President Asif Ali Zardari has extended his warmest felicitations to the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the Government and the people of Brazil on their Independence Day. He conveyed his warm wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the Brazilian people.

The President said that Pakistan greatly values its warm and cordial relations with Brazil, founded on mutual respect, shared interests and close cooperation at international fora. He noted that, as two important countries of the Global South, Pakistan and Brazil have considerable potential to build a stronger and more diversified partnership, particularly in trade and investment, agriculture and livestock, food security, science and technology, renewable energy, climate action, education and people-to-people exchanges.

President Zardari also commended President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for his principled advocacy of a rules-based, equitable and just international order. He appreciated President Lula’s emphasis on respect for international law, peaceful resolution of disputes, effective multilateralism, reform of global governance institutions and a stronger voice for developing countries. He said that Brazil’s constructive role in advancing dialogue, sustainable development and South-South cooperation is an important contribution towards a more representative, inclusive and peaceful international system.

The President reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with Brazil, both bilaterally and at multilateral fora, to further strengthen relations and advance the shared goals of peace, development and prosperity. He expressed confidence that the friendship between Pakistan and Brazil would continue to deepen in the years ahead.

Pakistan Peoples Party Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro has said that the anti-Sindh face of MQM- Pakistan and PTI has been exposed after they refused to vote and boycotted the proceedings when a resolution against any alteration in the provincial boundaries and the division of Sindh was passed on the constitutional floor of the Sindh Assembly adding that the boycott of the members of both parties to participate in the voting on the resolution against division of Sindh was proof of their double standards and it proved that both parties were equally involved in the conspiracy to divide Sindh.

He said in a statement issued here on Friday.

Khuhro said that the claims of MQM-Pakistan and PTI regarding the protection of Sindh’s rights and their opposition to the division of Sindh were limited to mere rhetoric. However, when the division of Sindh was rejected through a resolution on the floor of the Sindh Assembly both parties boycotted the proceedings and did not participate in the voting process. Their actions had exposed them before the people of Sindh.

He said that the Sindh Assembly was the true guardian of the rights of the people of Sindh and when the historic resolution was being passed not a single member of PTI or MQM-Pakistan was present in the House to vote in favour of the resolution. “This is the real truth about their commitment and attachment to Sindh,” he said.

Nisar Khuhro said that the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa came to Sindh and claimed to protect Sindh, while talking about liberating Sindh from the PPP rule was the height of political hypocrisy.

He said that in the past their leader Imran Khan had also made similar claims but the people of Sindh had practically witnessed that whether it was PTI or MQM-Pakistan, these parties could never be sincere with Sindh.

He said that the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had not been stopped from coming to Sindh or holding public gatherings. He can perform whatever drama he wants but he will gain nothing from Sindh. The dream could not be fulfilled by Imran Khan and now it will not be fulfilled by the lower leadership of PTI. he added.

Khuhro said that the real place for protecting the rights of Sindh was the Sindh Assembly where the true position of every political party was placed on record. When the time came to make a decision on the constitutional forum both parties ran away and now they are claiming to be the protectors of Sindh through public meetings and speeches from stages,their double standards will no longer work,” he said.

He said that PTI and MQM-Pakistan were absent from the House at the very moment when the unity of Sindh was being reaffirmed and their absence was speaking louder than their speeches in revealing their true reality.

Nisar Khuhro said that the people of Sindh understood this double game very well.You cannot remain absent from the Sindh Assembly when the unity of Sindh is under discussion in the house and then come to the streets and roads of Sindh and declare yourselves its protectors.

The people of Sindh will never be deceived by those who were absent when the time came to stand united for Sindh, he said.

He said that the Pakistan Peoples Party, its leadership and its elected representatives stood united in the Sindh Assembly and passed the resolution reaffirming the unity and territorial integrity of Sindh.

Khuhro said that the Pakistan Peoples Party had always defended Sindh whether on the floor of the Assembly, in the streets and public spaces, or on any other forum, PPP will not allow any harm to come to the unity of Sindh, he said “Sindh is one and will remain one.

Referring to JUI leader Rashid Mahmood Soomro’s remarks that “dacoits are sitting in the Sindh Assembly,” Khuhro said that Rashid Mehmood Soomro was standing with them and with Sindh against the division of Sindh, then by his own logic he too would be considered a “big dacoit./ ends

ISLAMABAD: Vice President of PPP Senator Sherry Rehman has expressed serious concern over the situation in Rawalpindi and Islamabad following torrential rains, saying the flooding in the twin cities has exposed serious weaknesses in the country’s disaster preparedness and urban flood management systems.
“Is this really the level of preparedness we have for dealing with heavy rains and floods? The situation in the twin cities has once again exposed the weaknesses of our disaster management system.”

