The Government of Sindh, in collaboration with the Oxford Pakistan Programme (OPP), has announced two prestigious scholarships named after Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. These scholarships will be part of OPP’s annual graduate scholarship program and will support highly talented students from Sindh in pursuing graduate studies at the University of Oxford.

Historically, access to institutions like Oxford has been largely limited to privileged students, leaving behind talented individuals from underprivileged areas. OPP is committed to breaking this barrier to ensure that world-class educational opportunities are not restricted to a specific class. Last year, OPP awarded scholarships to two students from Sindh and one from Balochistan, taking a step towards bridging this educational gap. To further this objective, OPP is working with various government institutions to establish sustainable educational pathways for students from underprivileged areas, ensuring that educational opportunities are determined by merit rather than background.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, announced these two prestigious scholarships during their official visit to the University of Oxford. Chairman Bilawal was invited to a luncheon by the Principal of Lady Margaret Hall (LMH), Professor Stephen Blyth. During this event, he was briefed on the vision and initiatives of the Oxford Pakistan Programme (OPP) and discussed the fundamental support provided by Lady Margaret Hall to OPP. The luncheon was also attended by Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s sister, Mohtarma Sanam Bhutto, renowned author, historian, and LMH alumna, Victoria Schofield, along with senior delegations from the Governments of Sindh and Balochistan.

Both Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto studied at the University of Oxford. These scholarships pay tribute to their legacy and offer young individuals from Sindh the opportunity to pursue world-class education and bring positive change to their communities.

Speaking on this occasion, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated:

“OPP is creating opportunities for Pakistanis, especially talented students from underprivileged backgrounds. I want to thank the Governments of Sindh and Balochistan for launching scholarship programs in collaboration with OPP for students from their provinces.”

The Oxford Pakistan Programme is led by a team of Oxford University academics and alumni, including Professor Adeel Malik (University of Oxford), Dr. Talha J. Pirzada (Lecturer in Material Science), Haris Zaman (corporate lawyer in London), and former Oxford student Manahil Saqib. OPP supports students and researchers of Pakistani origin through scholarships, hardship funds, the annual Iqbal Lecture, and the Graduate Access Programme.

On this occasion, Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, said:

“These scholarships will provide students from Sindh the opportunity to study at one of the world’s best universities. Not only will these students benefit from this opportunity, but Sindh as a whole will also gain when these scholars return to their communities with knowledge and skills to drive progress.”

This initiative reflects the commitment of the Government of Sindh and OPP to invest in education and nurture future leaders. Under this fund, each year, six outstanding students from Sindh will receive financial support for graduate degrees at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. Three of these scholarships will be awarded to women under the “Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Scholarship” and three under the “Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Scholarship.” Pakistani scholar and former Oxford Union President, Israr Khan, has also played a key role in facilitating these scholarships.

Secretary of Finance for the Government of Balochistan, Imran Zarkoon Khan, stated:

“We take pride in the fact that Balochistan was the first province to launch these scholarships. We hope this initiative will create new opportunities and enable talented students from Balochistan to succeed at Oxford and contribute to the development of the province.”

The Oxford Pakistan Programme is playing a transformative role in supporting Pakistani students at Oxford through various initiatives. So far, OPP has provided financial assistance of over £600,000, enabling 48 Pakistani graduate scholars to pursue their studies at Oxford. The partnership between OPP and the Government of Sindh is part of this larger mission to ensure that talented students from Sindh, Balochistan, and other underprivileged areas have access to world-class education.

Senator Sherry Rehman, chairing the meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change addressed critical climate financing issues, environmental challenges, and the progress on EV policy in Pakistan. During a comprehensive briefing, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Senator Sherry Rehman underscored the pressing need for structured financial solutions to bridge the estimated $340 billion funding gap necessary for sustainability. She emphasized that Pakistan’s financial capacity remains significantly lower than that of Bangladesh, a critical disparity that requires immediate intervention.
“Climate finance is not just about pledges; it’s about ensuring timely access to funds and building institutional capacity for climate resilience,” Senator Rehman stated. “Our existing financing structures are inadequate, and without robust financial solutions, Pakistan will continue to lag behind in climate adaptation and mitigation.”

