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President Asif Ali Zardari has underlined the need for global efforts to address the challenge of climate change by adopting environment-friendly technology, promoting a forestation, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He highlighted that global warming and climate change were affecting the glaciers as well as causing water scarcity and tackling these challenges required global support to mitigate their adverse impacts.

The President expressed these views while talking to the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan/COP 29 President-designate, Mr. Mukhtar Babayev, who along with his delegation called on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, today. Azerbaijan is going to host the 29th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 29) in Baku in November 2024 and the Minister, in his capacity as the President-designate of COP 29, is here to invite the President to the Conference.

Welcoming the Minister, the President congratulated Azerbaijan on winning the bid to host COP 29 and expressed the hope that COP 29 would result in setting the New Collective Quantified Goal on Finance that would help developing countries fulfill their climate finance needs. He highlighted that Pakistan had planted mangrove forests over hundreds of thousands of hectares that would help protect the environment, besides earning carbon credits for Pakistan.

The President said that Pakistan highly valued its relations with Azerbaijan and wanted to further expand bilateral cooperation in the areas of common interest. He called for promoting more interactions, bilateral exchanges and people-to-people contacts to further cement relations between the two brotherly countries.

Mr. Mukhtar Babayev underlined the need for further enhancing bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, particularly in the area of tourism and culture. He also delivered the invitation to the President to participate in COP 29 in Baku in November 2024.

The President conveyed his best wishes for the successful hosting of COP 29 and expressed the hope that Azerbaijan would play its role to secure the interest of developing countries in meeting their financing needs for climate adaptation.

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Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister, Bakhtiyor Saidov met with Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at the President House, Islamabad  today. 

The First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister of Transport, Honorary Consul, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan and others were included in the delegation of Uzbekistan. 

Raja Pervez Ashraf, Sherry Rehman, Salim Mandviwala and Naveed Qamar accompanied Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. 

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan discussed further stability in bilateral relations as well as issues of mutual interest.

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Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has condemned May 9 as yet another dark chapter in the nation’s history. He urged that justice must prevail for the perpetrators who attacked Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s residence, Jinnah House, and military installations, adding that the violence on May 9 was a malevolent scheme aimed at sowing chaos and enforcing fascism in the country.

According to the press release from the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP, in his message, said that the instigator behind the strongly condemnable events of May 9 is well-known to everyone. He emphasized that Pakistan cannot afford to ignore the violence that perpetuated on May 9. He further said that such actions have no precedence in Pakistan’s political history, adding that leaking classified documents and attacking military installations is not politics; it’s anti-national. 

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that his party, the PPP, supports the demand for a judicial inquiry, overseen by the Chief Justice, is imperative for investigating the events of May 9. However, he emphasized that for this to occur, all parties, including the PTI, must commit to accepting whatever decision the judicial commission arrives at.

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The Pakistan Peoples Party’s nominee for the post of the Governor of Punjab, Sardar Saleem Haider while expressing his thoughts in an informal conversation with the media at Punjab House, Islamabad said that he is grateful to President Asif Ali Zardari, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Adi Faryal Talpur for trusting him and nominating him.

Sardar Saleem said that he began politics with the PPP, and would remain with it till the end. He further said that he would like to play a role in bridge-building between PML-N and PPP. Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz is a sister to me, Sardar Saleem Haider said.

The country is facing a plethora of difficulties. All my efforts are dedicated to playing an effective role in solving the problems plaguing Punjab, he said.

Sardar Saleem said that the doors of the Governor House would not only be accessible to the PPP workers but also to the entire population of Punjab. It is our right to take political space in Punjab, he expressed. The country cannot move forward without political stability, Governor Punjab nominee Sardar Saleem Haider said.

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In a press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP, in his message, emphasized the invaluable contributions of Syed Qamar Abbas Shaheed and Shaheed Zahir Shah to the party, declaring that their sacrifices will forever be etched in the annals of party’s history. He lauded their unshakable commitment to the party’s ideals, noting how they proudly waved the PPP flag until their last breaths, with Syed Qamar Abbas Shaheed in Peshawar and Shaheed Zahir Shah in Dir Lower.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari earnestly appealed to all party office-bearers and workers to observe a moment of remembrance and offer prayers for the eternal peace of their departed comrades today. He concluded with a prayer, beseeching Allah Almighty to bestow upon Syed Qamar Abbas Shaheed and Shaheed Zahir Shah the highest ranks in Jannah.

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Shaheed Abdul Razzaque Jharna was executed during dictatorship of Zia on May 07, 1984 in Lahore. He entered the gallows with a defiant dance, courageously placing the noose around his neck while chanting ‘Jeay Bhutto’

According to the press release issued by Media Cell Bilawal House, Charman PPP, in his message, said that in the face of tyranny and oppression, Shaheed Jharna exemplified the true essence of the PPP – a movement rooted in the principles of democracy, equality, and social justice. His sacrifice serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless brave men and women who laid down their lives for the cause of democracy and the rights of the people.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed his hope that the memory of Shaheed Abdul Razzaque Jharna will serve as an enduring inspiration as we advance towards a brighter and more equitable future for Pakistan.

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Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed deep sorrow over the bus accident in the Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed grief over the loss of precious lives in the accident on the Karakoram Highway. He extended heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in the incident.

Efforts should be made to ensure proper treatment and speedy recovery of the injured, Chairman PPP stated. Relevant authorities and the public should work together to prevent such incidents in the future, he said. 

Chairman Bilawal also prayed for a speedy recovery of all those injured.

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Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has strongly condemned the terrorist bomb blast in Khuzdar.

