Her Excellency Ms. Asifa Bhutto Zardari, Honorable First Lady of Pakistan, received the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. Chandra Warsenanto Sukotjo, who called on her at Bilawal House, Karachi, today. The Ambassador was accompanied by his spouse.

Welcoming the Ambassador and his spouse to Karachi, the First Lady congratulated him on the successful organisation of the Pakistan-Indonesia Investment Forum in Karachi and appreciated his efforts to further strengthen bilateral economic engagement.

The First Lady observed that Pakistan and Indonesia enjoy longstanding and friendly relations founded on mutual respect, shared values, and close cooperation. She said that the two countries have consistently supported each other and worked together to promote peace, development, and prosperity in the region and beyond.

Recalling the historical bonds between the two nations, the First Lady said that Indonesia’s founding President, Dr. Ir. Sukarno, shared a close personal friendship with her grandfather, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. She noted that both leaders were united by their commitment to the dignity of newly independent nations, Asian solidarity, and a more equitable international order. Their friendship, she remarked, imparted added warmth and depth to Pakistan-Indonesia relations and continues to inspire efforts to further strengthen the partnership between the two countries.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on expanding cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture, education, healthcare, technology transfer, vaccine development, women entrepreneurship, tourism, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people contacts.

The First Lady underscored the importance of enhancing agricultural cooperation, noting that Indonesia remains an important destination for Pakistan’s rice exports, particularly premium rice produced in Sindh. She welcomed the ongoing efforts of both governments to revive the Government-to-Government rice cooperation framework, expressing confidence that it would further strengthen agricultural collaboration and create new opportunities for farmers and exporters. She also highlighted the significance of continued cooperation in palm oil and other agricultural commodities for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Highlighting opportunities for future collaboration, the First Lady said that agriculture, food security, women-led entrepreneurship, education, and stronger people-to-people exchanges offer considerable potential for further broadening bilateral cooperation. She also expressed interest in benefiting from Indonesia’s successful experience in family planning and population management, as well as expanding cooperation in healthcare, including technology transfer, vaccine development, and Pakistan’s ongoing efforts towards the eradication of polio.

The Ambassador briefed the First Lady on his recent visit to various parts of Sindh and shared his positive impressions of the province’s agricultural, economic, and investment potential. He reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, agriculture, palm oil, rice, investment, healthcare, and cultural exchanges.

The Ambassador also presented the First Lady with a commemorative publication containing infographics and historical timelines depicting the evolution of Pakistan-Indonesia relations.

The First Lady asked the Ambassador to convey her warm greetings and best wishes to the Government and the people of Indonesia. She expressed confidence that the friendship between Pakistan and Indonesia would continue to flourish and that the two countries would further expand cooperation across diverse fields for the mutual benefit of their peoples.

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Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on the overall situation in the country, including matters relating to Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

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According to the press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, the PPP Chairman said that the blood of the martyrs of July 13, 1931, laid the foundation of the Kashmiri people’s long and dignified struggle for their democratic, political, and human rights. “Their sacrifice reminds the world that the yearning for dignity, justice, and the right to determine one’s own future can never be silenced by force,” he said.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reaffirmed the PPP’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), saying that lasting peace in South Asia is inseparable from a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and the relevant United Nations resolutions.

Recalling the principled legacy of Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the PPP has always stood firmly with the oppressed and voiceless. He expressed the hope that the sacrifices of the Kashmir martyrs would bear the fruit of peace, justice and freedom very soon.

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Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, chaired a high-level meeting at Bilawal House, Karachi, to review a number of strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating economic growth, attracting international investment, and positioning Sindh as a regional hub for infrastructure, finance, technology and sustainable development.

The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, Minister for Agriculture Sindh, Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mahar, Chief Secretary Sindh, Asif Hyder Shah, and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sindh, Agha Wasif.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister briefed the Chairman on three landmark strategic initiatives to be undertaken under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.

The meeting reviewed the Keti Bandar Integrated Corridor, a long-term strategic initiative aimed at developing Keti Bandar into a world-class maritime, logistics, industrial and energy hub. The proposed corridor envisions modern port infrastructure, logistics facilities, industrial development, energy infrastructure, fisheries, tourism and associated economic activities that will strengthen Sindh’s maritime economy, promote exports, generate employment and attract significant domestic and foreign investment.

The meeting also reviewed the proposed Sindh International Financial Centre (SIFC), envisioned to reinforce Karachi’s position as Pakistan’s financial capital by facilitating infrastructure finance, Islamic finance, climate finance, financial technology, international commercial services, dispute resolution and global investment. The initiative is expected to mobilize capital for infrastructure, housing, technology, industrial development and climate-resilient projects while enhancing investor confidence.

