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President Asif Ali Zardari, First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and Chairman PPP Mr Bilawal Bhutto Zardari presenting a souvenir to Prince Rahim Aga Khan V at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

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President Asif Ali Zardari today received His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V upon his arrival at Noor Khan Airbase on an official visit to Pakistan. First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari accompanied the President.

This is Prince Rahim Aga Khan’s first visit to Pakistan since assuming leadership of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community as the 50th Imam following the passing of his father, His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, in February 2025.

Upon arrival at Aiwan-e-Sadr, a tri-services guard of honour comprising contingents of the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force was presented to the visiting dignitary.

President Asif Ali Zardari, First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman PPP, held a meeting with Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, followed by delegation-level talks. The President also hosted a banquet in his honour, which was attended among others by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir COAS & CDF, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, federal ministers, members of parliament and members of the diplomatic community.

The President appreciated the Aga Khan Development Network’s longstanding contributions to Pakistan in healthcare, education, community development, climate resilience and heritage conservation. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with AKDN for the welfare and development of vulnerable communities.

The President recalled the enduring association of late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV with Pakistan and appreciated the historic contributions of the Aga Khan family to the country.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan thanked the President for the warm welcome and reaffirmed AKDN’s continued commitment to supporting development and humanitarian initiatives in Pakistan.

Prince Rahim’s last visit to Pakistan was in 2024, when the President conferred upon him the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the nation’s highest civilian award, in recognition of Aga Khan family’s longstanding contributions to Pakistan.

Mr Sultan Ali Allana, Director Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development & Head of Financial Services AKDN; Mr Shafic Sachedina, Head of Department of Jamati Institutions; Mr Nizar Noor Mohammed Mewawala, President Ismaili Council for Pakistan and Mr Akbar Ladak, Vice President Ismaili Council for Pakistan, were part of the delegation.

Chairman PPP, and former Foreign Minister, Mr Bilawal Bhutto Zardari; First Lady, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari; Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, Mr Naveed Qamar, MNA, Dr Asim Hussain and Foreign Secretary also attended the meeting.

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Chairman PPP Mr Bilawal Bhutto Zardari receiving Prince Rahim Aga Khan V upon his arrival at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

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President Asif Ali Zardari and First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari receiving Prince Rahim Aga Khan V upon his arrival at Noor Khan Airbase.

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Message of President Asif Ali Zardari on the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Pakistan and China

On behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, I extend warm felicitations to the leadership and people of China, especially President Xi Jinping, on the historic occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

Over the past seventy-five years, Pakistan-China relations have stood as a remarkable example of enduring friendship, mutual trust, strategic cooperation and steadfast support for each other’s core interests. Our two countries have always stood together in solidarity amidst evolving regional and international circumstances.

The Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership has continued to grow from strength to strength, serving as an anchor for peace, stability and development in the region. The people of Pakistan take immense pride in this exemplary friendship, nurtured and strengthened by successive generations of leaders and peoples of our two countries.

Under the visionary leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has achieved extraordinary progress in modernisation, innovation, poverty alleviation and national rejuvenation. Pakistan deeply appreciates China’s far-reaching global initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative, which reflect China’s constructive and forward-looking contribution toward promoting peace, sustainable development, mutual respect among civilizations and a more cooperative and harmonious international environment. These important initiatives resonate strongly with Pakistan’s own aspirations for regional harmony, shared prosperity and multilateral cooperation.

Pakistan highly values President Xi Jinping’s deep personal commitment to strengthening Pakistan-China relations and advancing the shared vision of building an even closer Pakistan-China Community of Shared Future in the New Era. Pakistan deeply appreciates China’s steadfast support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and socio-economic development. Pakistan remains firmly committed to the One-China principle and will continue to support China on issues concerning its core interests.
Pakistan deeply appreciates the vision and the leadership of the Peoples’ Republic of China has provided to Global South, specially the positive role it has played in ending the current conflict in West Asia.

