Speaking at the diaspora conference titled “United Voices: Kashmiri and Pakistani Diaspora Confronting Oppression in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK),” organized by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR), Vice President PPP Senator Sherry Rehman delivered a powerful message of solidarity and urgency, calling for an unflinching commitment from global communities to highlight and resist the ongoing atrocities in Kashmir.

“This is not just a regional issue. It is a crisis of global order,” said Senator Rehman, condemning the systematic erasure of Kashmiri identity through active acts of forgetting and institutional ethnic cleansing. “There is a deliberate, heinous strategy at play—a demographic invasion sanctioned by the Hindutva-driven Modi government. The revocation of Articles 370 and 35A, the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, and settlement of non-Kashmiris are all part of this forced assimilation.”

Senator Rehman underscored the alarming scale of human rights violations in the region, she drew attention to the blinding of over 1,000 Kashmiris through pellet guns, the widowing of more than 22,000 women, and the rape or molestation of more than 11,000 women. “The Valley has been turned into the world’s largest open-air prison, under the siege of nearly 1.5 million Indian security forces,” Senator Rehman added.

Senator Rehman paid tribute to the legacy of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for their unwavering support for the Kashmiri cause. “Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s iconic speech at the United Nations and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s commitment through commemorating February 5 as Kashmir Solidarity Day stand as defining moments in our diplomatic history. The PPP’s voice has never faltered—President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari have always raised this issue on every national and international forum,” she stated.

Calling out the global silence and selective outrage, Senator Rehman remarked, “The plight of the Kashmiris is being shoved aside on many international platforms. Powerful lobbies ensure it is kept off the agenda, while the rivers of blood in Kashmir continue to flow. Why is there such resistance to bringing their pain to the forefront?”

Senator Rehman emphasized the intersectionality of global injustices, drawing parallels between Kashmir and Gaza. “Whether it is Gaza or Kashmir, Muslims are being persecuted in ways that the world has not seen anywhere else, in violation of international laws, on genocide as well as humanitarian norms . This is a collective stain on our conscience. The rules-based order we speak of is now in disarray,becoming dangerously selective, and that too at the cost of the oppressed.”

Senator Rehman urged the diaspora to continue playing a pivotal role in advocacy. “The diaspora is our strength. They have a key role to play in keeping the story of Kashmir alive. If there is any help they need, PPP and Pakistan will always stand ready to support.”

Senator Rehman concluded with a message of unity and hope. “Today is a call to action. There are no two opinions about it—Kashmiris are our friends, our family, and we will never be separated. We want peace, always, but never at the cost of justice. The PPP stands united with Kashmir in every effort, at every forum.”

Central Information Secretary of the Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), Shazia Marri, strongly condemned the opening of the Taunsa-Panjnad (TP) Link Canal at a time when Sindh is grappling with a severe 62% water shortage.

In a press statement issued today, Marri questioned the rationale behind opening the canal, stating, “At a time when Sindh is facing a devastating 62% water shortage, why is the Taunsa Panjnad canal opened?”

She emphasized that link canals like the TP Link were never meant to remain operational year-round. “The link canals were never supposed to be perennial. They could only be opened during the flood season,” she asserted.

Marri warned that opening the canal during a period of acute shortage would further deprive the lower riparian regions of their share and exacerbate the already dire situation. “Opening of the TP Link Canal during a shortage period will further increase the water shortage for the lower riparians and cause more harm,” she said.

Reiterating the PPP’s longstanding position, Marri stated, “PPP has always advocated for a fair and just distribution of water resources among the provinces.” She added that the party has consistently demanded implementation of the 1991 Water Accord and urged IRSA to fulfill its responsibilities accordingly.

“The Sindh Irrigation Department has rightly lodged a strong protest with IRSA over the untimely opening of the TP Link Canal,” she noted.

Calling any diversion of water under the guise of “technical necessity” as unacceptable, Marri said, “Any diversion of water, when one province is suffering such acute shortages, is both unjust and irresponsible.”

“Water is not a political tool—it is a constitutional right,” she stressed, adding that water issues must not be exploited for political point-scoring. “It’s a matter of life and death for us.”

Highlighting the broader impact, she stated, “The lifeline of Sindh’s agriculture, economy, and communities is under threat.”

Marri also criticized the federal government’s silence on the issue, saying, “The Federal Government cannot remain silent to the miseries of people living in federating units.”

“We demand immediate closure of the TP Link Canal and call upon IRSA and the federal government to intervene and ensure compliance with agreed frameworks,” she added.

“The Pakistan People’s Party stands with the people and will not allow any province’s rightful share of water to be stolen,” Marri declared.

In a final critique, she noted the government’s constitutional failure, saying, “Despite its constitutional obligation, this Government has miserably failed to convene a single CCI meeting so far.”

Adding further context, Marri said, “The Pakistan People’s Party has been continuously opposing construction of new canals on River Indus.” She questioned the logic behind such projects during an active water crisis: “When there’s no water in the system and when people are already facing severe water shortage, how would new canals be made?”

