Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari inaugurated state-of-the-art, fully equipped intensive care units for children and newborns under the Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology (SICHN) in Larkana. The advanced facility, furnished with modern medical technology, will provide free, high-quality critical care to infants and children, benefiting not only the people of Larkana but also patients from adjoining districts of Punjab and Balochistan.

According to the press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, the PPP Chairman visited the neonatal intensive care units, where he reviewed in detail the modern, high-quality and completely free medical facilities being provided to newborns and children. On the occasion, PPP Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Provincial Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, provincial ministers, members of the assembly, and other leaders and dignitaries were also present.
After the inauguration, speaking to the media, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that under the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the PPP government in Sindh has worked extensively to fulfil its responsibilities in the public health sector. He said the Sindh government has not only improved facilities like the NICVD but has also strengthened and expanded the reach of the National Institute of Child Health (NICH). He added that four such facilities are now operational in Karachi, while NICH centres have also been established in Larkana, Nawabshah, Sukkur and Jamshoro. He pointed out that the work being carried out by the Sindh government in the field of child healthcare has no parallel in other provinces, nor can they compete with Sindh in this sector.

Chairman PPP said that alongside the NICH initiatives, collaboration with the Child Life Foundation has led to a significant reduction in maternal and child mortality rates in Sindh. He noted that before the formation of the PPP government, Sindh had the highest maternal and child mortality rates in the country, but as a result of the PPP government’s measures, the province has now witnessed the greatest decline in these indicators. He said the Sindh government would continue to expand the NICH network by including more districts every year to address a major public need.

He said providing free, world-class medical facilities to the people is the core philosophy of the PPP. Emphasizing the point again, he said the country is facing conditions akin to a purchasing power crisis, where it has become difficult for the “Aam Admi” to meet basic needs from his salary. He said the PPP is striving to introduce government-level measures that can ease the economic burden on ordinary citizens.
Responding to a journalist’s question about the country’s current economic situation, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that if the test is that the government has saved Pakistan from default, then undoubtedly the situation is better than default. However, he added, it is also a fact that the cost of food items, household expenses, children’s education and healthcare have gone beyond the purchasing power of the common man.
In reply to another question, he said his party’s approach to the privatization of state-owned institutions differs from that of other parties. He said the Sindh government’s public-private partnership (PPP) model has proven to be the most successful. He added that if the federal government wants to effectively address the economic crisis, particularly the issue of fiscal space, public-private partnerships can play a crucial role.

Elaborating further, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the federal government should seriously consider this aspect and learn from the successes of the Sindh government’s public-private partnership model, which has not only proven effective but has also received international recognition. He said the Sindh government’s PPP model has been ranked sixth in the region by the renowned international publication The Economist magazine, which is evidence that this model can also be implemented at the federal level and in other provinces.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said he was grateful to Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif for sending a delegation to Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on the occasion of the 18th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. He said the meeting was solely in connection with the anniversary, and no political discussions or talks on any other matters took place.
Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that even in his address the previous day on the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, he had spoken strictly in accordance with her ideology and manifesto. Continuing his remarks, he said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s political message was rooted in reconciliation, and that Pakistan today needs the same approach more than ever. He said reconciliation was the core philosophy of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and that President Asif Ali Zardari played the most significant role in translating this philosophy into practice. He added that President Zardari enjoys the trust of the entire country for his ability to act as a unifying force and promote political reconciliation.

The PPP Chairman said that if politics is pursued through extremism, then there should be no complaints about a harsh reaction in response. He said attacks on national institutions in reaction to arrests or legal proceedings are unacceptable. Referring to the PPP’s experience and history, he said his clear suggestion is that PTI should abandon politics of extremism and bring its politics back within the democratic framework. He added that this decision would be better for PTI, its workers and for the overall democratic politics of the country, and that its positive impact would be felt across Pakistan.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged all political parties to undertake electoral reforms before the next general elections to ensure that future polls are free of controversy. He pointed out that even in the recent by-elections in Punjab, contesting candidates and the media have raised concerns. He stressed that legislation is unavoidable to restore public trust in the electoral process, including the Election Commission. He added that the writing on the wall is clear that general elections are not going to be held anytime soon.