The Data Infrastructure Initiative was also presented. The project aims to leverage Sindh’s abundant renewable energy resources for establishing renewable energy-powered data centres, cloud computing facilities, AI infrastructure and digital technology parks. The initiative is intended to attract leading global technology companies and position Sindh as a regional destination for sustainable digital infrastructure and next-generation technology investments.

The meeting was also briefed on an initiative relating to Farmers’ Agricultural Collectives. Minister for Agriculture Sindh, Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Mahar, presented the initiative, which aims to organize small farmers into legally recognized, democratic collectives to improve productivity, strengthen collaboration and enhance access to modern agricultural services. The initiative is designed to facilitate the shared use of farm machinery, efficient water management, renewable energy solutions, digital advisory services, market linkages, financing opportunities and technical support, while promoting climate-smart agriculture, rural employment and higher farm incomes. The meeting noted that the initiative has the potential to strengthen the agricultural sector through modern, efficient and collaborative farming practices.

The meeting noted that these strategic initiatives have the potential to significantly enhance economic activity, create high-value employment opportunities, attract international investment, strengthen exports and contribute substantially to the economic development of both Sindh and Pakistan.

After detailed deliberations, it was agreed that the successful execution of projects of this scale requires institutional strengthening and specialized technical capacity. The meeting therefore endorsed the proposal to transform the existing PPP Unit into a company to provide greater operational flexibility and enable the engagement of highly qualified specialists from the market to lead and manage complex strategic PPP initiatives.

It was further agreed that internationally renowned transaction advisors will be engaged to undertake comprehensive feasibility studies, develop internationally competitive project structures and legal frameworks, and assist the Government in attracting a broad pool of reputable domestic and international investors for the implementation of these transformational projects under the PPP framework.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized that these strategic initiatives represent a long-term vision for the economic transformation of Sindh and reaffirmed the commitment to creating an enabling environment for private investment, innovation and sustainable development through world-class Public-Private Partnerships.

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President Asif Ali Zardari, accompanied by a high-level delegation, met with President of the Kyrgyz Republic Mr. Sadyr Zhaparov Nurgozhoevich, today during an official visit to Kyrgyzstan.

President Zardari’s visit, underscores the enduring friendship and time tested relations between Pakistan and Kyrgysztan, based on common faith, shared history and cultural affinity.

The meeting was preceded by an official Welcoming Ceremony held in honour of the President of Pakistan at the Rukh Ordo Cultural Centre.

In the meeting, both leaders discussed ways to further deepen the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan. They reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and explored opportunities in trade, energy, connectivity, political and commercial cooperation, culture, education, people-to-people exchanges and progress on CASA-1000 Project, highlighting the potential for expanding economic, cultural, inter-parliamentary and strategic partnership.

The President recalled the Kyrgyz President’s recent State Visit to Pakistan in December 2025, the first visit by a Kyrgyz President to Pakistan in two decades, saying that the visit imparted fresh momentum to this bilateral relationship and resulted in signing of 16 Agreements/MoUs. He said that Kyrgyzstan occupy an important position for Pakistan’s “Vision Central Asia” policy.

President Zardari also congratulated the Kyrgyz President on the country’s historic election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.

The President stated that Pakistan looks forward to continued close coordination with the Kyrgyz Republic at the United Nations, OIC, ECO, SCO and other multilateral platforms and said that enhanced parliamentary, defence, security and strategic-policy exchanges to build greater mutual understanding on regional and global developments will be welcomed.

Both sides exchanged views on a range of important regional and international developments and reaffirmed their mutual commitment to promoting peace, stability and progress through dialogue.

A Memorandum of Understanding, between the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), was signed by Mr Damirbek Osmonov, the Kyrgyz Minister of Health and Dr Mukhtar Bharath, Minister of State for National Health Services.
A Joint Statement was later signed by the two Presidents on this occasion.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry; Minister of State for National Health Services, Dr Mukhtar Bharath; Senator Saleem Mandviwalla; Dr Asim Hussain; Spokesperson to the President, Mr Murtaza Solangi and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan were also present during the meeting.

The meeting was followed by an official reception, hosted by the Kyrgyz President, in honour of the President of Pakistan.

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Acting President of Pakistan Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani paid glowing tribute to Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) on the occasion of his 27th martyrdom anniversary, describing him as a shining symbol of courage, patriotism, and unwavering devotion to the defence of the motherland.