Marri concluded by vowing to raise the issue at every relevant forum. “We will raise this issue in Parliament, in IRSA, and in every relevant forum to safeguard Sindh’s water rights and uphold the federation’s integrity,” she affirmed.

The Intra-party elections of Pakistan Peoples Party were held at the Central Secretariat PPP, Islamabad on April 12, 2025.

The outcome of the elections have been notified and issued by Ms. Fauzia Habib, The Central Election Convener of the PPP.

According to the notification, the following have been elected for a term of four years:-

            Bilawal Bhutto Zardari – Chairman

            Humayun Khan – Secretary General

            Nadeem Afzal Gondal (Chan) – Secretary Information

            Amna Piracha – Secretary Finance

The Pakistan Peoples Party strongly condemns the dual policies of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government. On one hand, PTI advocates for provincial autonomy against the federal government, while on the other hand, their cabinet is approving the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Bill 2025, which seeks to place the province’s mineral resources and assets under federal control. This clear contradiction is unacceptable to the Pakistan Peoples Party.

Various provisions of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Bill 2025 severely undermine the province’s autonomy, which is against the principles of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan, aimed at granting full autonomy to the provinces.

The Pakistan Peoples Party firmly opposes this bill and believes that the autonomy of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must be protected at all costs. The party leadership has convened a high-level meeting on Monday and Tuesday to devise further strategies against this bill. Additionally, the Pakistan Peoples Party will raise this issue in the provincial assembly and hold protests.

The Pakistan Peoples Party is fully committed to defending the rights and autonomy of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and is prepared to make any sacrifices necessary. We demand that the PTI government sever its unconstitutional ties with the federal government and protect the rights of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Syed Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha
Provincial President, Pakistan Peoples Party Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Spokesperson of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Shazia Marri, has stated that the FIA’s inquiry against senior PPP leader and former Senator Farhatullah Babar is regrettable. She said it is extremely concerning that the FIA has initiated a baseless inquiry against Farhatullah Babar. For decades, Senator Farhatullah Babar has stood with the oppressed, raised his voice for human rights, and consistently demanded accountability from those in power with dignity and moral insight.

Shazia Marri said it is utterly ridiculous to accuse Farhatullah Babar of abuse of power. He has not held any public office for over a decade. She added that the inquiry, apparently initiated based on a private complaint, is not only untimely but also appears to be motivated by questionable intentions.

Shazia Marri emphasized that Farhatullah Babar’s entire political career is a shining example of honesty, principled conduct, and commitment to democratic values. Such tactics not only undermine public trust in institutions but also demoralize those who have the courage to speak the truth.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari issued the following message on the 46th Martyrdom Day of Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

“On this solemn day, we pay tribute to Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the first directly elected Prime Minister of Pakistan, whose leadership resurrected a defeated nation from the ashes of despair.
‘At a time when the people were despondent, and Pakistan had suffered a crushing blow in 1971, Shaheed Bhutto took charge with an unbreakable resolve. He stabilised a broken country, uplifted the nation’s spirit, and set Pakistan on the path of progress.

‘His diplomatic brilliance brought back 90,000 war prisoners from Indian captivity and reclaimed 5,000 square miles of our land through the Simla Agreement—an achievement unparalleled in our history.
‘Shaheed Bhutto revolutionised Pakistan’s economy, agriculture, and industrial sector, empowering the working class and giving them their due rights. His visionary labour reforms and land reforms gave the common man dignity and ownership.

‘He gifted Pakistan a progressive and unanimous constitution, ensuring democracy and fundamental rights. His contributions to nuclear technology strengthened Pakistan’s defense, and his dynamic foreign policy made Pakistan a respected voice in the Muslim world and on the global stage.
‘Today, as we remember his ultimate sacrifice, we reaffirm our commitment to his vision of a democratic, strong, and prosperous Pakistan. Shaheed Bhutto lives on in the hearts of the people.”

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the mother of Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir.

In his condolence message, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that losing a mother is one of the most profound sorrows in life. He extended his heartfelt sympathies to General Asim Munir and his family, praying that Allah grants them strength and patience in this difficult time.

Chairman PPP also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and for the bereaved family to find solace and resilience in the face of this irreparable loss.

President Asif Ali Zardari has urged children to prioritize education, calling it the key to success. He said that children were our future and they must focus on their education and work hard to become successful individuals.

The President expressed these views during an Iftar Dinner hosted by him for the orphaned children being cared for by the Pakistan Orphan Care Forum, at Aiwan-e-Sadr today. 

During the ceremony, the President also distributed computer tablets to the children, emphasizing their use for educational purposes. “I urge all children to use these tablets, being gifted on First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari’s suggestion, for learning and personal growth,” he added. 

The President said the children were as dear to him as his own and encouraged them to pursue education with dedication. 