Secretary General of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Muhammad Humayun Khan, in his message on the death anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, stated that she was a shining symbol of the struggle for democracy, supremacy of the Constitution, and the rights of the people. He said that Shaheed Mohtarma made unparalleled sacrifices for the establishment of peace and democratic stability in the country.
He said that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto waged an exemplary struggle against dictatorship and proved, by sacrificing her life, that democracy is the only solution to Pakistan’s challenges. The core of her politics was public service, strengthening the federation, protection of minorities, and the empowerment of women.
Muhammad Humayun Khan said that Shaheed Mohtarma’s vision was of a Pakistan where the rule of law prevails, institutions are strong, and every citizen enjoys justice and equal rights without discrimination. He added that in order to overcome the challenges currently facing the country, it is imperative to follow the thoughts and principles of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
He further stated that under the leadership of Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the party will continue to carry forward the mission of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and will persist in its struggle for the strengthening of democracy, establishment of peace, and protection of the people’s rights.
He concluded by saying that the party renews its pledge that the sacrifices of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto will never be forgotten, and the struggle will continue until the establishment of a democratic, peaceful, and prosperous Pakistan.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that providing free, world-class healthcare to all citizens—without discrimination of colour, race or religion—lies at the heart of the PPP’s manifesto. He said that his party’s government in Sindh has built a sustainable public healthcare network that is no longer measured against other provinces, but benchmarks itself against global standards.

According to the press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, the PPP Chairman inaugurated the newly constructed state-of-the-art building of the Indus University Hospital, developed with the support of the Government of Sindh, and said that inaugurating this landmark project on Christmas Day carried deep symbolic meaning. “All religions teach us compassion and the duty to care for the poor, the sick and the most vulnerable segments of society,” he said. He added that the PPP government in Sindh remains committed to providing world-class healthcare facilities to the people without discrimination of any kind, emphasizing that care for the underprivileged lies at the very core of the PPP’s political philosophy. “Roti, Kapra aur Makaan is not merely a slogan; it is a manifesto, an ideology and a way of life. We believe it is the fundamental responsibility of the state to protect and uplift the poor,” he said.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that since the PPP assumed the reins of the Sindh government, the province’s healthcare system has undergone a transformative change. “We are no longer competing with other provinces; we are competing on a global scale,” he said. He praised the Indus Health Network and other partners of the Government of Sindh for their invaluable contributions to the health sector, and emphasized that these partnerships must be further expanded to extend world-class healthcare facilities to people living in underserved and remote areas. He said that through collaboration with institutions such as the Indus Hospital, SICVD, SIUT, the Child Welfare Foundation and NICH, the Sindh government has built a comprehensive and sustainable public healthcare network across the province.

Highlighting achievements in cardiac care, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that whenever heart treatment is discussed internationally, the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) is cited as a global model, being the world’s largest hospital providing free cardiac care. He pointed out that the advanced medical facilities available free of cost at the hospital in the small Sindh tehsil of Gambat are still unavailable even in major cities like Lahore.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, provincial ministers, members of the assembly, and other political and social figures were also present on the occasion.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has extended warm Christmas greetings to the Christian community in Pakistan and across the world, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to religious harmony, equality and the protection of minority rights.

According to the press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, the PPP Chairman said in his message that Christmas embodies the universal values of love, compassion, sacrifice and forgiveness—principles that transcend faiths and borders and bind humanity together. He pointed out that Pakistan was founded on the principle of equal citizenship, where people of all religions are entitled to live with dignity, security and freedom, a promise enshrined in the 1973 Constitution.

Paying rich tribute to the Christian community, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari acknowledged their invaluable contributions to Pakistan’s progress, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, public service and national development. “On this sacred occasion, we renew our pledge to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Christian brothers and sisters and to work for a Pakistan where every citizen feels safe, respected and valued,” he concluded.

Senator Sherry Rehman paid heartfelt tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on his birth anniversary, honoring his historic leadership, constitutional vision, and steadfast commitment to democratic values, equality, and the rights of all citizens.
“Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned Pakistan as a democratic state governed by the rule of law, where every citizen, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or background, would enjoy equal rights and protection,” Senator Rehman said. “On his birthday, December 25, we are reminded that his message of unity, faith, and discipline was inseparable from his firm belief in religious freedom and respect for minorities.”

She recalled Quaid-e-Azam’s clear and enduring commitment to minority rights, noting that his speeches and actions emphasized inclusion, tolerance, and coexistence as the foundation of a strong and progressive Pakistan. “Jinnah believed that minorities were not only protected citizens but equal partners in the nation’s future. Upholding this vision remains a collective responsibility,” she added.

Senator Rehman also extended warm greetings to the Christian community in Pakistan and across the world on the occasion of Christmas, which is celebrated on the same day.
“Christmas is a time of peace, compassion, and goodwill. Pakistan’s Christian community has made invaluable contributions to education, healthcare, public service, and nation-building,” she said.

“Their role in strengthening our society reflects the inclusive Pakistan that Quaid-e-Azam imagined.”

She emphasized that observing Quaid-e-Azam’s birthday alongside Christmas is a powerful reminder of Pakistan’s pluralistic foundations. “These occasions together highlight the importance of mutual respect, interfaith harmony, and the protection of minority rights. A Pakistan that safeguards its diversity is a Pakistan that honors Jinnah’s legacy,” Senator Rehman stated.

