Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has fulfilled yet another promise made under his election manifesto, the ‘Awami Muashi Muahida’ (People’s Economic Agreement). Today, he launched an ambitious project to distribute solar home systems to 1.6 million low-income households across Sindh in phases. This initiative is a key component of the 10-point ‘Awami Muashi Muahida’, which pledged to provide free solar electricity to underprivileged families.

According to a press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP inaugurated the first phase of the solar energy project, which aims to provide relief to the people severely affected by expensive electricity and load shedding. The project, initiated by the Government of Sindh, will see 200,000 families, eligible under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), receive free solar home systems in two districts of the province. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Chief Minister House here, Chairman PPP emphasized his party’s commitment to sustainable solutions for public issues. He stated that this project aligns with the PPP’s manifesto vision, which, if given the federal mandate, would have been implemented nationwide to support the poor through solar energy. He furthered that PPP wants to ease the burden on the lower-income segments of society.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari highlighted that when he initially proposed the idea of providing solar energy to low-income families, it was met with criticism from various quarters, including the media and caretaker government. However, he noted with satisfaction that the entire nation has now recognized the need to facilitate the poor with affordable electricity. He further explained that BISP beneficiaries are the top priority for this initiative, which will eventually be expanded to all districts of Sindh.

Chairman PPP reaffirmed his party’s Sindh government’s commitment to delivering affordable electricity to the public, in line with the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, through public-private partnerships such as the Thar Coal project. He pointed out that K-Electric is currently receiving the cheapest electricity from two Sindh government plants. Moreover, the Sindh government is making additional investments in wind power and encouraging the private sector to participate. He also disclosed that work is underway on three energy parks in Sindh under public-private partnerships.

“Our vision is for a bright Pakistan, and I have consistently spoken about this during our election campaign,” said Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. He stressed that implementing the provision of free 300 units of electricity is feasible. “We can strategically support the lower-income groups. Currently, those consuming less than 200 units of electricity receive subsidies, paying only Rs. 14 per unit.”

PPP Chairman criticized the federal electricity system, stating that not only is it dysfunctional, but no federal department is operating effectively. He pointed out that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is unable to collect taxes, leading to the imposition of taxes through electricity bills, which shocks the public when they receive them. “We want to provide relief to the people through solar energy, and gradually, by utilizing the same subsidy, we aim to bring households onto solar power for up to 300 units at the government’s expense to fulfill our promise of 300 units of free electricity,” he explained.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reiterated his desire for a sustainable solution to the electricity crisis and asserted that relief in electricity bills could be achieved through green energy. He highlighted the plight of the people of Larkana, who endure 18 hours of load shedding daily.

Commenting on the recent announcement by the Punjab government, led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), to reduce electricity costs for consumers to Rs. 14 per unit, the PPP Chairman expressed his cautious optimism. “We welcome the announcement to the extent that it aims to lower electricity costs, but the decision remains perplexing to me,” he said. He warned that if short-term relief leads to long-term suffering, such projects are not in the public interest. He recalled the public long march led by him against the previous puppet government, which resulted in a temporary reduction in petrol prices, but the public is still suffering from the subsequent increase in the prices of electricity, petrol, and other essentials. He questioned the rationale behind the PML-N government’s decision, given that no long march or no-confidence motion is currently in sight.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari directed the Chief Minister of Sindh to discuss the electricity relief matter with the Prime Minister. He added, “If the federal government can convince us of its cheaper electricity plan, we are ready to forego our solar home system project and follow theirs. But if they cannot, then they should support us.” He stressed that when making decisions affecting the fate of the people, the national interest should take precedence over political agendas.

The event was attended by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, former Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, PPP Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, Provincial Minister for Energy Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, provincial ministers, members of the assembly, and party leaders.

Announces Rs 100 million reward for the Olympic Gold Medallist

President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the award of Hilal-i-Imtiaz upon Mr Arshad Nadeem for the Olympic Gold Medallist in recognition of his outstanding performance in Men’s Javelin Throw in the Paris Olympics 2024. The President also announced a Rs 100 million reward from his side for the athlete.

