Pakistan and Azerbaijan have affirmed the commitment to further expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in the areas of bilateral interest, especially energy, trade, connectivity, defence, and people-to-people linkages.

This was discussed during a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and the visiting President of Azerbaijan, Mr Ilham Aliyev, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, today.

Welcoming the President of Azerbaijan, the President of Pakistan said that both countries enjoyed excellent relations and had a great scope of further improving ties in various areas of mutual interest. He underlined the need for more regular engagements between the people and businessmen of Pakistan and Azerbaijan to cement bilateral ties. He highlighted the importance of Gwadar port, saying that Central Asian Countries and Azerbaijan could benefit from it for promoting regional trade, connectivity and tourism, besides bringing shared economic prosperity to the region.

The President welcomed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, adding that the MoUs would give a new impetus to bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade, commerce, tourism, mines and minerals, science and technology, law & justice, and culture.

The President highlighted that the East had the potential to lead the world towards prosperity. He added that Pakistan wanted to build a sustainable and result-oriented engagement with Central Asian Republics and Azerbaijan.

Speaking on the occasion, President Ilham Aliyev said that Pakistan and Azerbaijan enjoyed a high frequency of people-to-people exchanges and both the countries needed to promote business-to-business relations for enhancing economic relations. He stated that Pakistan and Azerbaijan could also explore the possibility of working together in the renewable energy sector.

Later, the President also hosted a banquet in honour of President Ilham Aliyev and his delegation, which was also attended by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Federal Ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats, and journalists, at the President’s House. The President expressed his warm greetings for the people of Azerbaijan and reassured Pakistan’s unwavering support for Azerbaijan.

Message on the occasion of World Population Day on 11th July, 2024

On this World Population Day, we reflect on the critical importance of population dynamics in shaping our nation’s future. Population of Pakistan, counted as 241 million (Census-2023), is growing at a high rate of 2.55%. Our population is projected to reach 263 million by 2030 and 383 million by 2050. With the rapidly increasing population, it is imperative that we understand the profound impact that population growth has on our socio-economic development. Our young population, which constitutes the majority, is a vibrant and dynamic force that holds immense potential for driving our nation towards prosperity. However, to harness this potential, we must ensure that our youth have access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities which are significantly affected by imbalance between the available resources and the size of our country’s population.

Pakistan faces significant challenges in managing its population growth, which directly affects our resources and public services. Despite being water-abundant at the time of independence, we are now one of the water-stressed countries in the world; our agricultural land is being converted into housing areas, threatening our food security and consequently affecting the nutritional status of our citizens especially children. This stark reality underscores the urgent need to address population growth through effective family planning and reproductive health services. Our total fertility rate and high maternal and infant mortality rates indicate that we must redouble our efforts to improve healthcare services, particularly for women and children. By prioritizing health and family planning initiatives, we can ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for the nation.

To foster an environment where every Pakistani can succeed, it is crucial to manage population growth by aligning our resources with the population size. The new national narrative of ‘Tawazun’ approved by all stakeholders, including  the Ulema, invites people to practice family planning voluntarily enabling parents to fulfill the fundamental rights of children. Achieving ‘Tawazun’ between population and resources ensures genuine prosperity. A well-balanced and sustainable population can drive economic growth, improve living standards, and alleviate poverty.

On this World Population Day, I urge all stakeholders, including government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, to collaborate in addressing the population challenges we face. In this regard, I would like to highlight the critical importance of inclusive data in the realm of family planning. As we strive to improve health outcomes and empower individuals and communities, it is essential to recognize that data inclusivity is a cornerstone for informed decision-making and effective policy development. By capturing data that reflects the experiences of different genders, ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, and abilities, we can work towards a future where everyone has equal opportunities to progress.

In this way, together we can achieve the vision of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed that she shared with the world community at International Conference on Population and Development Cairo 1994. She said, “I dream of a Pakistan, of an Asia, of a world where every pregnancy is planned and every child conceived is nurtured, loved, educated and supported.”

President Asif Ali Zardari has called for adopting a holistic approach and prudent  financial policies to put the country on the path of development. He said that different sectors of the economy, especially the agricultural sector, needed to be developed along modern lines. He added that the government was planning to tax agricultural income as per the International Monetary Fund’s conditions, however, the provincial governments would be leading the initiative to tax large land-holding farmers in accordance with their profitability and expenditures.