Calling for renewed commitment to constitutional values, Senator Rehman stressed the need to translate Quaid-e-Azam’s ideals into policy and practice. “Respect for minorities, social justice, and democratic governance are not optional—they are central to the promise of Pakistan,” she concluded.

Discussions focused on areas of mutual interest including cultural exchange, tourism, and the protection of historical sites.

The President expressed appreciation for the warm reception and emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between the two countries.

President Zardari noted that it was a matter of great honour to be in a city that hosts some of the most revered places in Islam.

The Iraq visit is part of President Zardari’s broader efforts to strengthen diplomatic, cultural, and people-to-people ties in the region.

Senator Sherry Rehman; Senator Saleem Mandviwala; Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Governor Punjab, Senior Minister Sindh Sharjeel Memon, Sindh Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iraq accompanied the President.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, while addressing the 63rd Annual Parents’ Day ceremony at Cadet College Petaro, paid rich tribute to the enduring legacy of the prestigious institution, stating that Cadet College Petaro has played an unforgettable and defining role in shaping the character, discipline and leadership qualities of its students.

According to the press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP said that Cadet College Petaro was not merely an educational institution but a place where discipline becomes identity and responsibility becomes instinct. He congratulated the cadets on completing a demanding journey, noting that perseverance, self-control and commitment had set them apart. Recalling the personal connection of his family with Cadet College Petaro, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the education and fortitude gained at the institution enabled his father, President Asif Ali Zardari, to endure the highest offices of the state as well as the most testing periods of political imprisonment.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stressed that a nation’s true strength lay not only in its arms but in its character, urging cadets to choose integrity over shortcuts, service over self-interest and courage over convenience. He said whether in uniform or civilian life, service to Pakistan must remain a lifelong commitment.

Referring to national challenges, Chairman PPP said that Pakistan had repeatedly proven its resilience and unity, including through the recent professional and resolute response of the armed forces in defending the country’s sovereignty, which he termed a moral as well as military success. “Recently, our armed forces once again demonstrated this truth. Through professionalism, preparedness, and unity of command, Pakistan defended its sovereignty and secured a clear military success. This victory was not merely tactical, it was moral. It reminded the world that Pakistan stands firm, disciplined, and resolute when teste,” he added.

Highlighting Sindh’s historic role in Pakistan’s journey, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said institutions like Cadet College Petaro continued to produce leaders guided by principle and discipline. He congratulated the cadets and called upon them to serve Pakistan with honour, humility and unwavering resolve.

Secretary General of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Humayun Khan, has directed all party supporters, workers and office-bearers to reach Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on December 27 with traditional devotion and respect to observe the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

In his statement, Humayun Khan said that a historic public gathering will be held at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, which will be addressed by Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

He stated that special prayers will be offered at the exact time of the martyrdom of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto on December 27, while poets will also present poetic tributes to the martyrs of democracy on the occasion.

The PPP Secretary General further clarified that commemorative events will be organized at divisional and district levels across the country on the death anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. These events will include Quran Khwani, prayer ceremonies, seminars and condolence gatherings.

Humayun Khan added that caravans of party workers and supporters from all provinces, cities, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir will reach Garhi Khuda Bakhsh to pay rich tributes to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

He emphasized that the sacrifices, struggle and services of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for democracy will always be remembered, and Pakistan Peoples Party will continue to carry forward her mission under the leadership of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

First Lady, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, graced the 5th Passing Out Parade and Annual Parents’ Day at Bakhtawar Cadet College for Girls (BCCG) as the chief guest today.

The First Lady inaugurated the college’s newly completed gymnasium and swimming pool, participated in a tree plantation ceremony, and officially opened the “Art & Science Exhibition 2025-26”. She later inspected the guard of honour and met the college faculty before addressing the cadets and parents.

In her address, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari highlighted the college’s historic role as Pakistan’s first girls’ cadet college, established to empower young women through education, discipline, and leadership training. She praised the cadets’ dedication, the faculty’s guidance and the Sindh Government’s support, noting that these combined efforts have transformed BCCG into an institution producing confident, disciplined and globally competitive young leaders.

Reflecting on the legacy of prominent women leaders, she reminded the cadets of the example set by Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, emphasising that education and leadership of girls is essential for Pakistan’s future. She encouraged the cadets to carry the values of discipline, respect and resilience into every endeavour, and to always uphold the honour of their families and their country.

The First Lady also presented college crests and prizes to the cadets, witnessed march pasts, PT and gymnastic displays and a karate show.

Established in 2017 and managed by the Pakistan Air Force, with the support of Government of Sindh, BCCG currently enrolls 423 cadets from across the country. The college provides modern facilities, including smart classrooms, science and computer labs, a digital library, gymnasium, swimming pool, sports grounds and comprehensive residential amenities. Its cadets have earned recognition in academics, sports, and co-curricular activities at provincial, national and international levels, reflecting the institution’s vision of nurturing future leaders.