The award was conferred during a special investiture ceremony, held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, today. Later, the athlete also met with the President. Mr Arshad Nadeem’s Coach, Mr Salman Iqbal Butt, Secretary Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, Mr Nadeem Irshad Kayani, Director General Pakistan Sports Board, Mr Muhammad Yasir Pirzada, and senior government officials also attended the meeting.

While congratulating Mr Arshad Nadeem, President Asif Ali Zardari stated that Arshad Nadeem had made the country proud by setting the Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 meters. He appreciated his remarkable achievement, sheer hard work, and dedication that not only elevated Pakistan but also inspired countless young athletes across the country.

The President said that Pakistan needed to promote other sports, especially the Singles. He remarked that children of sportsmen should be granted scholarships, saying that he would ask the Sindh Government to contribute Rs 250 million to Pakistan Sports Board’s Endowment Fund for the welfare of athletes.

The President said that Mr Arshad Nadeem’s exemplary triumph encouraged our youngsters to break barriers and make their mark in the field of sports at the international level. He expressed the hope that the athlete would continue to win laurels for the country in future.

Mr Arshad Nadeem thanked the President for conferring Hilal-i-Imtiaz and resolved to break the world record for the Javelin throw event. He also thanked his family and the nation for their prayers and wishes.

The President also appreciated the contributions of the athlete’s coach, Salman Iqbal Butt, for his guidance and contributions to Arshad’s success.

Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari visited the residence of senior PPP leader Senator Mian Raza Rabbani to offer their condolences on the passing of his sister.

According to a press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari expressed their deep sorrow and sympathy to Mian Raza Rabbani. They offered prayers for the departed soul and prayed for strength and patience for the bereaved family during this difficult time.

PPP Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro and General Secretary Waqar Mehdi also accompanied Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari during the visit.

Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, and Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti, called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr on 27-08-2024

President Asif Ali Zardari has said that China is a trusted and great friend of Pakistan, and both countries need to further strengthen strategic cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two sides. He said that both countries enjoyed historic relations, spanning over seven decades, and affirmed Pakistan’s resolve to stand with China in view of the changing global scenario.

The President expressed these views while talking to the visiting Commander of the Ground Forces of the People’s Liberation Army of China, General Li Qiaoming, who along with his delegation, called on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, today.

Welcoming the Chinese Commander, the President underscored the need for further enhancing military and defence cooperation, people-to-people contacts, and cultural linkages to bring the two countries further closer. He said that Pakistan was encouraging the learning of the Chinese language which would greatly help promote people-to-people ties.

The President remarked that China Pakistan Economic Corridor was his initiative, envisioned during his previous tenure as the President of Pakistan. He said that enemies of Pakistan and China did not want our bilateral relations to flourish, adding the two countries should work closely to overcome shared challenges.

Highlighting the importance of Pak-China friendship, General Li Qiaoming said that the friendship between the two countries was unbreakable. He added that both countries needed to work together to fight terrorism. He also condemned yesterday’s terrorist attacks in Pakistan and offered his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Pakistan over the loss of life.

Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the award of Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) upon General Li Qiaoming in recognition of his meritorious services rendered towards enhancing defence cooperation between Pakistan and China, during a special investiture ceremony held, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, today.

The Chinese Commander thanked the President for the conferment of the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) and said that the award was a testimony of the strong bonds between the two countries.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has strongly condemned the killing of innocent citizens by the terrorists and anti-Pakistan forces in Musa Khel, Balochistan.

In a statement, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that it is strongly condemned that the innocent people were targeted after identifying them through their identity cards. This act of terror should and must not go without punishment to the perpetrators of this heinous crime. This is an inhuman act and every section of society should come together against these criminals. 

Chairman PPP asked the Balochistan government to crush such elements and bring them to book. He said that the action against such criminals will continue until the last terrorist if eliminated.  He prayed for the departed souls and also sympathized with the bereaved families. 

