President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday conferred insignias of military awards upon 44 officers of Pakistan armed forces.

The Presidential Investiture ceremony was held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr in connection with Pakistan Day and was attended by the Chairman Senate, ministers, senior officers of Pakistan armed forces, government officials, and families of the recipients of the awards.

The recipients of Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) included Air Marshal Muhammad Sarfraz, Air Marshal Kazim Hammad, Air Marshal Shakil Ghazanfar, Major General Saeed Ur Rehman Sarwar, Major Gen Nadeem Fazal, Air Vice Marshal Shakeel Safdar, Major Gen Tahir Masood Ahmed, Major Gen Sohail Sabir, Major Gen Fuad Ahmed Siddiqui, Major Gen Zeeshan Ahmad, Major Gen Sohail Ilyas, Rear Admiral Muhammad Hussain Sial, Major Gen Syed Mukarram Hussain, Major Gen Iftikhar Ahmed Satti, Major Gen Ghulam Shabeer Narejo, Major Gen Shahid Pervaiz, Major Gen Muhammad Asim Khan, Major Gen Nadeem Yousaf, Major Gen Ghulam Muhammad, Major Gen Noor Wali Khan, Major Gen Muhammad Naeem Akhtar, Major Gen Muhammad Nadeem Ashraf, Major Gen Naseem Anwer, Major Gen Umar Ahmad Shah, Major Gen Muhammad Shahid Siddeeq, Major Gen Adeel Haider Minhas, Major Gen Syed Ali Raza, Rear Admiral Shifaat Ali Khan, Rear Admiral Amir Mahmood, Major Gen Abdul Sami, Major Gen Muhammad Yasir Elahi, Rear Admiral Imtiaz Ali, Major Gen Kamal Anwar Chaudhry, Major Gen Muneer Ud Din, Major Gen Ahsan Waqas Kayani, Major Gen Farrukh Shahzad Rao, Major Gen Adnan Sarwar Malik, Major Gen Omar Maqbool, Major Gen Azhar Yasin, Rear Admiral Khyber Zaman, Rear Admiral Shafquat Hussain Akhtar, Major Gen Zaheer Akhtar, and Major Gen Mahmood Sultan.

The president also conferred Sitara-i-Basalat upon Captain Syed Amir Raza in recognition of his valour demonstrated while fighting terrorists at Naval Aviation Base Turbat.

I congratulate the entire nation on Pakistan Day. Pakistan has been established after great sacrifices and untiring efforts of our founding fathers and workers of the Pakistan Movement.

Today, we face significant political, economic, and security challenges. In today’s world, Pakistan must navigate complex realities, tackle economic pressures, and pursue sustainable development. At the same time, we continue to confront the menace of terrorism and our brave Armed Forces are making immense sacrifices to safeguard our homeland. 

Yet, we also possess the potential to overcome these challenges and emerge stronger. The spirit of the Pakistan Resolution reminds us that Unity, Faith, and Discipline should be our guiding principles for success. We should focus on strengthening national security, revitalising the economy, advancing agriculture, ensuring energy security, and creating opportunities for our youth. We must invest in healthcare and social welfare to ensure no Pakistani is left behind.

Following a foreign policy under the guidelines given by the Father of the Nation, Pakistan continues to advocate for peaceful coexistence, regional stability and mutual cooperation. We are determined to build stronger relationships with our neighbours as well as the global community, based on mutual respect and shared prosperity. At the same time, we remain steadfast in defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity. Our Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies have made immense sacrifices to protect our homeland, and we salute their bravery and dedication. 

On this day, we reaffirm our steadfast support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine, who continue their struggle for self-determination. Pakistan urges the international community to take immediate and decisive steps to ensure the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, allowing the people of Kashmir and Palestine to decide their future. 