She asserted, “Recurring municipal challenges remain evident, especially unchecked construction over natural drainage channels, poor urban planning, and a persistent gap between development spending and climate-resilient infrastructure. These are the same issues that contribute to severe flooding year after year. As climate impacts become more frequent, preparedness must become a core part of governance. Building awareness is essential, not only among the public but also within the civil service.”

Senator Rehman further added, “This is always a reactive discussion. It begins only after the damage has already been done, after lives have been lost, homes destroyed, livestock washed away, and communities devastated. Only then do these conversations begin. There is no sustained national public conversation on these issues throughout the year.”

She said that the authorities were struggling to effectively cope with the current rainfall, while several parts of the twin cities had been inundated. “The government must immediately accelerate rescue and relief operations and ensure that affected citizens receive timely assistance,” she stressed.

Senator Rehman said that emergency measures after every episode of heavy rainfall were no longer sufficient. “We need permanent and effective reforms to address the growing threat of urban flooding. Federal and provincial institutions must stop shifting responsibility and instead work through a coordinated strategy to protect citizens.”

She emphasised the urgent need to modernise drainage systems, ensure regular cleaning and maintenance of storm-water channels, strengthen flood management mechanisms and establish effective early warning systems.
“Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall and consequently raising the risk of urban flooding. Pakistan needs a long-term environmental and disaster management strategy that addresses these emerging threats rather than relying on reactive measures,” Senator Rehman said.

She said Pakistan must learn from climate-related disasters occurring across the region, including the recent floods in Nepal. “If we fail to act now, the consequences could eventually move beyond our ability to manage,” she warned.

She called for an immediate acceleration of relief activities in affected areas, safe evacuation of vulnerable citizens and the provision of food, clean drinking water and urgent medical assistance to those affected.
“Today’s rainfall is a clear warning. The government must move beyond repeated emergency responses and establish a permanent, effective and resilient system for managing urban flooding.”

Secretary General of Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari, has said that the Pakistan Peoples Party believes in the supremacy of the Constitution and Parliament and respects all decisions taken in accordance with the Constitution and law.
Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari said that the decision regarding the creation of new provinces must be taken by the elected representatives of the people. “Irresponsible and speculative statements on such a sensitive issue should not be used to further deepen divisions in the country,” he said.
He said that for a strong federation and stronger federating units, it was essential to develop a consensus document and broad political agreement on an important national issue such as the creation of new provinces. All steps concerning new provinces must be taken strictly in accordance with the procedure laid down in the Constitution.
Nayyer Hussain Bokhari said that the Constitution clearly provides a procedure for the creation of new provinces. “If government ministers are serious about this issue, they should have the courage to bring it before the Federal Cabinet. The Prime Minister should seek formal approval from the Cabinet and subsequently initiate the constitutional and parliamentary process,” he said.
The PPPP Secretary General said it was surprising that the issue of new provinces had still not been brought before the Federal Cabinet for discussion. He said that any increase in the number of provinces required a constitutional amendment and that new provinces could not be created through statements or announcements alone.
He questioned why government ministers advocating the creation of new provinces were not raising the matter in Parliament. “It should also be made clear how resources will be redistributed under the NFC Award after the creation of new provinces, and how representation and the number of members in the Senate and National Assembly will be determined,” he said.
Nayyer Hussain Bokhari said that the creation of new provinces was a serious national and constitutional matter. “This is not a hockey match where a new team can be formed whenever one wishes,” he remarked.
He said that sensitive national issues should be resolved through the Constitution, Parliament and national political consensus rather than through political point-scoring.
He further said that the elected Members of the National Assembly from Punjab and the provincial ministers should ensure implementation of the resolution passed by the Punjab Assembly regarding the creation of a South Punjab province.
“If the government is genuinely serious about creating new provinces, it should take practical steps while taking into account the resolutions already passed and the constitutional requirements,” he said.
Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari demanded that the Prime Minister hold formal consultations with all parliamentary political parties on the issue of new provinces so that a broad national consensus could be developed on this matter of national importance.
He reiterated that the Pakistan Peoples Party firmly believes in constitutional supremacy, parliamentary democracy and a strong federation. He said that every constitutional matter, including the creation of new provinces, must move forward through Parliament and strictly in accordance with the procedure prescribed by the Constitution.

Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani visited the Residence of the Ambassador of Norway in Islamabad and recorded his condolences in the condolence book opened following the passing of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway. He was received by senior officers of the Embassy.

In his remarks, Mr Gilani expressed profound sorrow over the passing of King Harald V and, on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan and on his own behalf, extended his heartfelt condolences to His Majesty King Haakon VIII, the Royal Family and the people of Norway.

He stated that King Harald V had served Norway with wisdom, dignity and devotion for over thirty-five years and that the late King’s long reign and dedicated service to his country and people would be remembered with great respect.

Mr Gilani noted that, at this time of sorrow, the thoughts and prayers of the people of Pakistan were with His Majesty King Haakon VIII, the Royal Family and the people of Norway. He prayed that the departed soul may rest in eternal peace.

Islamabad: Secretary General Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari has termed the government’s response to the tragic incident at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) inadequate and demanded immediate legal action against all those responsible.
Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari said that the PIMS incident was not merely an unfortunate accident but a case of criminal negligence. “Why has an FIR not yet been registered against those responsible?” he questioned, adding that all persons found responsible for the tragedy should have been taken into custody by now.
He said that cases should be registered against all responsible individuals under the relevant provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code, so that those found guilty of negligence and dereliction of duty could be brought before the law.
The PPPP Secretary General demanded the immediate formation of a Parliamentary Committee comprising members from both the government and opposition benches to investigate the PIMS tragedy. He said that only a transparent, impartial and comprehensive inquiry through Parliament could bring the actual facts of the incident before the nation.
Nayyer Hussain Bukhari said the Prime Minister should place his trust in Parliament rather than relying solely on the bureaucracy. Parliament must be taken into confidence on matters of such grave national importance, and parliamentary oversight should be ensured in the investigation process.
He said the measures taken by the government so far were insufficient to prevent such tragic incidents in the future. The government must take effective, practical and result-oriented measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents and ensure accountability of those responsible.
Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari said that providing justice to the families affected by the PIMS tragedy was the responsibility of the state. Determining responsibility, taking action in accordance with law, and establishing an effective mechanism to prevent such tragedies in the future were imperative.
He stressed that the pain and suffering of the affected families could not be addressed through statements alone. Transparent investigation, accountability and justice must be ensured without delay.

Vice President of the Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Sherry Rehman, while speaking in the Senate, called for a transparent and independent investigation into the tragic deaths of 14 children in the PIMS hospital fire, stressing that the incident raises serious questions of governance, accountability and public safety. A resolution calling for the formation of a special Senate committee to investigate the PIMS tragedy was moved by Senator Sherry Rehman and it was unanimously passed by the Senate.

Senator Sherry Rehman submitted a Calling Attention Notice in the Senate to draw the attention of the Federal Minister for Health to…
[3:44 pm, 28/08/2026] +92 300 5224505: Sherry Rehman Calls for Senate Committee to Investigate PIMS Tragedy; Resolution Unanimously Passed

Islamabad, 29th August 2026:

Vice President of the Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Sherry Rehman, while speaking in the Senate, called for a transparent and independent investigation into the tragic deaths of 14 children in the PIMS hospital fire, stressing that the incident raises serious questions of governance, accountability and public safety. A resolution calling for the formation of a special Senate committee to investigate the PIMS tragedy was moved by Senator Sherry Rehman and it was unanimously passed by the Senate.

Senator Sherry Rehman submitted a Calling Attention Notice in the Senate to draw the attention of the Federal Minister for Health towards the deaths of the 14 children and the reported failure of basic fire-safety arrangements at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
“The questions being raised here today are not unjustified.”
“Within 2 hours of the tragedy, I visited PIMS with our senior PPP colleagues. We made it clear there, as we have made clear here, that we have not come here to do politics.”
“The purpose of politics is not simply to put forward our own position. It means serving the public interest. Wherever there is a failure, there must be accountability. Audit and accountability is an integral part of politics. Working for public interest in senate is politics. Politics is to work for the good of people, to work for public interest. Politics is all about accountability.“

Senator Rehman said her concerns were also rooted in her own experience as a former Health Minister.
“I have served as Health Minister for six months. I was also given reasons to close the emergency gates but I did not. Instead I posted guards there and checked myself. Why are incompetent people who don’t care about basic safety protocols even allowed to continue? “

Senator Rehman further added,
“I have personally received treatment at PIMS, as did my husband, even when I was a minister. There were still irregularities during our treatment. So imagine what ordinary citizens must go through. At present, PIMS is not in a position to provide adequate services to the people.”

