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.

Islamabad, March 22, 2025: Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has paid glowing tributes to Madar-e-Jamhuriyat Begum Nusrat Bhutto on her 96th birthday tomorrow (Sunday).

In a statement, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said sacrifices rendered by his grand-mother Begum Nusrat Bhutto during the struggle for restoration of democracy are unmatched and sources of inspiration for the Jiyalas and the masses. She suffered torture and imprisonments at the hands of dictatorial regime of Gen Zia but fought valiantly.

PPP Chairman said Begum Nusrat Bhutto sacrificed almost her entire family including husband Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, two sons Shaheed Mir Murtaza Bhutto and Shaheed Shahnawaz Bhutto and even her beloved daughter and twice-elected Prime Minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto whose brave resistance to the martial law gave her identity of ‘Daughter of the East’ in her struggle for the rights of the people of Pakistan.

Chairman PPP said that Madar-e-Jamhooriat’s legacy remains a timeless fountain of inspiration, symbolizing the resolve and bravery needed to confront injustice and oppression. “On this solemn occasion,” he urged, “let us reaffirm our dedication to the principles and values upheld by Begum Nusrat Bhutto as we steadfastly pursue a democratic, progressive and prosperous Pakistan.”

Former Senator and president human rights cell of PPP Farhatullah Babar has issued the following statement today.

The decision to build yet another university in Islamabad with the 190 million pounds that the British government had seized from a businessman and returned to Pakistan is whimsical,   flawed, and strongly condemned.

The decision taken behind closed doors without debate at a time of domestic economic volatility, rising debt servicing, shrinking international development aid, changing donor priorities and Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces burning the decision reeks of a dictatorial mindset, further distorting the already distorted public finance system in the country.

What is the rationale of spending 70 billion rupees to build yet another university when the existing universities, facing a shortfall of 60 billion rupees, are facing internal turmoil due to non-payment of salaries and pensions and some on the verge of closure?

The people of Pakistan still do not know the mystery behind the 190 million pounds transferred from the UK to Pakistan, the politics and political engineering behind it. The abrupt decision to build a university with this money has only compounded the mystery and raises many questions that need answers.

If at all the 190 million pounds legitimately belong to the government of Pakistan, then it can be legitimately demanded that it be spent on education in all provinces, and not merely on building one university in Islamabad

Twenty-six million children in all provinces are out of school, and the existing public sector universities in the provinces are in financial crisis, resulting in frustration, discontent, strikes, and brain drain.

Who is a greater and legitimate claimant to this money; a new university on one hundred acres of land in Islamabad or putting out of school children into schools in all provinces, providing basic services to the tens of thousands of existing schools and rebuilding schools destroyed in floods?  

It is the prerogative and responsibility of the parliament to thoroughly discuss the matter, seek answers to the questions, and make an informed decision about it. The failure of the parliament to take up this urgent public matter will only undermine its legitimacy as peoples’ representatives..

Chairman PPP said that he was merely a year old, when an abduction attempt was made on him at the PM House. Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was targeted by religious, linguistic terrorists throughout her life, and embraced martyrdom. The fire of terrorism then engulfed all four provinces. During that tough era, the entire nation came together, including the citizens, soldiers, policemen and frontline defenders. The House unified against a common enemy, despite each political party holding its individual views. At that time too, PTI’s politics of protests was ongoing and polarisation reached its peak. We would say with pride that the Pakistani people have broken the backbone of terrorists, Chairman Bilawal said.

Chairman PPP said that the same fire of terrorism has begin to erupt again, and we are  in a more vulnerable state than earlier. We do not enjoy the same unity and consensus as earlier, and the terrorists and anti-Pakistan elements are taking advantage of this. They are making continuous attacks from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Balochistan, with each tragedy greater than the previous one. Terrorists have no views or narrative, and religious terrorists have no religion, Chairman PPP said. The aim of these entities is to spread terror and take innocent lives. Religious terrorists do not want a religious state, and neither do these so-called Baloch terrorists want any rights. Their sole purpose is to erect obstacles in the path of Pakistan’s progress, and are backed by foreign powers financially and logistically.

Chairman Bilawal asked what connection the innocent civilians had with geopolitics or international dynamics. He said that it is convenient to condemn these acts, but our responsibility is to deduce practical measures. From Parachinar to Bolan, these people are playing Holi with the blood of the Pakistani people. Every political party should term these terrorists as a common enemy. Chairman PPP further appreciated the Defense Minister’s praise of CM Balochistan for his efforts. Chairman Bilawal said that we should offer unconditional support to our provinces, be it CM Balochistan or CM KP to combat this vice. He also said that the PPP welcomes suggestions pertaining to any shortcomings regarding it’s government when it comes to the law and order situation.

Chairman Bilawal said that the National Action Plan was made under PM Nawaz Sharif, and PM Shehbaz Sharif too can make National Action Plan 2. During PPP’s government, we presented a dialogue, deterence and development policy. We fulfilled the expectations of the people in the shape of the 18th Amendment and the NFC Award. We combatted the people who are not willing to accept humanity and our Constitution. We defeated them in North and South Waziristan, Karachi, Balochistan and FATA. We can defeat them again, Chairman Bilawal said.

Chairman PPP said that we are aware of the demands of the people of Balochistan. They are asking for their due share and rights. These issues persist, but their primary demand is to attain the right to live. We should do everything in our power to end terrorism while preventing collateral damage. If consensus is not reached on this issue, then as the former Foreign Minister, Chairman Bilawal said that he can assert that the foreign powers against Pakistan will be strengthened further. The fire that engulfs Balochistan, will then spread to the rest of the country and world. Chairman Bilawal said that the PPP stands shoulder to shoulder in condemnation of terrorism, but stresses on a unified reaction.