The road ahead is challenging, but not impossible. The same spirit that led to the creation of Pakistan can propel us toward a brighter tomorrow. The true strength of Pakistan lies in its people—their resilience, hard work, and patriotism have carried this nation through the toughest of times. I urge every Pakistani to rise above differences, reject division and negativity, and work together to build a prosperous, inclusive, and just Pakistan.

Let us honour the sacrifices of our heroes by shaping a strong, united, and prosperous Pakistan.

Islamabad, March 22, 2025: Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has paid glowing tributes to Madar-e-Jamhuriyat Begum Nusrat Bhutto on her 96th birthday tomorrow (Sunday).

In a statement, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said sacrifices rendered by his grand-mother Begum Nusrat Bhutto during the struggle for restoration of democracy are unmatched and sources of inspiration for the Jiyalas and the masses. She suffered torture and imprisonments at the hands of dictatorial regime of Gen Zia but fought valiantly.

PPP Chairman said Begum Nusrat Bhutto sacrificed almost her entire family including husband Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, two sons Shaheed Mir Murtaza Bhutto and Shaheed Shahnawaz Bhutto and even her beloved daughter and twice-elected Prime Minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto whose brave resistance to the martial law gave her identity of ‘Daughter of the East’ in her struggle for the rights of the people of Pakistan.

Chairman PPP said that Madar-e-Jamhooriat’s legacy remains a timeless fountain of inspiration, symbolizing the resolve and bravery needed to confront injustice and oppression. “On this solemn occasion,” he urged, “let us reaffirm our dedication to the principles and values upheld by Begum Nusrat Bhutto as we steadfastly pursue a democratic, progressive and prosperous Pakistan.”

Former Senator and president human rights cell of PPP Farhatullah Babar has issued the following statement today.

The decision to build yet another university in Islamabad with the 190 million pounds that the British government had seized from a businessman and returned to Pakistan is whimsical,   flawed, and strongly condemned.

The decision taken behind closed doors without debate at a time of domestic economic volatility, rising debt servicing, shrinking international development aid, changing donor priorities and Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces burning the decision reeks of a dictatorial mindset, further distorting the already distorted public finance system in the country.

What is the rationale of spending 70 billion rupees to build yet another university when the existing universities, facing a shortfall of 60 billion rupees, are facing internal turmoil due to non-payment of salaries and pensions and some on the verge of closure?

The people of Pakistan still do not know the mystery behind the 190 million pounds transferred from the UK to Pakistan, the politics and political engineering behind it. The abrupt decision to build a university with this money has only compounded the mystery and raises many questions that need answers.

If at all the 190 million pounds legitimately belong to the government of Pakistan, then it can be legitimately demanded that it be spent on education in all provinces, and not merely on building one university in Islamabad

Twenty-six million children in all provinces are out of school, and the existing public sector universities in the provinces are in financial crisis, resulting in frustration, discontent, strikes, and brain drain.

Who is a greater and legitimate claimant to this money; a new university on one hundred acres of land in Islamabad or putting out of school children into schools in all provinces, providing basic services to the tens of thousands of existing schools and rebuilding schools destroyed in floods?  

It is the prerogative and responsibility of the parliament to thoroughly discuss the matter, seek answers to the questions, and make an informed decision about it. The failure of the parliament to take up this urgent public matter will only undermine its legitimacy as peoples’ representatives..

Chairman PPP said that he was merely a year old, when an abduction attempt was made on him at the PM House. Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was targeted by religious, linguistic terrorists throughout her life, and embraced martyrdom. The fire of terrorism then engulfed all four provinces. During that tough era, the entire nation came together, including the citizens, soldiers, policemen and frontline defenders. The House unified against a common enemy, despite each political party holding its individual views. At that time too, PTI’s politics of protests was ongoing and polarisation reached its peak. We would say with pride that the Pakistani people have broken the backbone of terrorists, Chairman Bilawal said.