The President gave these remarks while addressing  the Professor Waris Mir Memorial Seminar, in Lahore, on Tuesday. A large number of journalists, academicians, political workers, and members of the civil society attended the event.

Speaking on the occasion, the President highlighted that the media had given power to the people by amplifying their voices, however, recent years had also witnessed a grouping in the media. He cautioned that a strong religious lobby in the world was manipulating and managing perceptions aiming to sow divisions in Muslim societies. He said that he was a supporter of the freedom of press and had always tolerated harsh criticism from the media. He said that societies needed to be careful against agenda-driven information. 

The President highlighted that one had to face trials and tribulations in life, however, one needed to stay steadfast in the face of challenges. He paid rich tribute to the political struggle and sacrifices of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed for democracy, saying that Pakistan People’s Party had a history of facing pressures and  assassinations, however, continued its struggle for the cause of democracy in Pakistan. He said that assassination attempts and political pressures could not deter us from our mission as we firmly believed that life and death were in Allah’s hands.

The President also paid rich tribute to the services and contributions of Late Professor Waris Mir towards democracy and journalism. He also appreciated Faisal Mir and Hamid Mir for taking forward the legacy of their father.

Senior Journalist Hamid Mir, while speaking on the occasion, called for putting an end to the culture of political victimization and upholding the 1973 Constitution in its true spirit.

Senior Journalist Sohail Warraich paid tribute to the services of the late Professor Waris Mir for journalism and democracy. Appreciating the political wisdom and the reconciliatory role of the President, he said that the country was in dire need of political reconciliation and the President could play an instrumental role in addressing the political and economic issues faced by the country.

Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has directed immediate action to address the issues faced by Balochistan’s laborers. 

According to a press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP met with a delegation of labor leaders from Balochistan in Quetta today. The delegation was led by Haji Ramzan Achakzai, the Central Joint President of the All Pakistan Federation of Trade Unions and the WAPDA Labor Union. The delegation also included Muhammad Yar Alizai, Baqi Lehri, and Muhammad Qasim.

During the meeting, the PPP Chairman was given a detailed briefing on the issues faced by Balochistan’s laborers, especially miners.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari instructed the Chief Minister of Balochistan to establish an effective mechanism to directly address and resolve the issues faced by laborers promptly and efficiently.

On this occasion, Chief Minister of Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti, PPP Balochistan President Mir Changez Khan Jamali, MNA Ejaz Jakhrani, Syed Iqbal Shah, and other notable figures were also present.

According to a press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP, in his message, said that Pakistan has paid a huge price for toppling the elected government of the visionary leader Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. “This dark day in Pakistan’s history set our nation on a path marred by extremism, terrorism, and the scourge of Kalashnikov and drug culture—challenges we continue to grapple with today.” He emphasized that despite the immense suffering endured, there are still a few who are always ready to harm democracy.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari highlighted that the oppressive regime of General Ziaul Haq unleashed an era of unparalleled brutality against democrats, liberals, and true patriots of Pakistan. He added that pro-democracy Pakistanis were subjected to imprisonment, flogging, exile, and even execution. He noted that the youth of today cannot even imagine the difficult situations faced by the Jiyalas during that period. “Despite these heinous reprisals and the terror inflicted by an authoritarian regime, the resilient spirit of the Pakistani people, especially the Jiyalas (PPP’s unwavering activists), remained unbroken. They stood firm, fighting for the restoration of democracy with unyielding determination and courage,” he said, adding that if there is democracy in the country today, it is because of the sacrifices of PPP leaders and workers.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari concluded by saying that as the nation remembers the sacrifices of those who endured immense suffering for the cause of democracy, we renew our commitment to upholding the values for which Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and countless others fought so valiantly. “Let us honor their legacy by continuing the struggle for a democratic, progressive, and just Pakistan.”

Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has strongly condemned the tragic killing of two policemen in an attack on a check post in Kashmore-at-Kandhkot district.

In a statement issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the martyred officers and extended prayers for the swift recovery of the injured personnel. He emphasized that the sacrifices made by Sindh’s police officers and jawans in maintaining law and order are unparalleled and deeply appreciated.