The Finance Minister acknowledged the significant challenges in climate adaptation and financing, emphasizing the need for a structured approach that incorporates key enablers such as the National Adaptation Plan and National Climate Finance strategy. He noted, “Green technology is pivotal for sustainability, but clear definitions and parameters are essential for effective monitoring and reporting. The World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework prioritizes climate financing, while discussions with the IMF under the Extended Fund Facility are ongoing, with around one billion dollars expected. However, bureaucratic hurdles continue to obstruct access to climate funds, highlighting the need for streamlined processes. To advance climate resilience, we must optimize existing resources and collaborate closely with partners like UNDP.” It was mutually agreed by Senator Sherry Rehman and the Finance Minister that climate financing must be creatively programmed to ensure effective resource mobilization and project execution.    
Addressing the Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, Senator Sherry Rehman emphasized the importance of launching and incentivizing EV adoption to reduce carbon emissions and combat urban pollution. “We must ensure that the EV Policy is not just on paper but actively implemented with proper incentives. This will not only reduce Punjab’s smog but also set the stage for a green energy transition across the country,” she stated.
The Finance minister supported this stance, reiterating that policy mapping in the budgeting process is essential to align EV initiatives with broader economic objectives. He further announced the establishment of an advisory board to oversee various policy matters. Stakeholders, including the Finance Minister agreed with Senator Sherry Rehman that addressing taxation anomalies is crucial for the successful implementation of the new EV policy. Senator Rehman emphasized “Removing these barriers would incentivize both importers and manufacturers. As seen globally, such measures are essential to reduce pollution and facilitate the transition to an electric vehicle ecosystem. Given its environmental challenges, Pakistan stands to benefit from this shift more than any other country.”
Senator Sherry Rehman further emphasized the need for urgent policy reforms to address limitations in carbon sinks and forestry projects, which have reached their maximum capacity. She stressed that mangrove restoration efforts, currently managed through private-sector partnerships and federal government-issued NOCs, require a policy shift to allow Sindh to utilize the entire delta without bureaucratic restrictions.
“Reliance on private funding alone is unsustainable. Innovative financing solutions, including targeting foreign markets for waste management, must be explored,” Senator Rehman asserted. “Biogas and other waste management models offer potential, yet bureaucratic inefficiencies continue to hinder progress. Institutional capacity gaps prevent the effective utilization of vertical funds, and securing $50 billion annually remains unrealistic without proper financial management.”
She further called for a structured approach, including measurable project metrics and debt swaps, to significantly improve financial viability. “Engaging experts and enhancing institutional agility, including within UN agencies, is critical. Above all, climate action cannot succeed without the direct involvement of both the Finance and Planning Ministries, underscoring the urgent need for a dedicated financial cell within the Ministry of Finance.”
Senator Rehman concluded the session by highlighting the committee’s outreach to provincial governments, “We are actively engaging with all provinces to ensure cohesive climate action across the country.”
The session brought together Senators Bushra Anjum Butt and Sarmad Khan, the Minister of Finance and Revenue, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Romina Alam, and senior officials from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination.

On the occasion of International Mother Language Day, Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called upon federal and provincial governments to take concrete measures for the preservation and promotion of local languages. He emphasized the need for establishing language research centers, incorporating mother tongues into educational curricula, and encouraging literary and cultural initiatives to safeguard Pakistan’s rich linguistic heritage.

According to a statement issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP said that a mother language is not just a means of communication but the essence of identity, history, and cultural heritage. Highlighting the vital role of mother-tongue education, he pointed out that children learn best in their native language, which enhances cognitive development, nurtures creativity, and strengthens self-confidence.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reaffirmed that PPP has always been a champion of linguistic diversity and envisions a Pakistan where every mother tongue is valued, every cultural identity is respected, and no language faces marginalization. “As we celebrate the Silver Jubilee of International Mother Language Day, let us renew our commitment to protecting and promoting our diverse linguistic heritage. Our mother languages carry the lullabies of our childhood, the prayers of our elders, and the songs of our future. It is our duty to preserve them for generations to come,” he concluded.