Chairman Bilawal expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of Press Club President, Muhammad Sadique Mengal in the blast. He extended heartfelt condolences to the affected families and the journalist fraternity.

Such cowardly acts will not dampen the spirits of the Pakistani nation, Chairman Bilawal stated. He further said that the despicable elements involved in this heinous crime will receive nothing but humiliation. 

Chairman Bilawal also prayed for a speedy recovery of all those injured.

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Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has extended sincere solidarity to journalists and media professionals worldwide on the World Press Freedom Day. Emphasizing the paramount importance of press freedom, he reaffirmed his party’s staunch support for the invaluable role of a free and independent press in fostering democracy.

According to a press release by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP, in his message, underscored that press freedom is not merely a cornerstone of democracy, but also vital for nurturing transparency, accountability, and the proliferation of diverse ideas within society. He urged that safeguarding and upholding this fundamental right should be the responsibility of every democratic government and party. 

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that historically, the press in Pakistan has served as a watchdog, uncovering injustices, exposing corruption, and amplifying the voices of the marginalized. Expressing concern over challenges such as censorship, fake news, and violence faced by journalists, he urged media organizations to uphold journalistic integrity, impartiality, and professionalism in their reporting.

Chairman PPP reiterated the party’s unwavering support for press freedom, grounded in democracy and liberty principles. He underscored the 1973 Constitution’s guarantee of freedom of expression, including press freedom, a legacy of Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. “Under his leadership, reforms liberalized media policies, fostering greater independence,” he noted. He highlighted Prime Minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s efforts to promote press freedom, including abolishing censorship laws and supporting independent media growth, adding that she also championed press freedom and human rights globally, underscoring their significance in democratic governance and seeking international support during dictatorial regimes.

Chairman PPP noted that President Asif Ali Zardari honored the vision and guiding principles of Shaheed Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto by enshrining the “Right to Know” into the Constitution through the 18th Constitutional Amendment.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed PPP’s solidarity with journalists in conflict zones like Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Gaza, Palestine, praising their courage in reporting on human rights abuses despite grave risks.

“Let us carry forward the torch of press freedom, illuminating pathways of accountability and fostering dialogue. Through our unwavering support, let’s empower journalists to fearlessly navigate the realms of truth, shaping a brighter future for all,” he concluded.

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Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has advocated for a pragmatic approach towards managing key institutions such as Pakistan Airlines and Pakistan Steel Mills. He emphasized the importance of exploring public-private partnerships as an alternative to outright privatization. Additionally, he called upon the federal government to address the pressing issue of inflation by proposing salary increases for employees in the forthcoming budget.

According to a press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP, while addressing a function organized by the People’s Labor Bureau (PLB) at the Karachi Arts Council on the occasion of International Labour Day, said that economies, businesses, and institutions worldwide, including Pakistan, thrive due to the dedication of workers. He reiterated the PPP’s philosophy: ensuring that workers receive their rightful dues.

He pointed out that Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto not only granted workers the right to form unions but also established vital institutions like the Employees Old Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) for their welfare. 

Additionally, he emphasized that when Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto assumed office as Prime Minister, her inaugural act was to release workers’ representatives who had been unjustly imprisoned during the dictatorship. “Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto carried forward the noble struggle of the workers,” he noted.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that during the first tenure of President Asif Ali Zardari, significant strides were made in favor of labor rights. 

He noted the removal of anti-labor clauses from the constitution, originally introduced during the regimes of General Zia-ul-Haq and General Pervez Musharraf. Additionally, Chairman Bilawal highlighted substantial increases in salaries and pensions, asserting, “I believe that no government in Pakistan’s history has elevated salaries and pensions to such an extent, barring the tenure of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.” Furthermore, he underscored the legislative achievements of the Sindh Assembly, stating that no other province rivals its commitment to enacting laws for the rights and welfare of workers.

Chairman PPP highlighted that the Sindh government, under the PPP, has launched the Benazir Mazdoor Card initiative. However, he noted that its full implementation hinges upon the federal government’s transfer of ministries and institutions, as stipulated by the 18th Amendment. He advocated for the devolution of institutions like EOBI to the provinces. 

Expressing optimism, he stated his hope that PPP-led governments in Sindh and Balochistan would prioritize salary increases in the forthcoming budget.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reiterated the PPP’s longstanding stance on the privatization of institutions like PIA, emphasizing the preference for operating them under the public-private partnership (PPP) mode instead. He cited successful PPP-mode projects in Sindh as examples of effective collaboration between the public and private sectors. Chairman advocated for a similar approach for institutions under consideration for privatization, suggesting that the government sell some shares and engage with the private sector to foster their development, thereby benefiting Pakistan and its economy.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto highlighted the success of the Thar Coal Project completed by the People’s Government of Sindh through a public-private partnership, contrasting it with previous failures under both provincial and federal administrations. He noted the current finance minister’s favorable view of Sindh’s PPP model and expressed the intent to persuade the government to transition from privatization to PPP-mode.

Talking about the Pakistan Steel Mills, Chairman Bhutto said that the land belongs to the Sindh government and decisions regarding the institution should involve Sindh’s consent. He emphasized for collaborative discussions between the federal and provincial governments, proposing that if the federal government intends to divest from the Steel Mills, Sindh should have the opportunity to acquire and operate it more efficiently under PPP-mode, ensuring the welfare of its workers.

Chairman Bilawal also stressed the need for increased activity within the People’s Labor Bureau, a subsidiary organization of the PPP. 

He announced former Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani’s appointment to mobilize People’s Labor Bureau nationwide.

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