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.

.

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.

.

One year ago, Pakistan was put to the test, and it did not blink.
The events of April and May last year were not simply a military episode. They were a moment of national reckoning. When India, under the guise of the Pahalgam false flag operation, launched unprovoked strikes on our soil, targeting mainly civilian areas besides military installations, Pakistan responded with discipline, precision, courage and unity. Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, the decisive centrepiece of Maarka-e-Haq, demonstrated what our armed forces are capable of when the country stands behind them as one. Our response was calibrated, measured, precise and proportionate. Our message was unambiguous.
Maarka-e-Haq showed the world that Pakistan’s deterrence is not a slogan. It rests on professional competence, tri-service coordination and the resolve of a people who shall not accept aggression lying down. We salute our men and women in uniform and we bow our heads in honour of every martyr who gave their life so that this nation could stand tall. It is part of our DNA that when a war is imposed on us, every Pakistani becomes a soldier, some in uniform and most without.
Pakistan today is recognised as a state that not only knows how to defend itself but also serves as a guarantor of peace and stability. In the context of recent tensions in West Asia, Pakistan, through responsible and balanced diplomacy, played a key role in facilitating a ceasefire between the United States and Iran and bringing both sides to the negotiating table. Our efforts helped avoid further bloodshed and contributed to stabilising the broader regional environment. Pakistan will continue its efforts to promote peace, dialogue and stability wherever it can make a difference.
I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that the Kashmir dispute remains the root cause of instability in this region. No honest account of South Asia’s security challenges can avoid that truth. The aspirations of the Kashmiri people, enshrined in United Nations Security Council resolutions, have not been extinguished by decades of occupation. They shall not be. Pakistan’s commitment to a just and lawful resolution remains unchanged.
India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is tantamount to weaponisation of water. The Treaty, brokered by the World Bank and signed in 1960, has survived four wars and sixty-five years of bitter rivalry between two nuclear-armed neighbours. It was designed to be beyond the reach of political crises. India’s decision to put it in abeyance, without any legal basis for unilateral suspension, is a threat to the livelihoods of millions. Water is not a bargaining chip. Pakistan shall defend its water rights with the same resolve it has shown in defence of its territory.
We also reiterate our position on terrorism with complete clarity. Pakistan is a victim of terrorism. We remain determined to root out the Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan in all their manifestations. We have engaged the Afghan de facto authorities with seriousness and expect that commitments made under the Doha framework, that Afghan territory will not be used against Pakistan or any other state, are honoured fully.
Pakistan seeks no conflict. But it shall never accept thuggish, coercive behaviour. We are committed to sovereignty, to international law, and to a stable region where differences are resolved through dialogue rather than domination.
Maarka-e-Haq is now etched into our national consciousness. It was not a moment we sought, but the one we met with everything we had. Let it stand, each year, as a reminder that a nation which knows its worth will always find the strength to defend it.

.

I extend my appreciation to the dedicated volunteers, staff and partners of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, particularly the Pakistan Red Crescent Society, established under the Pakistan Red Cross Order, 1947, issued by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, for their unwavering commitment to humanitarian service.

This day provides an opportunity to recognise the invaluable role played by humanitarian actors in strengthening health systems, responding to emergencies and reaching the most vulnerable populations. In alignment with the vision of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, Pakistan continues to advance toward Universal Health Coverage, ensuring that essential health services are accessible, equitable and resilient.

The Red Crescent Movement has been a vital partner in supporting public health initiatives across the country, ranging from disaster preparedness and response to community-based healthcare, maternal and child health services and health awareness campaigns. Their contributions complement national efforts to improve health outcomes, especially in underserved and remote areas.

As we face evolving challenges such as climate-related disasters, viral diseases and public health emergencies, it is necessary to strengthen collaboration between government institutions, humanitarian organisations and communities. Building resilient health systems requires not only infrastructure and resources but also compassion, volunteerism and a spirit of service, values that define the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The Government of Pakistan remains committed to enhancing partnerships with humanitarian organisations to ensure timely and effective healthcare delivery. Through integrated approaches and evidence-based policies, we aim to safeguard the health and well-being of all citizens, leaving no one behind.