According to a press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP said that the security forces’ operations against terrorists are a testament to the unwavering resolve of the Pakistani nation.

Chairman Bilawal Bhuo Zardari expressed sorrow over the martyrdom of Lieutenant Muhammad Hasan Ashraf, Naib Subedar Muhammad Bilal, Sepoy Farhatullah, and Sepoy Himmat Khan during the operations, and said that the officers and soldiers who embraced martyrdom will forever remain the heroes of our nation.

Chairman extended his heartfelt condolences and solidarity to the families of the martyred soldiers and prayed for them to find strength and patience in this difficult time.

President Asif Ali Zardari desired that Pakistan, due to its closer geographical proximity with China, would like to take advantage from the Chinese advancements in different fields including agriculture, communication space, technology and industry.

In an interview with CCTV during his recent visit to China and broadcast by the national Tv channels on Saturday, the president said Pakistan accorded high priority to all-weather friendship with China as the latter had always been a steadfast friend and stood by Pakistan in difficult times.

He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support to China, its leadership and the nation, saying that they firmly believed in their strongest friendly bonds.

He said Pakistan, due to its geographical location and owing to mutual extensive cooperation and partnership, wanted maximum benefits from the Chinese advancements and experiences in different fields.

He also termed the Chinese achievements in the realms of science and technology as the ‘good thing’ for the entire world and the region.

The president said agriculture was a sector where China could help as Pakistan’s per acre yield was less when compared with China.

Responding to a query to China-Pakistan cooperation in space technology, he said Pakistan wanted to take advantage from the Chinese technology, adding Pakistan was growing its capacity in this regard by forging partnership with China, ‘which is a good thing’.

He said Pakistan could use the Chinese technology for its advancement, in every field, whether it was utility of water or it was climate change. Pakistan wanted to take advantage from the Chinese lessons.

The president expressed his satisfaction over the pace of connectivity and development under the umbrella of CPEC which was fast transforming the economic landscape of Pakistan.

The president said, during his recent visit to China, the two sides had discussed the industrial development. The industrial parks would be only for China; and worked upon by the Pakistani labourers while the chief executive of a company could be running a business online while sitting in China.

The president said that China and Pakistan were known as all-weather friends.

“If I cannot develop myself to China’s standards, I can bask in China’s glory,” he said, underscoring to take advantage from the Chinese technology for their coming generations.

Responding to a query, he said Pakistan wanted to take advantage of its position and its ties with the Chinese people that spanned over centuries.

Expressing his affection for the Chinese people, he said that he loved them and would always stand with China.

“Goodwill, goodwill and goodwill”, it is always the trust and goodwill and in-depth relationship,” the president said while summoning up his recent visit.

The president also lauded President Xi as a ‘very strong and very steadfast’ who understood a lot of things, adding that he wanted to convey to the world that they were all-weather friends.

Further admiring President Xi’s political philosophy and his governance; he observed that China had made strides in different fields, showing ‘a very vast difference’ under the Chinese president’s leadership.

To another question, President Zardari said that the relationship between Pakistan and China was centuries old as people from the two countries had been travelling and interacting with each other.

This relationship was based upon humanity and trust, he said, adding the Chinese people had never been inhuman and never gone to another country to massacre people. China had never been an occupier.

President Zardari, who held meetings with the Chinese leadership during his visit, said that Pakistan had been home to the world’s oldest civilizations like Harrapa and Mohenjo-daro while the Chinese had their own oldest global civilization that tied them together.

To a query about China’s progress, he said that every time he arrived there, he was impressed with the new developments in different cities and cited Beijing city where he had last visited ten years back.

It was the fact that the Chinese people were hard-working. Everybody was working in his own field for the collective advantage of the Chinese nation, he opined.

The president said China has been home to 1.4 billion people and the world could not compete because it was all about the new technology.

About China’s rapid advancements in different sectors, he said the world should not be scared of such rapid growth.