Chairman PPP said that the same fire of terrorism has begin to erupt again, and we are  in a more vulnerable state than earlier. We do not enjoy the same unity and consensus as earlier, and the terrorists and anti-Pakistan elements are taking advantage of this. They are making continuous attacks from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Balochistan, with each tragedy greater than the previous one. Terrorists have no views or narrative, and religious terrorists have no religion, Chairman PPP said. The aim of these entities is to spread terror and take innocent lives. Religious terrorists do not want a religious state, and neither do these so-called Baloch terrorists want any rights. Their sole purpose is to erect obstacles in the path of Pakistan’s progress, and are backed by foreign powers financially and logistically.

Chairman Bilawal asked what connection the innocent civilians had with geopolitics or international dynamics. He said that it is convenient to condemn these acts, but our responsibility is to deduce practical measures. From Parachinar to Bolan, these people are playing Holi with the blood of the Pakistani people. Every political party should term these terrorists as a common enemy. Chairman PPP further appreciated the Defense Minister’s praise of CM Balochistan for his efforts. Chairman Bilawal said that we should offer unconditional support to our provinces, be it CM Balochistan or CM KP to combat this vice. He also said that the PPP welcomes suggestions pertaining to any shortcomings regarding it’s government when it comes to the law and order situation.

Chairman Bilawal said that the National Action Plan was made under PM Nawaz Sharif, and PM Shehbaz Sharif too can make National Action Plan 2. During PPP’s government, we presented a dialogue, deterence and development policy. We fulfilled the expectations of the people in the shape of the 18th Amendment and the NFC Award. We combatted the people who are not willing to accept humanity and our Constitution. We defeated them in North and South Waziristan, Karachi, Balochistan and FATA. We can defeat them again, Chairman Bilawal said.

Chairman PPP said that we are aware of the demands of the people of Balochistan. They are asking for their due share and rights. These issues persist, but their primary demand is to attain the right to live. We should do everything in our power to end terrorism while preventing collateral damage. If consensus is not reached on this issue, then as the former Foreign Minister, Chairman Bilawal said that he can assert that the foreign powers against Pakistan will be strengthened further. The fire that engulfs Balochistan, will then spread to the rest of the country and world. Chairman Bilawal said that the PPP stands shoulder to shoulder in condemnation of terrorism, but stresses on a unified reaction.

Regarding President Zardari’s address before the Parliament, Chairman Bilawal said that it was hoped that his speech was received with the same tolerance with which the House heard the Opposition Leader’s address. The speech was not an ordinary political talk, but a message in favour of unity. President Zardari explained that politics is the art of give and take, for which the best place is the National Assembly. His talk ranged from economy, terrorism and foreign policy to the burning water issue. He highlighted the government’s performance regarding the economic situation. Chairman PPP said that it is unfortunate that those the message was addressed to were unwilling to listen. President Zardari also touched upon global issues, regional and international partners including Palestine and Kashmir.

As a representative of the federation, Chairman Bilawal said that President Zardari opposed the canals project. The entire country witnessed the differences between the messages sent that day. While President Zardari conveyed positive developments and expressed necessary concerns, the sole demand on the other side was releasing Prisoner 804. As the President talked of the plight of the Palestinian and Kashmiri people, he was met by slogans for the release of the same prisoner. Chairman Bilawal said that the PPP has had a consistent position on policies made sans consensus, but supports initiatives that are in favour of agricultural growth.

Chairman PPP said that the Opposition may be passionate about their leader’s release, but this country houses people with diverse perspectives who have no interest in a prisoner’s release. He said that as the provincial government in the KP, they have other responsibilities and issues as well. They could spare some attention for other burning issues, such as terrorism, unemployment and lack of development in KP. Chairman PPP said that political parties must put their own interests aside for the sake of the country.