The President also met with the children individually, expressing affection and reinforcing his commitment to their well-being. 

Air Marshal (Retd.) Farooq Habib, Chairman of the Pakistan Orphan Care Forum (POCF), highlighted the pressing issue of orphaned children in the country. “There are an estimated 4.6 million orphaned children in Pakistan,” he said. He said that POCF and its affiliated organizations were currently supporting nearly 120,000 children nationwide.

Mr Farooq Habib emphasized the forum’s advocacy for orphaned children’s rights and called upon society to take collective responsibility for their care. “Providing for orphaned and underprivileged children is a shared duty,” he said. 

The Chairman thanked the President for his support and for hosting the orphaned children at an Iftar Dinner at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday conferred insignias of military awards upon 44 officers of Pakistan armed forces.

The Presidential Investiture ceremony was held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr in connection with Pakistan Day and was attended by the Chairman Senate, ministers, senior officers of Pakistan armed forces, government officials, and families of the recipients of the awards.

The recipients of Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) included Air Marshal Muhammad Sarfraz, Air Marshal Kazim Hammad, Air Marshal Shakil Ghazanfar, Major General Saeed Ur Rehman Sarwar, Major Gen Nadeem Fazal, Air Vice Marshal Shakeel Safdar, Major Gen Tahir Masood Ahmed, Major Gen Sohail Sabir, Major Gen Fuad Ahmed Siddiqui, Major Gen Zeeshan Ahmad, Major Gen Sohail Ilyas, Rear Admiral Muhammad Hussain Sial, Major Gen Syed Mukarram Hussain, Major Gen Iftikhar Ahmed Satti, Major Gen Ghulam Shabeer Narejo, Major Gen Shahid Pervaiz, Major Gen Muhammad Asim Khan, Major Gen Nadeem Yousaf, Major Gen Ghulam Muhammad, Major Gen Noor Wali Khan, Major Gen Muhammad Naeem Akhtar, Major Gen Muhammad Nadeem Ashraf, Major Gen Naseem Anwer, Major Gen Umar Ahmad Shah, Major Gen Muhammad Shahid Siddeeq, Major Gen Adeel Haider Minhas, Major Gen Syed Ali Raza, Rear Admiral Shifaat Ali Khan, Rear Admiral Amir Mahmood, Major Gen Abdul Sami, Major Gen Muhammad Yasir Elahi, Rear Admiral Imtiaz Ali, Major Gen Kamal Anwar Chaudhry, Major Gen Muneer Ud Din, Major Gen Ahsan Waqas Kayani, Major Gen Farrukh Shahzad Rao, Major Gen Adnan Sarwar Malik, Major Gen Omar Maqbool, Major Gen Azhar Yasin, Rear Admiral Khyber Zaman, Rear Admiral Shafquat Hussain Akhtar, Major Gen Zaheer Akhtar, and Major Gen Mahmood Sultan.

The president also conferred Sitara-i-Basalat upon Captain Syed Amir Raza in recognition of his valour demonstrated while fighting terrorists at Naval Aviation Base Turbat.

I congratulate the entire nation on Pakistan Day. Pakistan has been established after great sacrifices and untiring efforts of our founding fathers and workers of the Pakistan Movement.

Today, we face significant political, economic, and security challenges. In today’s world, Pakistan must navigate complex realities, tackle economic pressures, and pursue sustainable development. At the same time, we continue to confront the menace of terrorism and our brave Armed Forces are making immense sacrifices to safeguard our homeland. 

Yet, we also possess the potential to overcome these challenges and emerge stronger. The spirit of the Pakistan Resolution reminds us that Unity, Faith, and Discipline should be our guiding principles for success. We should focus on strengthening national security, revitalising the economy, advancing agriculture, ensuring energy security, and creating opportunities for our youth. We must invest in healthcare and social welfare to ensure no Pakistani is left behind.

Following a foreign policy under the guidelines given by the Father of the Nation, Pakistan continues to advocate for peaceful coexistence, regional stability and mutual cooperation. We are determined to build stronger relationships with our neighbours as well as the global community, based on mutual respect and shared prosperity. At the same time, we remain steadfast in defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity. Our Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies have made immense sacrifices to protect our homeland, and we salute their bravery and dedication. 

On this day, we reaffirm our steadfast support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine, who continue their struggle for self-determination. Pakistan urges the international community to take immediate and decisive steps to ensure the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, allowing the people of Kashmir and Palestine to decide their future. 

The road ahead is challenging, but not impossible. The same spirit that led to the creation of Pakistan can propel us toward a brighter tomorrow. The true strength of Pakistan lies in its people—their resilience, hard work, and patriotism have carried this nation through the toughest of times. I urge every Pakistani to rise above differences, reject division and negativity, and work together to build a prosperous, inclusive, and just Pakistan.

Let us honour the sacrifices of our heroes by shaping a strong, united, and prosperous Pakistan.