that the entire nation and its armed forces were always ready to respond to India’s hostility.

The president, in a statement, paid tribute to those martyred as a result of unprovoked Indian aggression against Pakistan and said that the entire nation saluted the brave sons of the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force who sacrificed their lives for the country’s security.

“We are proud of the sacrifices of our martyrs. Our brave forces have successfully defended the nation and the country’s integrity. Through Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, our brave forces shattered the enemy’s arrogance,” he remarked.

President Zardari said that the people and the brave forces of Pakistan were always ready to thwart any aggression and would give a crushing response to every attack on their national security and sovereignty.

He expressed grief over the loss of precious lives, including children and women, during the Indian attacks.

He also extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and prayed for their patience and strength, and swift recovery of the injured.