Chairman PPP said that he was merely a year old, when an abduction attempt was made on him at the PM House. Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was targeted by religious, linguistic terrorists throughout her life, and embraced martyrdom. The fire of terrorism then engulfed all four provinces. During that tough era, the entire nation came together, including the citizens, soldiers, policemen and frontline defenders. The House unified against a common enemy, despite each political party holding its individual views. At that time too, PTI’s politics of protests was ongoing and polarisation reached its peak. We would say with pride that the Pakistani people have broken the backbone of terrorists, Chairman Bilawal said.

Chairman PPP said that the same fire of terrorism has begin to erupt again, and we are  in a more vulnerable state than earlier. We do not enjoy the same unity and consensus as earlier, and the terrorists and anti-Pakistan elements are taking advantage of this. They are making continuous attacks from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Balochistan, with each tragedy greater than the previous one. Terrorists have no views or narrative, and religious terrorists have no religion, Chairman PPP said. The aim of these entities is to spread terror and take innocent lives. Religious terrorists do not want a religious state, and neither do these so-called Baloch terrorists want any rights. Their sole purpose is to erect obstacles in the path of Pakistan’s progress, and are backed by foreign powers financially and logistically.

Chairman Bilawal asked what connection the innocent civilians had with geopolitics or international dynamics. He said that it is convenient to condemn these acts, but our responsibility is to deduce practical measures. From Parachinar to Bolan, these people are playing Holi with the blood of the Pakistani people. Every political party should term these terrorists as a common enemy. Chairman PPP further appreciated the Defense Minister’s praise of CM Balochistan for his efforts. Chairman Bilawal said that we should offer unconditional support to our provinces, be it CM Balochistan or CM KP to combat this vice. He also said that the PPP welcomes suggestions pertaining to any shortcomings regarding it’s government when it comes to the law and order situation.

Chairman Bilawal said that the National Action Plan was made under PM Nawaz Sharif, and PM Shehbaz Sharif too can make National Action Plan 2. During PPP’s government, we presented a dialogue, deterence and development policy. We fulfilled the expectations of the people in the shape of the 18th Amendment and the NFC Award. We combatted the people who are not willing to accept humanity and our Constitution. We defeated them in North and South Waziristan, Karachi, Balochistan and FATA. We can defeat them again, Chairman Bilawal said.

Chairman PPP said that we are aware of the demands of the people of Balochistan. They are asking for their due share and rights. These issues persist, but their primary demand is to attain the right to live. We should do everything in our power to end terrorism while preventing collateral damage. If consensus is not reached on this issue, then as the former Foreign Minister, Chairman Bilawal said that he can assert that the foreign powers against Pakistan will be strengthened further. The fire that engulfs Balochistan, will then spread to the rest of the country and world. Chairman Bilawal said that the PPP stands shoulder to shoulder in condemnation of terrorism, but stresses on a unified reaction.

Regarding President Zardari’s address before the Parliament, Chairman Bilawal said that it was hoped that his speech was received with the same tolerance with which the House heard the Opposition Leader’s address. The speech was not an ordinary political talk, but a message in favour of unity. President Zardari explained that politics is the art of give and take, for which the best place is the National Assembly. His talk ranged from economy, terrorism and foreign policy to the burning water issue. He highlighted the government’s performance regarding the economic situation. Chairman PPP said that it is unfortunate that those the message was addressed to were unwilling to listen. President Zardari also touched upon global issues, regional and international partners including Palestine and Kashmir.

As a representative of the federation, Chairman Bilawal said that President Zardari opposed the canals project. The entire country witnessed the differences between the messages sent that day. While President Zardari conveyed positive developments and expressed necessary concerns, the sole demand on the other side was releasing Prisoner 804. As the President talked of the plight of the Palestinian and Kashmiri people, he was met by slogans for the release of the same prisoner. Chairman Bilawal said that the PPP has had a consistent position on policies made sans consensus, but supports initiatives that are in favour of agricultural growth.

