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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 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. 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.

Islamabad, April 25, 2025: The 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.

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 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.

India Must End Its Hostility and Respect International Norms: Shazia Marri

Islamabad/Karachi – Central Information Secretary of Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPP-P), Shazia Marri, has strongly condemned the recent Pahalgam incident and India’s aggressive response, calling it baseless and irresponsible.

“Instead of conducting a proper investigation, India has once again resorted to blaming Pakistan without any credible evidence. This reckless behavior is a hallmark of the Modi regime, which continues to fan hatred domestically and now extends the same aggression towards Pakistan,” said Marri.

She urged India to abandon its Pakistan-phobia and learn to respect international diplomatic norms. “Pakistan is a responsible and sovereign nation. We know how to respond to aggression. India’s habitual propaganda and premature accusations against Pakistan are not only misleading but a clear indication of a false flag operation.”

Highlighting the recent positive initiatives from Pakistan, Marri stated, “This very month, Pakistan welcomed over 6,700 Sikh pilgrims from India—marking the largest cross-border religious visit in over five decades. Our desire for peaceful relations is evident, but unfortunately, India’s intentions remain questionable.”

She expressed alarm over India’s decision to unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a blatant violation of international law. “Such treaties are not suspended even during wartime. India’s water aggression and unilateral actions threaten Pakistan’s water security and national sovereignty. We will take this issue to international forums.”

Marri called upon the global community and international media to take notice of India’s actions. “India’s construction of dams, unilateral water control, and violations of the Indus Waters Treaty must be condemned. These steps pose a serious threat to regional stability.”

Reaffirming the unity and resolve of the Pakistani nation, she added, “Every citizen of Pakistan stands united in defense of our country alongside our armed forces. The PPP Chairman is actively presenting Pakistan’s case on international platforms, exposing India’s intransigence and belligerence.”

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed deep sorrow over the losses caused by ongoing rains in Gilgit-Baltistan and underscored the urgent need for swift and effective relief and rehabilitation efforts.

According to a press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP said that due to rains and landslides in Gilgit-Baltistan, the property of many citizens has been damaged. Therefore, the federal government and the government of Gilgit-Baltistan must take immediate steps for the relief and rehabilitation of the affected people. He emphasized the need to ensure the restoration of internet, mobile services, and electricity supply across Gilgit-Baltistan, including Ghizer and Ghanche districts. He also urged the authorities to take prompt action to reopen the roads blocked by landslides.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that Gilgit-Baltistan, like the rest of Pakistan, is facing unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change, adding that on one hand, the rapid melting of glaciers and the bursting of glacial lakes in the northern areas pose a serious threat to local populations, while on the other hand, the southern regions of the country are experiencing severe drought.

He said that under such circumstances, the government must fulfill its responsibilities swiftly and within strict timelines to protect the people from further loss and suffering.

Vice President of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Senator Sherry Rehman, has called for an immediate meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) to address the alarming water crisis affecting three provinces, including Sindh, and to halt plans for controversial canal projects that she warned could deepen inter-provincial discord.

Speaking to the media outside Parliament House, Senator Rehman said “For the first time in a hundred years, the Indus River is facing a record decline in water flows. When the country is running dry, the government must explain where the water for these new canals will come from.”

Senator Rehman emphasized that the PPP leadership—including the Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari—has been consistently raising concerns about the construction of new canals on the Indus without consensus, calling it a matter of “life and death” for downstream communities.

“Water scarcity is not just Sindh’s problem—it is a national emergency that affects every citizen and livelihood,” she stressed. “Without water, our agriculture, livestock, and economy cannot function. We are demanding our constitutional and moral right to fair water distribution.”

Senator Rehman urged the government to move beyond temporary political settlements and address the core issue through institutional mechanisms. “The issue must be resolved in the CCI, not through backdoor negotiations. We must act now to avoid further damage to national unity.”

Senator Rehman underscored the situation in drought-hit districts like Badin, Thatta, and Sujawal, she warned of growing discontent among farmers and local communities. “If we are pushed to the wall, we will resist—peacefully, but firmly. The PPP knows how to stand its ground for the rights of the people. We only know one kind of politics. That which defends these basic rights and it is our responsibility to stand up for fundamentals like water rights.”

Senator Rehman also questioned the validity of recent IRSA reports and criticized the lack of transparency in water allocations. “No province’s share can be diverted unilaterally. That’s not cooperative federalism; that’s injustice.”

Concluding her remarks, she said: “Let’s resolve this urgently, with seriousness and dialogue—not drama. We hope that reason and the Constitution will prevail.”

President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Pope Francis and paid tribute to the late Pope’s commitment to interfaith harmony, compassion, and peaceful coexistence. The President extended his condolences on behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan to the Vatican and the entire Catholic community on the sad demise.

While paying tribute to his services, the President said that Pope Francis would be remembered for his efforts in promoting peace, social justice, inter-faith dialogue, and the well-being of the most vulnerable communities worldwide. He remarked that Pope Francis was a powerful voice for peace and justice, and his efforts to bring together communities of different faiths and promote mutual understanding would always be remembered.

The President termed the Pope’s passing as a great loss not only for Christians but for all those who valued peace and dialogue among religions.