Chairman Bhutto Zardari contacted Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Provincial Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar to obtain details of the incident. He urged swift and decisive action against those responsible for this heinous crime, reiterating that both the PPP and its provincial government maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards any breach of law and order across Sindh.

Secretary Information Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians, Shazia Marri and senior parliamentarians Syed Naveed Qamar gave a press briefing after the Parliamentary Party meeting chaired by the Chairman PPP, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari also accompanied the Chairman. 

Shazia Marri said that the members of the Parliamentary Party in the previous two meetings apprised the Chairman of the reservations they had regarding their constituencies. The PPP started engaging the government on those reservations. The Party leadership listened to the difficulties faced by the members who are responsible for their constituencies and conveyed the grievances of their people. In today’s meeting, senior PPP parliamentarian, Syed Naveed Qamar briefed the meeting on the PPP’s engagement with the government. 

Addressing the press briefing, Syed Naveed Qamar said that during the government formation after the election, an agreement took place between the PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. The agreement entailed that the PPP would vote for the PML-N’s candidate for prime ministership. The agreement between these two parties comprised 25 points. While some of the points were implemented, there was ambiguity regarding others. The two parties held several rounds of negotiations attended by the prime minister and Ishaq Dar on some occasions. We had reservations on the PSDP. 

In today’s Parliamentary Party meeting, it was decided to vote for the finance bill despite certain reservations, Naveed Qamar stated. If we do not vote for the budget, it would amount to dismantling the government and paving the way for instability in the country which the PPP does not want, Qamar said. The government now has numbers and this budget will go through. 

Syed Naveed Qamar said that we are anticipating that the points raised by the Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on the floor of the assembly will be accepted by the government. We will continue our discussion with the government.

President for socio-economic uplift of Kacha Areas

Sukkur/Islamabad/Karachi, 24 June 2024: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that criminals of Kacha Area in Sindh, except hardened criminals, willing to surrender to the state should be gradually brought into the mainstream and rehabilitated to make them responsible and productive citizens of the country. He called for taking stern action against hardcore criminals involved in heinous crimes. 

The President further emphasised the need to improve the road, health, and education infrastructure of the Kacha Areas on a priority basis to improve the socio-economic condition of the people. He advised that a Qaumi Jirga, comprising of tribal chiefs, should be convened to engage and negotiate with the local population to bring normalcy, prevent crimes, de-weaponize and improve the security situation in the Area. 

The President expressed these views while chairing a meeting on the security/law and order situation in Sindh, at Sukkur, on Monday. 

Federal Minister for Interior, Mr Mohsin Raza Naqvi, MNA Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, Speaker Sindh Assembly Syed Waqar Qadir Shah, Senior Minister Mr Sharjeel Inam Memon, Minister Planning and Development Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Minister Home, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Mr Zia ul Hassan Lanjar, Additional Chief Secretary Sindh Mr Muhammad Iqbal Memon, IG Sindh Mr Ghulam Nabi Memon, DG Ranger Sindh Major General Azhar Waqas, GOC 16 Div Major General Aamer Amin, and senior officials of the federal and provincial governments attended the meeting.

The President was briefed about the law-and-order situation in Sindh and the implementation status of the directions given during the last meeting held on 1st May 2024. He was apprised that the crimes and violence in Sindh, especially in Karachi and Kacha Areas, had witnessed a declining trend due to the effective strategy adopted by the police and Rangers. 

IG Police said that dacoit activities had been considerably reduced and no highways-related crime had been reported in the past two months. It was highlighted that targeted operations and installation of smart cameras had helped control crimes and identify and arrest criminals and their abettors. 

DG Rangers told the meeting that 133 joint operations had been conducted by the Sindh Police and the Rangers which led to the arrest of hundreds of dacoits and criminals. He stated that additional check posts had also been established in various parts of Kacha to control crime. 

The meeting was further informed that, on the directions of the President, the campaign against drug pedlars was intensified and, in this regard, 308 drug suppliers had been arrested, besides installing smart cameras to monitor the entry points of the province. 