Chairman PPP said that the Opposition may be passionate about their leader’s release, but this country houses people with diverse perspectives who have no interest in a prisoner’s release. He said that as the provincial government in the KP, they have other responsibilities and issues as well. They could spare some attention for other burning issues, such as terrorism, unemployment and lack of development in KP. Chairman PPP said that political parties must put their own interests aside for the sake of the country.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met with various party leaders at Zardari House, Islamabad, on Wednesday. During these meetings, he discussed the political situation and the overall conditions in their respective areas.

Among those who met him was Member of the National Assembly Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur, who briefed the PPP Chairman on the issues faced by the people of Badin and the measures being taken to address them.

PPP leader and former minister Imtiaz Safdar Warraich also met Chairman Bilawal at Zardari House, where they discussed the political situation in Punjab.

Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), Rubina Khalid, briefed the PPP Chairman on the projects being run under BISP during their meeting.

PPP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Coordination Secretary, Farzand Ali Wazir, also met with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and they discussed the political landscape of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Additionally, PPP Punjab’s General Secretary, Hassan Murtaza, briefed the Chairman on the party’s organizational affairs in Punjab. Former Punjab Assembly member Ayesha Nawaz Chaudhry accompanied him during this meeting.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari while addressing representatives from the media in his chamber at the National Assembly said that today’s session was a condolence meeting in memory of late Nawab Yousuf Talpur. He was an asset not only for the PPP, but the entire country. Chairman Bilawal thanked the political parties in attendance for paying tribute to the late PPP leader.

Chairman PPP said that President Zardari made a historic speech at the joint Parliament yesterday. This marked the first time in Pakistan’s history that a civilian President addressed the Parliament for the eighth time. President Zardari’s statesmanship and focus on the issues of the people, as well as urging for consensus-based reforms was a reflection of the expectations of the people. From economy to terrorism, and Palestine to Kashmir, as well as agriculture and technology, President Zardari’s address touched upon all the vital issues faced by the country. President Zardari, as a symbol of the federation, is the sole representative of all elected members of the Parliament, as well as the provincial assemblies.

In his address, President Zardari clearly pointed out the government’s one-sided policies made without consensus, particularly the decision to make new canals from the Indus River. In a very positive manner, President Zardari shed light on the issue before the National Assembly and the current government. The government of the time is under strain due to the issue, and the decision should be reviewed and resolved.

Regarding the Iftar dinner with PM Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Bilawal said that he is grateful to him for hosting the PPP’s delegation. Chairman PPP said inflation was the most important issue, upon which the parties contested the elections, and now that the indicators are improving, the PPP joins the rest of the country in congratulating PM Sharif. He further said the PPP also raised it’s concerns, including the law and order situation in Balochistan and KP. Regarding the latter, Chairman PPP said that such disinterest has never been witnessed by a provincial government before when it comes to the issues of it’s own people. From Parachinar to Bannu and Peshawar, including all tribal areas, the fire of terrorism continues to spread. Chairman Bilawal said that he requested the PM to beckon the provincial government towards resolving this. It is also the federation’s responsibility to look after these issues, as they cannot abandon KP to the whims of the current provincial regime. Pertaining to Balochistan, not only is law and order a pressing issue, but climate change is too sinking it’s claws into the province and the restoration work for the devastation caused by the floods needs to be expedited.

Responding to the questions, Chairman PPP said that it is the media’s responsibility to disseminate the truth only. The Opposition’s propaganda should not be repeated. PPP has been the first party to raise it’s voice against issues encroaching on the rights of the provinces. Even in his last speech to the Assembly, late Nawaz Yousuf Talpur raised the water issue, and so did other members of the PPP. CM Sindh, his ministers and the provincial bureaucracy too raised the issue on every forum. Politicians belonging to certain factions are using this national issue to further their own politics, and are targeting the sole party that always strives for parity.

