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President Asif Ali Zardari has underlined the need for discouraging the spread of fake news and disinformation by promoting a culture of fact-checking and verifying information. He said that the media should uphold the highest standards of journalism and play its role in promoting tolerance, unity and ethical values in the society.

The President expressed these views while talking to Chairman Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Mr Muhammad Saleem, who called on him and presented PEMRA Report 2021-23, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, today.

Talking to Chairman PEMRA, the President said that modern communication technologies had opened up new challenges and the media needed to play a responsible and constructive role in shaping public opinion. He said that a code of conduct regarding the spread of misinformation and propaganda should be observed.

The President stressed the need to improve the capacity of PEMRA by adopting modern tools and technologies and building a pool of talented human resources. He remarked that the media should also raise awareness about socio-economic issues, besides promoting a soft image of the country.

Chairman PEMRA briefed the President about the role and performance of PEMRA in the regulation and development of the media landscape of the country.

The President affirmed his support to further strengthen PEMRA.

The First Lady of Pakistan and Member of the National Assembly, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, visited the family of late Nazir Hussain Dhoki, a dedicated and loyal party worker who served the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and its leadership throughout his life. Nazir Dhoki, who was the Chief Media Coordinator for Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, passed away on July 14 after a short battle with cancer at the Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences in Khairpur District. Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari prayed for his departed soul and for his high rank in Jannah.

Speaking with Nazir Dhoki’s family, the First Lady paid rich tributes to a party worker who made significant sacrifices during the dictatorship of General Zia ul Haq and was imprisoned during the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy. She emphasized that Nazir Dhoki was one of the most committed activists of the party, whose loyalty to the Bhutto family was unparalleled. His dedication and steadfastness served as an inspiration to other party members. The First Lady assured the family that the party leadership would continue to stand by them and provide support during these challenging times. Nazir Dhoki’s family expressed their gratitude to the First Lady for her support during this difficult period.

Accompanying the First Lady were Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Mir Munawar Talpur MNA, Chief Whip of PPP in the National Assembly Ijaz Jakhrani MNA, Central Information Secretary of PPPP Shazia Marri MNA, Shehla Raza MNA, and Mehreen Bhutto MNA.

According to a press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP has instructed the concerned minister to utilize all available resources to promptly repair the breach and minimize the damage.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized that the Minister of Irrigation must ensure that such incidents do not occur again during the rains. He also directed that the residents of the affected villages be relocated to safe areas and that an assessment of the damage to agricultural crops due to the breach be conducted.

Furthermore, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged the PPP office-bearers and workers in Sanghar district to actively assist the affected people and provide necessary aid.

Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of lives and property caused by the ongoing monsoon rains in various parts of the country.

According to a press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP highlighted that the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has suffered the most significant loss of life, with ten fatalities reported in Kohat district alone. He noted that due to severe weather and lack of communication facilities, many incidents in remote areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain unreported. He expressed regret that rain victims in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are left helpless, with no visible government assistance.

Addressing the situation in Punjab, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed hope that the provincial government will ensure timely and indiscriminate assistance to those affected by the rains.

He directed all PPP members of the assemblies to remain present in their constituencies during the rains. In Sindh and Balochistan, ministers, assembly members, and local government representatives have already been instructed to oversee relief efforts and ensure that no affected individual is deprived of government aid.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized the need for Jiyalas (PPP workers) to step forward and assist the needy and victims in the rain-affected areas. He urged them to mobilize and actively help those in distress.

President Asif Ali Zardari has called for finding a win-win solution to address the issue of rising energy costs in the country. He proposed that the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) should form a committee and work with the President’s office to develop a viable solution to the issue of paying capacity charges to Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

The President gave these remarks while talking to a delegation of FPCCI comprising of businessmen and office-bearers of 40 regional business associations, led by Dr Gohar Ejaz, at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.

Talking to the delegation, the President announced that the President’s office would collaborate with a smaller committee from the business community to find a win-win solution for the Government, the people, the business community and IPPs. He urged the for evolving a consensus solution so that none of stakeholders lose out. He said that he was aware of the problems being faced by Pakistani businesses, that were in a “triple-whammy” due to high input, energy, and fuel costs.

Dr Gohar Ejaz highlighted that rising energy costs were overburdening the people, industry, agriculture and exports sector. He emphasised the need for reforming the energy sector to bring down energy prices.

Dr Gohar Ejaz requested the President to intervene in the matter and play his role in resolving the issues faced by Pakistan’s industries and businesses due to high electricity prices.

The President assured the delegation of his support in coming up with a solution to their problems and taking up the matter with relevant quarters.

Former Prime Minister Shaheed Benazir Bhutto is among the world leaders who featured in a unique book highlighting Singapore’s tradition of naming the new orchid hybrids after the visiting foreign dignitaries. Written by renowned author and editor Koh Buck Song and launched by Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, the book showcases the intricate process of hybridization of orchid, the national flower of Singapore. The first-of-its-kind book highlights ‘Dendrobium’, which was named after former Prime Minister Shaheed Benazir Bhutto who had paid an official visit to Singapore from March 7-9, 1995.