I call upon all stakeholders to renew their commitment to humanity, solidarity and service. Let us work together to build a healthier, safer and more inclusive Pakistan.

.

Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians have issued the party ticket to Syed Muhammad Abbas Mousavi for GBLA-14 [Astore-2] constituency in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly.

The Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians have awarded another ticket to its arrow-bearing candidate for the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan elections. Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari, Central Secretary General of Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians, has issued the party ticket to Syed Muhammad Abbas Mousavi for the forthcoming elections in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari stated that Syed Muhammad Abbas Mousavi is a strong and capable candidate who will enter the electoral field in Constituency Astore-2 with a spirit of public service. Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians have expressed its resolve that the party will participate fully in the Gilgit-Baltistan elections and will continue its struggle for the resolution of public issues. Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari further said that the party candidate will play a proactive role in protecting the rights of the people, promoting development work, and ensuring prosperity in the region.

.

Pakistan Peoples Party Central Secretary General, Muhammad Humayun Khan, has expressed profound grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of Sheikh-ul-Hadith Maulana Muhammad Idrees. He termed the incident as tragic and strongly condemnable, stating that it has plunged the entire nation into mourning.
In his statement, he said that Maulana Muhammad Idrees was a distinguished religious scholar and a respected figure who dedicated his life to the betterment of society. His martyrdom is an irreparable loss not only for religious circles but for the entire nation. He added that such incidents pose a serious threat to peace and stability in the country and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

Muhammad Humayun Khan strongly condemned the attack and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible. He emphasized that the perpetrators must be brought to justice and given exemplary punishment to prevent such heinous acts in the future.

He further stated that the provincial government has failed to maintain law and order, and the protection of citizens’ lives and property is the foremost responsibility of the state. However, the current situation reflects otherwise. He urged the authorities to take immediate and effective measures to restore peace and ensure public safety.

In conclusion, he prayed for the elevation of the departed soul’s ranks and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. He affirmed that Pakistan Peoples Party stands firmly with the grieving family in this difficult time.

.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has described “Marka-i-Haq” as “a triumph of unity,” saying that its commemoration is a powerful reaffirmation of Pakistan’s enduring spirit, collective resolve, and unyielding sovereignty.

He paid rich tribute to the country’s armed forces, saying, “Our armed forces fought with courage, discipline, and honour.”

According to the press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, the PPP Chairman, while addressing a ceremony organised by the Sindh government here to mark the first anniversary of Marka-i-Haq, said the success of Marka-i-Haq was not merely a military victory, but a triumph of resolve, unity, and the collective will of the people. “From the mountains of the north to the shores of the Arabian Sea, from the fields of Punjab to the deserts of Sindh and Balochistan, Pakistan stood as one,” he said.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid tribute to the armed forces for their courage, discipline, and honour, and lauded the role of diplomats as well as the resilience of the people who stood firmly behind the country during testing times. “Let us remember, victory is not measured by territory held or battles won. Victory is measured by dignity preserved, by sovereignty defended, by the message sent to the world—that Pakistan will never be coerced, silenced, or made to surrender,” he added.

He also paid homage to those who sacrificed their lives, saying that the nation owes them not only gratitude but a Pakistan worthy of their sacrifice.

Chairman PPP criticised attempts by hostile elements to distort facts and rewrite history, asserting that history is ultimately shaped by nations that endure. “There are those beyond our borders who seek to rewrite history, distort facts, and bury the truth under propaganda. But history is not written by noise—it is written by nations that endure, and Pakistan has endured,” he added.

Underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to peace, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the country neither sought conflict nor glorified war, but when tested, it stood firm out of necessity and duty. He emphasised that peace is a sign of strength, but must be just, dignified, and mutual.