He said Pakistan as a neighbour knew that the Chinese were not the kind who wanted to interfere in other country. “I will never be scared of China” in terms of its fast progress,” he maintained.

The Human Rights Cell of the Pakistan People’s Party is deeply concerned over the threats hurled at a renowned female anchor person of a private channel in the name of religion and calls upon all state authorities to probe the matter and also provide protection to the anchor person against trolling and threats to her person.

In a statement today president of the PPP HR Cell ex-Senator Farhatullah Babar also called upon the human rights bodies and the civil society to raise voice against it and protect the victim anchor person. Today it is a female journalist, tomorrow it will be anyone else, he said.

He quoted German pastor Martin Niemöller’s lament who said after Nazi Germany had devastated the country:

“First, they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist

“Then they came for the Socialists and I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist

“Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out, because I was not a trade unionist

“Then they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew

“Then they came for me, there was no one to speak”.

Farhatullah Babar urged all strata of society and the religious scholars to demand an impartial probe and stand in solidarity with the victim and also appeal to everyone to refrain from trolling, intimidation and harassment. “Let it not be forgotten that there is God Whose mill when it starts grinding it grinds exceedingly small”, he said.

1. At the invitation of H.E. Mr. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, paid a state visit to China from February 4 to 8, 2025. During his stay in China, President Zardari will also attend the Opening Ceremony of the Ninth Asian Winter Games.

During the visit, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Zardari in a warm and friendly atmosphere. They had an in-depth exchange of views on China-Pakistan relations under the new situation and on the international and regional issues of mutual interests. H.E. Mr. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, and H.E. Mr. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, met with President Zardari respectively.

2. The two sides agreed that the China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership is a choice by history and by the people, and enjoys broad support from all walks of life in both countries. Having withstood the test of changing international circumstances, the enduring partnership and iron-clad friendship between China and Pakistan transcends geopolitical interests and is an important positive factor for regional peace, stability and development. The two sides have always understood and supported each other, and have been deepening strategic mutual trust and practical cooperation.

The two sides noted that while the transformation not seen in a century is accelerating, the China-Pakistan relationship remains of strategic significance, and any attempt to disrupt or undermine it is bound to fail. The Chinese side reiterated that the China-Pakistan relationship is a priority in its foreign relations and of special significance in China’s foreign policy. The Pakistani side underscored that the Pakistan-China relationship is the cornerstone of its foreign policy. The two sides will further deepen high-level political mutual trust, high-level practical cooperation, high-level security cooperation and high-level international coordination, accelerate efforts to build an even closer China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the New Era, and contribute greater strength to common prosperity of the two countries and to peace and development of the region.

3. The Pakistani side highly commended and expressed strong support for the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative put forth by President Xi Jinping. The two sides agreed to step up international cooperation in this regard to jointly tackle global challenges and foster a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind.
4. The Pakistani side spoke highly of the great development achievements made by Chinese people under the guidance of the Communist Party of China and expressed firm support for the Chinese side in advancing the great cause of building a great modern socialist country in all respects and realizing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization. The Chinese side gladly noted Pakistan’s National Economic Transformation Plan (Uraan), applauds the new achievements attained by Pakistan in economic reform and national development and wishes Pakistan stability, security, development and prosperity.
5. The two sides reaffirmed their unyielding support for each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns. The two sides stressed that the authority of the U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 brooks no question or challenge. The Pakistani side reaffirmed its firm commitment to the one-China principle. It is of the view that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China and the Taiwan question is the core of China’s core interests. It firmly supports all efforts made by China to achieve national reunification and resolutely opposes all forms of “Taiwan independence.” Pakistan will also firmly support China on issues related to Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea.

The Chinese side reiterated its firm support for Pakistan in defending its national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and its support for Pakistan’s efforts to safeguard national security, stability, development and prosperity.