Regarding President Zardari’s address before the Parliament, Chairman Bilawal said that it was hoped that his speech was received with the same tolerance with which the House heard the Opposition Leader’s address. The speech was not an ordinary political talk, but a message in favour of unity. President Zardari explained that politics is the art of give and take, for which the best place is the National Assembly. His talk ranged from economy, terrorism and foreign policy to the burning water issue. He highlighted the government’s performance regarding the economic situation. Chairman PPP said that it is unfortunate that those the message was addressed to were unwilling to listen. President Zardari also touched upon global issues, regional and international partners including Palestine and Kashmir.

As a representative of the federation, Chairman Bilawal said that President Zardari opposed the canals project. The entire country witnessed the differences between the messages sent that day. While President Zardari conveyed positive developments and expressed necessary concerns, the sole demand on the other side was releasing Prisoner 804. As the President talked of the plight of the Palestinian and Kashmiri people, he was met by slogans for the release of the same prisoner. Chairman Bilawal said that the PPP has had a consistent position on policies made sans consensus, but supports initiatives that are in favour of agricultural growth.

Chairman PPP said that the Opposition may be passionate about their leader’s release, but this country houses people with diverse perspectives who have no interest in a prisoner’s release. He said that as the provincial government in the KP, they have other responsibilities and issues as well. They could spare some attention for other burning issues, such as terrorism, unemployment and lack of development in KP. Chairman PPP said that political parties must put their own interests aside for the sake of the country.

Chairman PPP said that he was merely a year old, when an abduction attempt was made on him at the PM House. Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was targeted by religious, linguistic terrorists throughout her life, and embraced martyrdom. The fire of terrorism then engulfed all four provinces. During that tough era, the entire nation came together, including the citizens, soldiers, policemen and frontline defenders. The House unified against a common enemy, despite each political party holding its individual views. At that time too, PTI’s politics of protests was ongoing and polarisation reached its peak. We would say with pride that the Pakistani people have broken the backbone of terrorists, Chairman Bilawal said.

Chairman PPP said that the same fire of terrorism has begin to erupt again, and we are  in a more vulnerable state than earlier. We do not enjoy the same unity and consensus as earlier, and the terrorists and anti-Pakistan elements are taking advantage of this. They are making continuous attacks from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Balochistan, with each tragedy greater than the previous one. Terrorists have no views or narrative, and religious terrorists have no religion, Chairman PPP said. The aim of these entities is to spread terror and take innocent lives. Religious terrorists do not want a religious state, and neither do these so-called Baloch terrorists want any rights. Their sole purpose is to erect obstacles in the path of Pakistan’s progress, and are backed by foreign powers financially and logistically.

Chairman Bilawal asked what connection the innocent civilians had with geopolitics or international dynamics. He said that it is convenient to condemn these acts, but our responsibility is to deduce practical measures. From Parachinar to Bolan, these people are playing Holi with the blood of the Pakistani people. Every political party should term these terrorists as a common enemy. Chairman PPP further appreciated the Defense Minister’s praise of CM Balochistan for his efforts. Chairman Bilawal said that we should offer unconditional support to our provinces, be it CM Balochistan or CM KP to combat this vice. He also said that the PPP welcomes suggestions pertaining to any shortcomings regarding it’s government when it comes to the law and order situation.

Chairman Bilawal said that the National Action Plan was made under PM Nawaz Sharif, and PM Shehbaz Sharif too can make National Action Plan 2. During PPP’s government, we presented a dialogue, deterence and development policy. We fulfilled the expectations of the people in the shape of the 18th Amendment and the NFC Award. We combatted the people who are not willing to accept humanity and our Constitution. We defeated them in North and South Waziristan, Karachi, Balochistan and FATA. We can defeat them again, Chairman Bilawal said.

Chairman PPP said that we are aware of the demands of the people of Balochistan. They are asking for their due share and rights. These issues persist, but their primary demand is to attain the right to live. We should do everything in our power to end terrorism while preventing collateral damage. If consensus is not reached on this issue, then as the former Foreign Minister, Chairman Bilawal said that he can assert that the foreign powers against Pakistan will be strengthened further. The fire that engulfs Balochistan, will then spread to the rest of the country and world. Chairman Bilawal said that the PPP stands shoulder to shoulder in condemnation of terrorism, but stresses on a unified reaction.

Regarding President Zardari’s address before the Parliament, Chairman Bilawal said that it was hoped that his speech was received with the same tolerance with which the House heard the Opposition Leader’s address. The speech was not an ordinary political talk, but a message in favour of unity. President Zardari explained that politics is the art of give and take, for which the best place is the National Assembly. His talk ranged from economy, terrorism and foreign policy to the burning water issue. He highlighted the government’s performance regarding the economic situation. Chairman PPP said that it is unfortunate that those the message was addressed to were unwilling to listen. President Zardari also touched upon global issues, regional and international partners including Palestine and Kashmir.

As a representative of the federation, Chairman Bilawal said that President Zardari opposed the canals project. The entire country witnessed the differences between the messages sent that day. While President Zardari conveyed positive developments and expressed necessary concerns, the sole demand on the other side was releasing Prisoner 804. As the President talked of the plight of the Palestinian and Kashmiri people, he was met by slogans for the release of the same prisoner. Chairman Bilawal said that the PPP has had a consistent position on policies made sans consensus, but supports initiatives that are in favour of agricultural growth.

Chairman PPP said that the Opposition may be passionate about their leader’s release, but this country houses people with diverse perspectives who have no interest in a prisoner’s release. He said that as the provincial government in the KP, they have other responsibilities and issues as well. They could spare some attention for other burning issues, such as terrorism, unemployment and lack of development in KP. Chairman PPP said that political parties must put their own interests aside for the sake of the country.