Senator Rehman also challenged the account given by the Executive Director of PIMS regarding the emergency gate, raising serious questions about why an emergency exit was closed during a fire.
“The Executive Director of PIMS was lying when he said that the emergency gate was not closed. The firefighters and the CDA have stated that the gate was closed. What is the purpose of an emergency exit? It is supposed to remain open for emergencies.”

Senator Rehman also pointed to contradictions between the PIMS report and the findings of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), particularly concerning the hospital’s fire-safety arrangements.
“The PIMS report contradicts the CDA’s findings. The CDA has repeatedly stated that the hospital’s fire-safety arrangements are inadequate. Why was no notice taken? The hospital does not even have a fire NOC.”

Senator Rehman highlighted the substantial federal funding provided to PIMS, questioning why basic safety standards had not been ensured despite the availability of resources.
According to official budget figures, PIMS received around Rs. 22 billion in federal funding over the past three years. During the previous fiscal year, PIMS was allocated Rs. 6.84 billion but spent Rs. 7.51 billion, exceeding its approved budget by around Rs. 670 million. For the current fiscal year, the federal government has allocated Rs. 7.63 billion to PIMS.
Despite these substantial resources, basic fire-safety arrangements were reportedly inadequate. This is not a problem of money; this is a problem of governance. Patients come here from across Pakistan. We are all responsible for the present tragedy.”

Senator Rehman asserted,
“We are not rulers; we are servants of the people. I am capable of delivering a critical speech, but I have come here to find solutions.”
“The people of Pakistan have become disillusioned with Parliament and the elite because nothing is being done here.”

Senator Rehman asserted “There should be a House committee on this matter. We have no confidence in the committee that has already been formed because it amounts to people investigating one another. In the Senates of the United States and other countries, this is precisely the kind of work parliamentary committees undertake. The same should happen here. The committee should be constituted by this House.”

Senator Rehman spoke about the trauma suffered by the families of the deceased children and the circumstances surrounding the fire.
“The mothers of the 14 children are traumatised. When you look at that ward, your heart stops. The entire staff was asleep. One child was taken out, and even that child was rescued by a security guard. We were told that the spark originated from an air conditioner. Has anyone ever seen such a thing happen? The truth is that the system was completely non-functional. The Health Committee’s report — was buried.”

She further added, “If this practice of burying reports continues, so help me God I will be among the first to not allow this House to function.”

“This House should become a source of constructive politics. A committee should be constituted here, which should prepare a report within 40 days and also assist the hospital in developing a mechanism to manage the patients who come here every day,” Senator Sherry Rehman said.

The proposed committee will investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, examine institutional failures and accountability, and recommend measures to prevent such incidents from occurring again.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has extended warm greetings to the nation and Muslims around the world on the blessed occasion of 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH, marking the auspicious birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH).

 According to the press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP said that the Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) is an eternal light of mercy, justice, compassion, and peace for all humanity. He said the message brought by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) transcends time and borders, and the true path to human betterment lies in living by his noble example—standing with the oppressed, caring for the vulnerable, forgiving with grace, and upholding the dignity and rights of every human being.

 Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged the nation to draw inspiration from the life and character of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and renew its resolve to foster brotherhood, tolerance, kindness, and service to humanity. He Allah Almighty bless Pakistan and the Muslim Ummah with harmony, prosperity, and lasting tranquillity, and grant us the wisdom and strength to reflect the noble character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in our individual conduct and collective life.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has extended warm greetings to the nation and Muslims around the world on the blessed occasion of 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH, marking the auspicious birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH).

According to the press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP said that the Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) is an eternal light of mercy, justice, compassion, and peace for all humanity. He said the message brought by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) transcends time and borders, and the true path to human betterment lies in living by his noble example—standing with the oppressed, caring for the vulnerable, forgiving with grace, and upholding the dignity and rights of every human being.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged the nation to draw inspiration from the life and character of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and renew its resolve to foster brotherhood, tolerance, kindness, and service to humanity. He Allah Almighty bless Pakistan and the Muslim Ummah with harmony, prosperity, and lasting tranquillity, and grant us the wisdom and strength to reflect the noble character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in our individual conduct and collective life

President Asif Ali Zardari attending a presentation on the proposed development of Keti Bunder Port by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) at Aiwan-e-Sadr.