Chairman PPP stressed that the moment calls for reflection and responsibility rather than complacency, adding that victory brings with it the obligation to build a stronger and more inclusive Pakistan. He underscored the need to invest in education, health, and economic strength to ensure resilience against external pressures. Addressing the youth, he said they are the true custodians of this victory and must transform resilience into progress and courage into creativity.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari recalled that a year ago the country stood at the edge of uncertainty amid rising tensions, but those who believed Pakistan could be bent or broken had failed to understand its spirit. He said that while the world once doubted Pakistan, today it stands as a testament to strength, unity, and perseverance. He added that the commemoration of “Marka-i-Haq” is not merely a remembrance of events, but a reflection of the endurance of a nation and the vindication of the very idea of Pakistan.

He reaffirmed that Pakistan will never bow to pressure or compromise on its sovereignty, and will continue to rise stronger, prouder, and more united.

President Pakistan Peoples Party Women Wing Faryal Talpur, Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, officers of the armed forces, and other dignitaries were also present.

Reaffirming the party’s unwavering belief in freedom of the press, Bukhari stressed that a credible and impartial media is indispensable for national unity and for strengthening democratic values. He underlined that journalistic ethics demand reporting rooted in verified facts, adding that the spread of unverified information violates the core principles of the profession.

Recalling the PPP’s legacy, Bukhari noted that Shaheed Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto approved the Wage Board Award for journalists, while Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto abolished the draconian laws of the dictatorial era that curbed freedom of expression. He said the Pakistan Peoples Party has always stood shoulder to shoulder with the press in the struggle for media freedom.

Paying tribute to journalists who endured imprisonment and hardship during dark periods of censorship, Bukhari described them as “democratic heroes” who fought alongside political forces against dictatorship.

President Asif Ali Zardari, currently on an official visit to Sanya in China’s Hainan province, held a telephone conversation with H.E. Mr. Ali Falih Khadim Al-Zaidi, Prime Minister-Designate of the Republic of Iraq, and conveyed his congratulations on his elevation to the coveted position as the head of the government.

The President extended his sincere wishes for the success of the Prime Minister-Designate in forming a stable government, noting that his choice as the PM reflects confidence placed in his leadership at an important moment for the republic of Iraq.

During the conversation, the President underlined that Pakistan and Iraq enjoy a relationship grounded in shared values and mutual respect, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen this brotherly bond.

He highlighted the potential to expand economic engagement, including in trade and investment, energy cooperation, infrastructure, agriculture and renewable energy. He also emphasised the importance of enhanced academic collaboration and people-to-people exchanges to sustain a long-term partnership.

The Prime Minister-Designate thanked the President for his warm wishes and extended an invitation to visit Iraq at a mutually convenient time.

Commissioning ceremony of 1st HANGOR Class Submarine, PNS/M HANGOR was held at Sanya, China. President Asif Ali Zardari graced the occasion as Chief Guest; Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI, NI (M), T Bt, Chief of the Naval Staff, was also present at the ceremony.

President Zardari described the commissioning of HANGOR as a historic milestone in Pakistan Navy’s modernization, affirming Pakistan’s resolve to maintain a robust, balanced and credible defence posture. He stated that Pakistan is fully capable of defending its sovereignty, protecting its maritime interests and ensuring the security of its economic lifelines.

Naval Chief highlighted that disruptions at critical maritime choke points increasingly threaten global trade and energy security, and maintaining a stable, rule-based maritime order demands technologically advanced naval forces. He stated that HANGOR Class Submarines – armed with state-of-the-art weapons, advanced sensors and Air Independent Propulsion – will be key in preserving maritime order and stability in the region. These submarines will play a pivotal role in deterring aggression and ensuring security of vital Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) across the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean region.

Naval Chief reiterated that the name HANGOR holds a significant place in our national history. In 1971, earlier HANGOR became the first submarine since World War II to sink a warship. PNS/M HANGOR will carry this illustrious legacy forward as this is an important milestone for Pakistan Navy that will bolster our maritime defence and modernize our fleet with cutting-edge technology.

The commissioning of 1st HANGOR Class Submarine marks another chapter in the time-tested and enriching friendship between Pakistan and China. The ceremony was attended by senior officials from Pakistan Navy and PLA (Navy).

The Prime Minister of Pakistan and COAS & CDF have congratulated the entire nation and the Pakistan Navy on achieving this historic milestone..