During the meeting, the President said that the Government of Sindh should focus on raising a police force along modern lines to effectively meet the security challenges and requirements of the province. He underlined the need to strengthen the capacity of the Sindh Police by providing them modern equipment and weapons, adequate human resources, and logistics. He said that police officials should be incentivized enabling them to committedly discharge their duties. “We also need to encourage women to join Sindh Police”, he added. He stated that the welfare of the families and children of martyrs of Sindh Police should be ensured.

The President directed to expedite the upgradation of Sakrand Police Commando School as well as the provision of land for the establishment of Cadet College for Police. He added that selected students of the Cadet College would be educated and trained to join the Sindh Police. 

The President appreciated the performance of the Sindh Government, Police and Rangers in controlling crime and improving the security situation of the province. 

Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, addressing the National Assembly today said that it was an emotional moment for her to address the House that her grandparents, parents and brother have been a part of.

Bibi Aseefa said that she is grateful to Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, President Asif Ali Zardari, the senior leadership of the PPP and especially the residents of Nawabshah and the Jiyalas of the PPP who gave her the opportunity to represent them. She said that we find ourselves in yet another challenging situation. This year, the government presents its budget as the country is facing unprecedented unemployment, inflation, poverty, climate change and other catastrophes. We all, as citizens of this fine country had hopes and aspirations for this budget.

Addressing the Speaker of the National Assembly, Bibi Aseefa said that we envisioned a budget that had the needs of the people of Pakistan at its core. A budget prioritising the welfare of our farmers, labourers and working class was the need of the hour. We needed a budget that did not seek to benefit large corporations at the expense of the most vulnerable in our society, a budget which provided relief and redirected subsidies to the poor, farmers, labourers and the working class. We needed a budget that did not wish to make the rich, richer and the poor, poorer. We desired a budget which sought to lessen the gap of wealth inequality.

Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari asked the Speaker whether the budget sitting before him truly incorporated the objectives that had been raised and if this is the budget that the people of Pakistan deserve. “The people of Pakistan deserve better Mr. Speaker, and we must work together to do better for our citizens”, Bibi Aseefa said. She said that in his recent address to the Parliament, the honourable President of Pakistan spoke on unity. That is the need of the hour at a time when divisive politics threatens to harm our nation, when the people are polarised in their ideals, beliefs and actions, when differences are weaponised and disagreements are settled with violence, it is imperative that we as elected members of this House rise above. Words like tolerance and acceptance must not be limited to speeches alone and we must practice what we attempt to preach. Together, we must reject the divisive politics. We must instead come together for the people and base our policies on their needs.

Together, we have to find a way to give relief to the people who are suffering fifteen hours a day without electricity in this sweltering heat. Load-shedding for more than fifteen hours in this heat is torture. We must find ways to help the farmer who nurtures his crop only to lose it in the floods, and who cannot find a buyer even when he has a harvest. We must strengthen the farmer who faces floods, storms and wrong decisions such as that of importing wheat. We must find ways to help the blue collared workers who have no job security, Bibi Aseefa said. She said that we must find ways to develop our human capital and provide relief directly to the poorest of the poor in this country. Only then, would we be doing justice to the work for which they have elected us for.

Bibi Aseefa expressed her hope to witness a new age and beginning in politics, which allows for us to work together for the prosperity and progress of the country and its citizens.

Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari  has extended his heartiest felicitations to all Pakistanis and the Muslim Ummah worldwide on the auspicious occasion of Eid ul Azha.

In a press release released by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP, in his message, emphasized the profound significance of Eid ul Azha: “Eid ul Azha, a time-honored celebration, symbolizes the profound values of sacrifice and selflessness. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of unity and the unbreakable bonds of brotherhood that bind us all. This holy festival calls upon us to embrace compassion and extend our hands to the deprived, dispossessed, and less fortunate among us.”

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari highlighted that, in these challenging times, as our society grapples with the scourge of polarization, division and extremism, Eid ul Azha serves as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity. He emphasized that it urges us to transcend our differences and come together in the spirit of solidarity to forge a more harmonious and just world for everyone.

He further urged everyone to draw inspiration from the essence of this blessed occasion and commit to the principles of empathy and unity. “May the spirit of Eid ul Azha illuminate our hearts and guide us towards building a future where peace and brotherhood prevail,” he prayed.