The PPP is with the bereaved families in these difficult times, Chairman Bilawal said.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has strongly condemned the killing of innocent citizens by the terrorists and anti-Pakistan forces in Musa Khel, Balochistan.

In a statement, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that it is strongly condemned that the innocent people were targeted after identifying them through their identity cards. This act of terror should and must not go without punishment to the perpetrators of this heinous crime. This is an inhuman act and every section of society should come together against these criminals. 

Chairman PPP asked the Balochistan government to crush such elements and bring them to book. He said that the action against such criminals will continue until the last terrorist if eliminated.  He prayed for the departed souls and also sympathized with the bereaved families. 

The PPP is with the bereaved families in these difficult times, Chairman Bilawal said.

According to a press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP expressed hope that the perpetrators of this cowardly act will soon be brought to justice. He emphasized the importance of eradicating terrorism from the region to ensure a stable and prosperous future.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari extended heartfelt condolences and solidarity to the families of the children martyred in the attack. He also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured police officers and civilians.

President Asif Ali Zardari has directed the Employees’ Old Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) to ensure lifelong payment of pension to Mr Muhammad Shehzad, a person with visual disability who had been denied pension by EOBI following the death of his father. 

The President said that the person with disability (PWD) could not be left in a merciless situation by the State, given the fact that his elders were deceased and were receiving pension before their deaths. He regretted that EOBI displayed grave insensitivity by neglecting a PWD and that too at a time when all his predecessors had passed away leaving him without any support. 

Mr Muhammad Shehzad (the complainant), who has been blind since birth, had filed a complaint with the Wafaqi Mohtasib, stating that his father, Mr Muhammad Afzal Zafar, was an Old Age Pensioner of EOBI and died on 20.12.2016. The mother of the complainant had already passed away during the lifetime of his father. He had requested EOBI to grant him a “family pension” for life as a “disabled legal heir” of his late father. 

EOBI, however, rejected his application by placing reliance on Section 22B (3) (i) of the EOB Act, 1976, which provides that only male minors under 18 years of age are eligible for a family pension, whereas Mr Shehzad was 44 years old. The Mohtasib closed further investigation of his complaint, after which, Mr Muhammad Shehzad filed a representation before the President of Pakistan.

The President accepted the complainant’s representation and emphasised that keeping in view the letter and spirit of the Constitution of Pakistan, particularly Articles 9 and 25, a Person with Disability could not be deprived of such a pension, since he deserved to be treated on a much better footing and placed in a more deserving category than any other recipient of pension in the country presently. He also endorsed Mohtasib’s recommendation that EOBI’s law in this regard should be reviewed and brought in line with the Federal Policy. 

While accepting Mr Muhammad Shehzad’s representation the President directed EOBI to ensure payment of some reasonable pension/stipend, which should not be less than the pension which the complainant’s deceased father was receiving at the time immediately preceding his death.

“This pension should be paid to the petitioner out of the existing funds of EOBI”, held the President.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari chaired a meeting of the Party’s Central Punjab Chapter at Zardari House Islamabad on Wednesday.

The meeting discussed the political situation and Party’s organizational matters in detail. The PPP Central Punjab office bearers apprised the Chairman of the performance of Punjab government.

PPP Punjab President Raja Pervez Ashraf, General Secretary Hasan Murtaza, Information Secretary Shahzad Saeed Cheema, Rana Farooq Saeed, Imtiaz Safdar Waraich, Chaudhry Manzoor, Maher Ghulam Fareed Kathia, Nadeem Asghar Kaira, Mian Azhar Hussain Dar, Ejaz Ahmed Sammon, Malik Tahir Akhtar, Tasneem Qureshi, Syed Inayat Ali Shah, Rai Shahjahan Bhatti, Samina Khalid Gharki, Neelam Jabbar Chaudhry, Nargis Faiz Malik and others participated in the meeting.