I also wish to convey my profound appreciation for the warm and gracious hospitality extended to me and my delegation during my recent visits to China. The sincerity, warmth and generosity extended by the Chinese leadership reflected the unique character of our Iron Brotherhood and left a lasting impression on all members of the delegation. The visits further reinforced our shared resolve to accelerate high-quality development under CPEC 2.0, expand economic and investment cooperation and explore promising new avenues of collaboration in emerging sectors including technology, agriculture, green energy, innovation, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

As our two countries commemorate this historic milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to further elevating Pakistan-China friendship particularly through the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

I am confident that the friendship between Pakistan and China will continue to flourish and attain even greater heights in the years ahead. I also extend my best wishes for the continued progress, prosperity and well-being of the friendly people of China.

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PPPP Secretary General Nayyer Hussain Bukhari has rejected claims that his party opposed Gilgit Baltistan’s share in the National Finance Commission award, calling the allegation baseless.

Bukhari said the PPP has consistently supported provincial autonomy and had even secured the constitutional amendment to Article 60 related to the NFC. He clarified that the Constitution’s Article 1 already defines Pakistan’s territories, and the NFC framework allocates 56% of resources to provinces and 44% to the federation.

Bukhari accused the Gilgit Baltistan Chief Minister of misinforming the public and lacking understanding of constitutional provisions. He urged the GB leadership to push for a constitutional amendment to formally include the region in the NFC mechanism.

He also said the federal government should provide additional funds to both Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir from its own share.

“It is now up to the PML-N leadership to act and ensure justice for Gilgit Baltistan,” Bukhari said, calling on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to fulfill his responsibility. He reiterated that the PPP’s stance remains that power and resources should be shared fairly, as decentralization strengthens the federation.

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Chief General Upendra Dwivedi regarding Pakistan, terming them irresponsible, dangerous and reflective of the extremist mindset prevailing under the BJP-RSS regime in India.
He said India should first take care of its own internal strife and worsening social divisions instead of issuing hollow threats against Pakistan. The days of altering the geography and history of the region through aggression are over, and any confrontation with Pakistan would invite a firm, united and decisive response from the Pakistani nation and its brave Armed Forces.
Surendar Valasai said Pakistan is a sovereign nuclear state fully capable of defending every inch of its territory. He added that any misadventure or aggression against Pakistan would become India’s last attempt, as the people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with their Armed Forces for the defence of the country.
He further stated that India remains home to one of the worst forms of apartheid in modern human history in the shape of caste oppression, untouchability, religious discrimination and social inequality. He said millions of Dalits, Muslims and other minorities are subjected to discrimination, violence and human rights violations on a daily basis, which is a matter of grave concern for humanity.
Bilawal House spokesman said the world is witnessing the rise of intolerance, communal hatred and extremism under the BJP government led by Narendra Modi, whom he described as the “Butcher of Gujarat.” He added that instead of threatening neighbouring countries, the Indian leadership should focus on protecting the rights and dignity of its own marginalized communities.
Surendar Valasai said Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Pakistan Peoples Party will continue to lead from the front at the national and international level to expose the dangerous designs, extremist ideology and aggressive posturing of the Indian government.
He reiterated that Pakistan desires peace, stability and regional cooperation, but any aggression against the country would be responded to with full force and unwavering national unity.

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On the occasion of Nakba Day, the people of Pakistan reaffirm their unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people in their just struggle for self-determination, freedom and dignity.
The day is a solemn reminder of the events of 1948 that led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes and lands, leading to their prolonged suffering.
For the Palestinian people, the Nakba is not a closed chapter of history. It remains a continuing reality marked by occupation, displacement, dispossession and denial of rights.

Pakistan has consistently stood by the Palestinian people and has continued to raise its voice for their legitimate and inalienable rights at the United Nations and other international forums. Pakistan’s position is guided by the principles of justice, international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
On this solemn day, Pakistan calls upon the international community to ensure continued support for the Palestinian people, particularly Palestinian refugees. The Right of Return of Palestinian refugees, as affirmed in Resolution 194, remains unfulfilled and must be upheld.

Pakistan reiterates its urgent call for an immediate, unconditional and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, unrestricted humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people, and accountability for Israel’s actions.
Pakistan will continue to support the establishment of a viable, independent and contiguous State of Palestine, based on internationally agreed parameters of the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

On this day, Pakistan calls upon all nations to uphold international law, support the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, and work collectively for a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the question of Palestine.