“This orchid’s yellow colour, with its association with sunlight, represents warmth and happiness in Pakistani culture,”

it says. The book gives a historical account of her visit when she spoke at a lunch hosted by the Singapore Chamber of Commerce, and met overseas Pakistanis at a dinner reception. She also delivered a keynote address at the Fortune Global Forum, where she said that, with the end of the Cold War, “the most critical elements of the integration of the world community, as we approach the new millennium, are information and business”.

 “Around the world, Ms Bhutto was seen as a symbol of democracy and empowerment of women”, the book says and recalls her as the first democratically elected female leader of a Muslim country for her first term, and in second term, one of three female prime ministers in the Muslim world, alongside those of Bangladesh and Turkiye. The book also mentions that after her assassination in 2007, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong wrote a letter to her husband, now President Asif Ali Zardari, noting that she would be honoured and remembered for her “indomitable spirit” and “ultimate sacrifice”. During his address at the book launch, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan said that the orchid diplomatic practice dated back to 1956. Since then, over 280 orchid hybrids have been named after foreign dignitaries and international organizations as gestures of goodwill and friendship.

He has urged the provincial government to provide immediate and non-discriminatory financial assistance to the affected individuals and families.

In a statement issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari highlighted the severe impact of the rains on various districts including Mansehra, Kohat, Bajaur, Chitral Upper and Lower, Dir Upper, Swat, and Swabi. He noted that the situation in these areas is critical, with significant damage and distress among the residents.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives, particularly in Shabqadar and other affected areas. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families mourning the loss of their loved ones, including the heartbreaking incident where 11 members of a single family perished in Kohat.

He urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to conduct a comprehensive survey of the damages due the rains and to ensure that financial assistance reaches the victims promptly and without discrimination. He emphasized the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent landslides and other accidents during the monsoon season. Additionally, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stressed the need for providing safety and necessary facilities to the thousands of tourists stranded in various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 

He also issued instructions to Jiyalas (PPP workers) in the region to actively assist and support the rain-affected individuals and communities. He emphasized that the PPP stands in solidarity with the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during this challenging time and is committed to ensuring swift and effective relief efforts.

The General Secretary of the Pakistan Peoples Party Human Rights Cell, Malaika Raza on the instructions of the Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari visited the women and juvenile jail in Karachi to assess the facilities provided for the rehabilitation of women and children in the prison.

During her visit, Ms. Raza was briefed by the Women Jail Superintendent Ms. Humaira about the various programs and services available for the inmates.

The Sindh government has implemented a range of initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women and children in the jail, including adult literacy programs, art classes, Computer skill training for women, and fitness training for juveniles. Malaika Raza praised the efforts of the Sindh government, stating that the prison reforms established in Sindh are among the best in the country, providing women and children with essential facilities and opportunities for rehabilitation.

Chairman Bilawal Butto Zardari has directed the government to ensure the provision of the best possible facilities and programs to support the rehabilitation of women and children in jail. The PPP Human Rights Cell is actively engaging in visits to women’s jails across the country to ensure that all inmates are treated equally and in accordance with the law.

Ms. Raza emphasised the importance of fair treatment for women in the criminal justice system and reiterated the commitment of the PPP Human Rights Cell to advocate for the rights of women and children in prison. The Cell will continue its visits to women’s jails nationwide to monitor and ensure that women are treated fairly and with dignity.

Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has taken notice of reported kidnapping of three Pakistanis in Myanmar and urged the concerned authorities to take measures for their recovery and repatriation. 

In a statement issued from Media Cell Bilawal House, the PPP Chairman stressed that Foreign Office should utilize diplomat channels to locate and recover 3 boys namely Kashif Hussain, Faraz Khan and Shehroz Khan of Hyderabad, who travelled to Thailand from where they were allegedly   take to Myanmar and held hostage.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed sympathy with the loved ones of these boys and assured PPP will raise voice at all relevant forums for the recovery of these boys.

President Asif Ali Zardari has called for further expanding bilateral ties with Turkmenistan in all fields of mutual interest. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to its relations with Turkmenistan, saying that Pakistan-Turkmenistan relations were based on a common vision for peace and prosperity in the region. He added that the exchange of high-level visits between the two countries signified the mutual desire to further strengthen bilateral understanding and cooperation.

The President expressed these views while talking to the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, who called on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, on Monday.

Welcoming the Minister, the President urged the need to enhance connectivity and communication between Pakistan and Turkmenistan, saying that Gwadar port offered great opportunities for promoting regional trade and Turkmenistan should benefit from the port.

The President stressed the need for continued exchanges and dialogue at all levels and enhanced trade, economic, investment and cultural relations for the prosperity of the two countries. He offered that Turkmen students could seek education from the medical institutions of Pakistan. The President noted the importance of the Third Round of Bilateral Political Consultations held today by the two Foreign Ministers.

The Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan said that Pakistan and Turkmenistan enjoyed cordial relations. He stated that his country would continue to promote economic, cultural and educational cooperation with Pakistan. He highlighted the importance of constructing motorways and railways, through Afghanistan, to connect the two brotherly countries.

Foreign Minister Meredov conveyed the greetings of the leadership of Turkmenistan to the President.

The President reciprocated the sentiment and said that he was looking forward to welcoming the Grand Leader of Turkmenistan H.E Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in Pakistan.