In the college visitors’ book, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari wrote, “Honoured to visit Bakhtawar Cadet College. We must appreciate President Asif Ali Zardari for his vision in creating this institute. May these bright cadets continue to succeed in all walks of life. May they serve Pakistan and make their country proud.”

Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari’s participation underscored the continuing commitment to empowering young women and highlighted the critical role of education, discipline, and leadership in shaping Pakistan’s future.

Vice President of the Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Sherry Rehman called for urgent, coordinated action to ensure effective implementation of Pakistan’s gender-based violence (GBV) laws, while pursuing the notice she has submitted in the Senate for further action in the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights.

The meeting was convened on Senator Rehman’s notice and pursuant to a motion she tabled in the Senate to review the state of GBV legislation, enforcement, and outcomes.

Senator Rehman noted that Pakistan has enacted a significant number of laws at both federal and provincial levels to address violence against women, with additional legislation currently under consideration. However, she stressed that the persistent gap between lawmaking and enforcement continues to undermine justice. “The media and the public repeatedly ask us: you make laws, but where is the implementation?” she said, adding that this question must be answered with concrete action rather than assurances.

Senator Rehman said that it has become a source of disquiet for lawmakers like her who have been pushing GBV laws in different iterations since 2002, there is a still a huge gap in their implementation. “Ensuring the safety, dignity, and rights of women is a constitutional responsibility of the state and a core priority of the Pakistan Peoples Party,” she emphasized.

Some alarming numbers were highlighted for sexual abuse, murder, rape acid attack and domestic violence during the meeting: a total of 28059 cases were decided by the trial courts, out of which 26842 cases resulted in acquittal. Out of which 21877 were acquitted due to resiling of witnesses e.g. complainant/victim/star witnesses.In compoundable offences like murder and hurt cases, 1299 were acquitted on compromise.3171 cases have resulted in acquittal on merit. 1217 cases were convicted on merit.

Further, sharing recent statistics, Senator Rehman stated that during 2024 alone, 32,617 cases of gender-based violence were reported across Pakistan, including rape, abduction, domestic violence, and killings in the name of so-called honour. Despite the establishment of 480 GBV courts nationwide, she noted that the backlog of cases continues to grow at an alarming rate, further delaying justice for survivors.

Citing findings from the report of the Law Commission of Pakistan and the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), Senator Rehman described the available data on gender-based violence as deeply troubling. She pointed out that the conviction rate in GBV cases remains extremely low at just 5 percent, while 64 percent of cases result in acquittals, raising serious questions about investigation standards, prosecution, and judicial processes.

“This issue is like an iceberg,” Senator Rehman said. “A large number of cases are never reported, never registered, and never documented. What we see in official figures is only a fraction of the actual scale of violence faced by women.

According to Human Rights Watch, 70% of GBV incidents go unreported due to survivors’ fear of retaliation and societal victim-blaming.”

She further emphasized that low conviction rates are exacerbated by systemic pressures placed on survivors, police officials, prosecutors, and judicial officers, often allowing powerful interests to influence outcomes. “We must ask ourselves how we can ensure that justice is not subordinated to private pressures and vested interests,” she said.

Senator Rehman asserted, “Through the committee and the cooperation of the committee Chairperson Senator Samina Mumtaz, we had asked for police departments, prosecutorial officials, advocate generals, NCHR, NCSW, and all federal, provincial departments to be here at an intersection where we can find ways to plug the loopholes in laws which are allowing such low conviction rates. This is key to implementation of these laws , and officials brought very clear and important recommendations which are now being collated by the Secretary of the committee for further action and reforms in the each of the provinces as needed.”

She further added “The task should be to break the cycle of impunity that enables victim shaming and adversarial social and police as well as prosecutorial environments in such cases.”

Senator Rehman also raised concerns about social attitudes that perpetuate impunity. She criticized the widespread culture of victim-blaming, where the focus shifts from the crime to the character of the survivor. Referring to Geo tv drama serial “Case No. 9”, based on GBV courts, she acknowledged its role in raising awareness but cautioned that even such narratives sometimes reinforce harmful stereotypes by placing implicit blame on victims.

Shedding light on the gravity of societal normalization of violence, Senator Rehman cited a disturbing incident in which a perpetrator of an honour killing was publicly welcomed with drum-beating and congratulated. “This reflects a dangerous mindset that glorifies violence and must be confronted head-on,” she said.

Concluding her remarks, Senator Rehman stated, “We have made the laws. Now the real challenge is ensuring their effective and uniform implementation.”

Acknowledging that transformative change cannot happen overnight, she called for practical, time-bound measures to strengthen investigations, protect survivors, improve prosecution, and address institutional weaknesses. “If we cannot bring a revolution in one night, we must at least break this stagnation through sustained reform and accountability,” she said.