6. The two sides agreed to strengthen high-level interactions, enhance exchanges and cooperation across various departments and at different levels between central governments, local authorities, legislative bodies and political parties, and carry out in-depth exchanges of governance experience.
7. The Pakistani side reiterated its strongest condemnation of the terrorist attacks in Pakistan involving Chinese personnel. It reaffirmed that ensuring the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan is the foremost responsibility of Pakistani government as China’s All-weather Strategic Cooperative partner and the host country. The Chinese nationals in Pakistan have made important contributions to Pakistan’s national construction and the improvement of people’s livelihoods and serve as a strong force helping boost Pakistan’s development, progress and prosperity. The Pakistani side expressed its sincere gratitude to the leadership and the people of China for their longstanding and invaluable support to Pakistan.

The two sides reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with a zero-tolerance attitude, and agreed to further strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation on counter terrorism. The Pakistani side will continue to make all efforts to investigate into the terrorist attacks involving Chinese personnel and bring the perpetrators to justice. It will also further increase input into security, and take targeted and enhanced measures to effectively ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan, and create a safe environment for cooperation between the two countries. The Chinese side spoke highly of Pakistan’s unremitting efforts and tremendous sacrifices in combating terrorism, and expressed its willingness to provide necessary support for Pakistan’s counter terrorism capacity building.

8. The Pakistani side spoke highly of the Belt and Road Initiative put forth by President Xi Jinping. The two sides agreed to promote the implementation of the eight major steps on high-quality Belt and Road cooperation in Pakistan and jointly build a growth corridor, a livelihood-enhancing corridor, an innovation corridor, a green corridor and an open corridor, to create an upgraded version of CPEC, in line with Pakistan’s 5Es framework.

Recalling the 13th CPEC Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting, the two sides are committed to further leverage the JCC’s functions to strengthen alignment of ideas and coordination of actions for high-quality CPEC development. The Pakistani side appreciated the Chinese side for the successful holding of the seminar on creating an upgraded version of CPEC which helped the Pakistani officials learn the first-hand experience of China’s development and offered the Pakistani side valuable learning opportunity. The two sides agreed to hold the 14th JCC meeting as early as possible at a mutually agreed date.

9. The two sides reaffirmed that, in accordance with the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, efforts will be made to advance the upgradation of ML-1 in a phased and secure manner. The two sides reiterated that the Karakoram Highway (Raikot-Thakot) realignment project is of great importance to the land connectivity between China and Pakistan, and agreed to reach an early consensus on its implementation and financing.

The two sides welcomed the official inauguration of the new Gwadar International Airport, reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the comprehensive development and operation of the Gwadar Port to further leverage its role as a multimodal logistics hub to boost local economic growth through industrial development. Recognizing the significance of the Gwadar Port, both sides agreed to optimally utilize its potential as a key hub of connectivity and trade.

10. The Chinese side reiterated its support to Pakistan’s industrialization and development of export-oriented industries. It encourages Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan’s qualified Special Economic Zones based on market and business principles. The Pakistani side reiterated its commitment to continuing to improve its business environment and provide a favorable policy framework for Chinese investment. The two sides welcome active participation of third parties in CPEC cooperation.
11. The two sides expressed their willingness to encourage Chinese companies to engage in investment and cooperation in Pakistan’s mining industry, and encourage relevant departments of both countries to carry out terrestrial and marine geological survey cooperation. The Pakistani side welcomes Chinese companies’ participation in offshore oil and gas explorations.
12. The two sides agreed to further strengthen agricultural cooperation and select next batch of projects under the CPEC framework.
13. The Pakistani side expressed appreciation for China’s important contributions to alleviating power shortages in Pakistan. The two sides agreed to strengthen exchanges in improving efficiency and management of the power system in Pakistan.
14. The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation on information technology and promote policy and talent exchanges in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, big data and communication technology. The Chinese side would encourage its technology companies to actively expand their businesses in Pakistan to accelerate Science & Technology cooperation in the high-quality development of CPEC’s second phase and develop an innovation corridor.
15. The two sides agreed to conduct further consultation on trade liberalization under the framework of the Phase-II of China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, and actively explore the possible bilateral concessional arrangements based on the spirit of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. The Chinese side welcomes Pakistani enterprises to make full use of platforms such as the China International Import Expo and the China-South Asia Expo to expand exports to China.