Responding to another question, Chairman Bilawal said that he expects that the PM would honour the basic points agreed upon with the PPP as part of their political understanding. PM instructed his team to address our grievances, Chairman PPP said. He further said that the PPP is the third-largest force in the National Assembly. Our confidence level has not yet reached the stage where the PPP can become a coalition partner of the government, Chairman said. The PPP is currently working with the political party that engaged with it for the sake of the country.

Answering another question, Chairman PPP said that the Council of Common Interests is the right forum to address the issue of water distribution. The PPP has continuously demanded for a meeting of the CCI to be called. Moreover, as far as the Green Pakistan project and garnering investment for agriculture, the PPP not only owns it but it is the very philosophy of the Party. We do not only want relief for our farmers, but wish for them to flourish. We believe that we have to work hard in two phases, one aspect of which is collective farming. To maximise results for the first phase, the areas of Punjab and Sindh that contribute to the agricultural economy need to be prioritised. The largest land ownership in Pakistan is not by the big landowners, but small landowners. Small landowners will be given the power of collective bargaining when working together. Moreover, if the provincial governments utilise the public-private partnership model, to introduce smart irrigation, and the federal government funds this transition, collective farming can become a revolutionary measure. The PPP currently is working on pilot projects across Sindh, including bio saline agriculture experiments in Thar. We do not oppose for the sake of opposing, but have alternate solutions to propose in wake of crises.

Chairman Bilawal said that addressing the law and order situation is a collective responsibility. Moreover, regarding President Zardari’s statement, Chairman PPP said that there is no reason for the government to not accept the suggestions. The government would not want for it’s projects to become controversial or harm any of the federating units. Pertaining to the upcoming budget, Chairman Bilawal said that he hopes that the PPP and PML-N, as per their agreement will collectively draft it along with the PSDP for the four provinces.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed his condolences on the passing of Nawab Yousuf Talpur, acknowledging his significant contributions to politics. He noted that while Nawab Yousuf Talpur was a PPP MNA, their relationship extended beyond politics, spanning three generations of family ties. Despite his title, Nawab Yousuf Talpur remained a down-to-earth political activist who began his journey as a student leader, firmly rooted in ideological politics.

Chairman Bilawal highlighted Nawab Yousuf Talpur’s crucial role in democratic movements, from the MRD to the ARD, and his steadfast opposition to authoritarian rule. He endured the oppression of dictators from General Zia to General Musharraf but never wavered in his commitment to democracy. His dedication served as a lesson for PPP workers, reinforcing the belief that politics should be driven by ideology and purpose.

Nawab Yousuf Talpur was elected as a member of the Sindh Provincial Assembly in the 1970s and later served as a member of the National Assembly from 1993 to 2024. The parliamentary record reflects his unwavering advocacy for PPP’s ideology and the real issues facing the people. As the federal minister for food and agriculture, he consistently championed the rights of farmers and agricultural development. Throughout his life, he was a vocal proponent of equitable water distribution, a cause that remains a pressing issue today. Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasised that, at a time when water scarcity is a critical challenge, the absence of Nawab Yousuf Talpur’s strong voice on the matter is deeply felt.

A delegation of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), led by its chairman, Atif Ikram called on PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at Zardari House Islamabad on Tuesday afternoon.

The FPCCI delegation briefed Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on the issues faced by the business community. Chairman Bilawal assured the FPCCI delegation of playing a positive role in resolving the concerns of the business community. Chairman PPP and business leaders also discussed matters related to the Federation and Chambers.

The delegation included United Business Group leader Momin Ali Malik and FPCCI Vice President Zaki Ijaz, President Oil and Marketing Association Tariq Mehmood and Malik Suhail.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has constituted Party’s Election Board for holding the Intra-Party elections.

Fauzia Habib has been appointed as the convener of the Election Board. Amir Fida Paracha and Syed Sibtul Haider Bukhari have been appointed as members of the Board.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has instructed the Election Board to hold the Intra-Party elections in five weeks.