Pakistan will continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people until their inalienable rights are realised, including their right to self-determination and statehood..

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Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, chaired a meeting of the party’s parliamentary party on Thursday, attended by party members of the National Assembly and Senate. First Lady and Member of the National Assembly Aseefa Bhutto Zardari also attended the meeting. After the meeting, Chairman Bilawal spoke to journalists at the National Assembly and answered their questions.

Responding to questions, Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that without the PPP, the passage of constitutional amendments and the federal budget would not be possible. He stated that both he and President Asif Ali Zardari remain in contact with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, but the government has not contacted the PPP regarding any new constitutional amendment. He said the PPP’s role in the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments is evident to everyone. “We did not allow the rights of the provinces to be reduced; instead, we expanded them. Through our amendments, Balochistan’s representation in the Senate increased,” he added.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the people of the country are facing severe hardships due to inflation. He noted that the PPP has continuously raised these issues at both the federal and provincial levels. When the Prime Minister decided to provide relief to the public, the PPP welcomed the move. He said that, through consultation, all provinces agreed to support measures aimed at reducing inflation, including relief for motorcycle users. He added that the PPP has helped millions of farmers through the Benazir Kissan Card.

Clarifying the PPP’s stance on national issues, he said that the party stands with the government on every constitutional amendment and national matter. Referring to tensions with India, he said that during the war, he raised his voice on international media platforms in defense of the country as a patriot. After the conflict, the Prime Minister requested him to lead a peace committee. He added that during Iran-US tensions, the PPP fully supported the federal government. “As Pakistanis, we unite on such matters,” he said.

He further stated that economic difficulties appear to be increasing rather than decreasing, and the upcoming budget is likely to be challenging. He emphasized that the government would have to make relief-oriented decisions keeping economic hardships in mind.

Regarding NAB amendments, the PPP Chairman said that the party had clearly conveyed its position to the government that, historically, the PPP has wanted the abolition of the National Accountability Bureau. Due to the government’s compulsions, the PPP supported the new amendments, but if the government failed to fulfill its commitments to the PPP, the party could reconsider its decisions.

He said that the economic situation remains serious and that hardships are expected to increase further. Even if an Iran-US agreement is reached, difficulties would persist. He stressed that the government should prepare the budget while taking economic challenges into account. He announced that the PPP’s senior committee would present its budget proposals to the government. For this purpose, a four-member team comprising Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Saleem Mandviwalla, Sherry Rehman, and Naveed Qamar has been formed.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the Prime Minister and the Field Marshal are making efforts for peace and for ending Iran-US tensions. “We want the situation to return to normal, after which we will discuss the government’s performance and promises,” he said. He added that Pakistan’s foreign policy is moving in the right direction and is being shaped in the national interest. He noted that Pakistan and the PPP share decades-old ties with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Iran. Relations with Saudi Arabia, he said, are entering a new phase and are being further strengthened through defense agreements.

Condemning attacks on Iran, he said that after Iran, the United Arab Emirates faced the highest number of missile attacks. “We condemn these attacks as well,” he said and added that he prays for the success of the Prime Minister and the Field Marshal in their peace efforts.

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Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari of the Pakistan Peoples Party paid heartfelt tribute to the martyrs of the May 12 carnage, saying their sacrifice remains a painful yet enduring reminder of the price paid for democracy, justice, and the rule of law in Pakistan.

According to the press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, the PPP Chairman said in his messagethat innocent lives were sacrificed to violence and hatred, yet the courage shown by the Jeyalas, political activistsm, and people of Karachi became a timeless symbol of resistance against fear and oppression. “The blood spilled on the streets of Karachi was not merely a tragedy; it became a testimony to the people’s unwavering commitment to democracy, justice, and the rule of law,” he added.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said nations heal not by forgetting their wounds, but by remembering them with truth and dignity. He reaffirmed that the PPP would continue its struggle for a peaceful, democratic, and tolerant Pakistan where no citizen is silenced by violence and no city is held hostage to fear.

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