The two sides noted with satisfaction their ongoing collaborative efforts to leverage joint ventures in priority areas to enhance the export-oriented industry in Pakistan and encouraged Chinese companies with capabilities to invest in these sectors under the concept of win-win cooperation. The two sides agreed to strengthen joint support for Business-to-Business (B2B) cooperation in both countries and facilitate deeper exchanges and cooperation between business communities of the two countries.

The Pakistani side reiterated its high appreciation for China’s valuable support for the fiscal and financial stability of Pakistan. Both sides reaffirmed their desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the financial and banking sectors, and support each other within regional and international multilateral financial platforms.

16. The two sides emphasized that the China-Pakistan cooperation opens to all regions in Pakistan and aims to benefit all Pakistani people. They agreed to continue to carry out cooperation on people’s livelihood in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, education, climate response, and disaster prevention and alleviation, and to deliver more “small and beautiful” projects beneficial for the people. The Pakistani side spoke highly of the children’s congenital heart disease treatment project and health kits project carried out by the Chinese side in Pakistan. The two sides discussed ways to deepen cooperation in health sector, including in traditional and herbal medicine. Both sides agreed to further enhance human resources development cooperation under the Global Development Initiatives.
17. The Pakistani side thanked the Chinese side for training Pakistan’s agriculture professionals and IT professionals. The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in areas such as education, media, think tanks, youth, films and television to strengthen the bond between the two peoples and enhance mutual learning between civilizations. The Chinese side expressed the readiness to actively support Pakistani students in learning the Chinese language as well as to explore avenues for promoting technical and vocational training.
18. The two sides expressed satisfaction at the existing level of cooperation in space and agreed to advance and pursue further progress in this important area for socio-economic purpose.
19. The two sides underscored that strategic defence and security cooperation between China and Pakistan plays an irreplaceable and critical role in maintaining peace, stability and strategic balance in the region. The two sides expressed satisfaction that the two militaries have long enjoyed high-level of mutual trust, high-level cooperation, and high-level coordination. The two sides agreed to maintain the momentum of high-level military-to-military visits and exchanges, and to continuously elevate cooperation in areas of joint training, exercises and military technology.
20. The two sides believe that a peaceful and prosperous South Asia is in the common interest of all parties and reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in South Asia and the need for resolution of all outstanding disputes, and their opposition to any unilateral action. The Pakistani side briefed the Chinese side on the latest developments in the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The Chinese side reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is left over from history and should be properly and peacefully resolved in accordance with the U.N. Charter, relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.
21. The two sides stressed that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and to true multilateralism. The two countries continue to advocate for dialogue over confrontation, partnerships over alliances and multilateralism over unilateralism and protectionism. They expressed satisfaction with their close cooperation at the U.N. and other multilateral fora, and expressed resolution to further deepen coordination on multilateral issues to uphold common interests of developing countries and international equity and justice.

The two sides agreed to maintain close communication and coordination on the issue of Afghanistan, and play a constructive role in helping Afghanistan achieve stable development and integrate into the international community. The two sides reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with a zero-tolerance attitude. They called on the Interim Afghan Government to take visible and verifiable actions to dismantle and eliminate all terrorist groups based in Afghanistan which continue to pose a serious threat to regional and global security, and to prevent the use of Afghan territory against other countries.

22. The two sides welcome the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, and hope that the agreement will be implemented effectively, leading to a full and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The two sides reaffirmed their support for the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including their right to establish an independent State of Palestine. The two sides will work with international community to make unremitting effort for peace and stability in the Middle East.
23. During the visit, the two sides signed more than a dozen documents covering cooperation on CPEC, trade, science and technology, people’s livelihoods, and media, etc.
24. President Zardari expressed appreciation to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government and people for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation, and invited President Xi Jinping to visit Pakistan at a mutually-convenient time. The two sides agreed to maintain communication on the matter through diplomatic channels.

Islamabad,
February 6, 2025

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, in his message on the eve of Kashmir Solidarity Day, stated that Pakistan remains incomplete without Kashmir. He condemned India’s abrogation of Article 370 of its constitution, calling it a grave injustice to the Kashmiri people. Reaffirming the PPP’s unwavering support, he pledged that the party would stand by the people of Kashmir until they achieve their right to self-determination.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari recalled that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto declared February 5 an official public holiday in 1990. He lamented that for over 70 years, Indian forces have committed atrocities against their Kashmiri brethren, stating, “Thousands have been killed, maimed, and imprisoned in occupied Kashmir.”

Chairman PPP further emphasised that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had vowed to fight for Kashmir for a thousand years, and the PPP remains steadfast in its commitment to the Kashmir cause. “Kashmir is, in fact, an unfinished agenda of the partition of the subcontinent,” he said.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reaffirmed that the people of Pakistan stand in solidarity with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters. He vowed that the PPP would continue to provide political, diplomatic, and moral support at every forum. Urging the international community to take a stand, he called for global intervention as Indian forces persist in their grave human rights violations in occupied Kashmir.

Every year, on 5th February, the people of Pakistan reaffirm solidarity with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters. On this day, we renew our unwavering support for the Kashmiri people’s just and legitimate struggle for the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination.

The Jammu and Kashmir dispute is one of the oldest unresolved international disputes as India continues to occupy large parts of Jammu and Kashmir against the will of the local people. The situation took a turn for the worse, following India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019, which are aimed at transforming Kashmiris into a disempowered community in their own land. Today, India is making efforts to consolidate its occupation of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) through a series of administrative, judicial and legislative measures. However, these actions cannot suppress the Kashmiri people’s indomitable desire for self-determination.’

Over the last 78 years, Kashmiris have rendered countless sacrifices to exercise their democratic right to determine their own future. On this day, I pay rich tribute to the resilience of the Kashmiri people in the face of state terrorism and oppression. The human rights situation in IIOJK is grim as India is denying the Kashmiris their fundamental rights and freedoms and subjecting them to severe state repression and violence. The people of IIOJK are living in an environment of fear and intimidation and the true representatives of the Kashmiri people remain incarcerated. The Indian security forces use excessive force to brutally victimise political activists and human rights defenders. Media has been silenced through coercion. However, no amount of oppression can dent the determination of the Kashmiris and undermine their legitimate struggle.

This day reminds the international community of its responsibility towards the oppressed Kashmiri people. The United Nations must honour the commitments it had made 77 years ago and support the Kashmiri people’s struggle for self-determination.

Pakistan will always stand shoulder to shoulder with the Kashmiri brothers and sisters. We will continue to extend our full moral, diplomatic and political support to their just struggle for the realization of their right to self-determination, as enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

President Asif Ali Zardari visited the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park (NASTP), a flagship project spearheaded by Pakistan Air Force.

During the visit, the President was briefed in detail regarding various set-ups established at NASTP. Declaring NASTP a major landmark in PAF’s journey towards progress, the Chief of the Air Staff was also present on the occasion. He emphasized that the project is of national importance, poised to form basis of knowledge and technology-based economy in Pakistan. NASTP aims to bridge the gap by seamlessly fusing private and public sector enterprises in Space, Cyber, IT, Artificial Intelligence & Aerospace domains.

It was emphasized that the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park is all set to become one of the best Aerospace, Cyber & IT clusters in the world and will transform the national landscape with design, R&D and innovation centres for emerging and disruptive technologies to foster research, innovation and development in related technologies. This endeavour will for sure maximise social, economic, security and scientific dividends for the country.

The President lauded PAF, and its skilled personnel and conveyed his admiration for the state-of-the-art technological ecosystem witnessed during his visit to the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park which will serve as a beacon of innovation to promote futuristic aerospace and aviation capabilities. He also commended Pakistan Air Force’s leadership for the vision and proactive approach towards addressing modern warfare challenges and completing this project of national strategic importance in an unprecedented time frame.

The National Aerospace Science and Technology Park will play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s aerospace industry, fostering strategic partnerships and contributing to the economic growth of Pakistan. The visit of the President of Pakistan to the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park is a testament to the success of this mega project and highlights the unwavering dedication of the Pakistan Air Force in promoting an environment of research and development in the country.