The Acting President said Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaheed displayed extraordinary bravery and steadfast determination during the Kargil conflict, defending Pakistan’s frontiers with exceptional gallantry until he embraced martyrdom on July 7, 1999. He said the martyr’s supreme sacrifice remains a source of inspiration for future generations and reflects the highest traditions of service and sacrifice.

Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said the nation salutes its martyrs and their families, whose sacrifices have strengthened Pakistan’s sovereignty, unity, and national resolve. He prayed that Almighty Allah may elevate the ranks of Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaheed in Jannah and bless Pakistan with lasting peace, stability, and prosperity.

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President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari is presented with traditional Kyrgyz boorsok and honey as part of the official welcome ceremony upon his arrival at Issyk-Kul International Airport, in the presence of President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov.

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Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressing the oath-taking ceremony of the Chief Minister of Gilgit Baltistan, Amjad Advocate, said that the people of this region defeated the Dogra rule to gain independence. They joined Pakistan, and to this day, are waiting to be a part of it.

Chairman Bilawal said that Pakistan responded to the struggle of the people of GB by imposing the FCR system. The people of GB, till today, remember Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto who abolished the FCR system, and introduced subsidy for the downtrodden masses of GB. When Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto got the opportunity, she laid the foundation for politics in GB. President Zardari gave GB administrative rights and identity. A new generation has emerged to continue the struggle of GB, he said.

Chairman PPP said that along with the interim status, GB should attain constitutional rights. He said he wants to see the day when the representatives of GB are sitting alongside him in the National Assembly, and the day is not far. He said that the people of GB have given him the mandate on three basic principles, which are the right to rule, the right to ownership and the right to employment. We shoulder the responsibility to convince the state, the federal government and political parties of Pakistan to give constitutional rights to GB. The right to ownership that the PPP has promised must be implemented by the provincial government. He said that his advice to the people after they attain the right to own their land would be to form farming collectives. Public-Private Partnership can also be incorporated, so that the profit directly reaches the people of GB. When it comes to the right to employment, PPP believes that it is the responsibility of the government of Pakistan and GB to provide employment to the youth. As part of the PPP’s manifesto, the CM has announced that employment will be provided based on merit.

Chairman PPP expressed his gratitude to the workers of PPP and people of GB. He said that he is grateful to PM Shehbaz Sharif for acknowledging the PPP’s mandate, and expressing support. He said that he wants to convey to the representatives of the PML-N that the PPP will not let them feel that it is on the treasury benches and they are on the opposition benches. He said that they will unitedly work to address the issues of the people. Chairman Bilawal also thanked the IPP for supporting PPP. He said that he wants to make a new example for politics in the region, as it has become synonymous with enmity in Pakistan. In GB, we will break this myth, and work together with other political parties. He also thanked the MWM and PTI-backed candidates for playing a role in the historic election of CM GB. For CM GB, every citizen would be treated the same regardless of their political allegiance.

Chairman Bilawal said that the PPP would want for the local body elections to take place in GB. We are aiming for these elections to take place prior to the winter season. Furthermore, the geo strategic importance of this region is evident to everyone. We would also like to salute the soldiers who are manning the toughest borders of the world in GB, Chairman Bilawal expressed. Those soldiers are protecting the lives of the people of GB and Kashmir, while facing India on the other side. The people of GB and Azad Kashmir do not only value the contribution of our soldiers, but are proud to host them.

Chairman PPP said that the clear message we want to send to India is that all Pakistanis, from the citizens of GB to those of Kashmir, are united in their struggle against their tyranny. Referring to the Modi government, he said that our armed forces and the nation have inflicted a historic defeat on them. Now, when they are unable to digest this reality, they have adopted the Israeli model. First, Israel attacked Iran, but when it produced no result, they attempted to provoke the Iranian people against their leadership to topple the regime. Israel’s conspiracy was unsuccessful, and we want to tell Modi that we know what his intentions are. We know what they are trying to do by using Afghanistan against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. We also know that they are eyeing GB and Azad Kashmir, but our people want to send the message that this conspiracy will be rendered futile. Chairman Bilawal said that we salute the people of Iran, for defeating Israel militarily, and then also making its strategy to interfere in politics unsuccessful. The people of Pakistan will also follow suit and render all interference of India unsuccessful.

Chairman Bilawal said that India wants to use the River Indus against Pakistan. However, it should know that the Sindhu will be defended by the people of GB and Azad Kashmir, to those living along the borders of Sindh and Balochistan. From the people of GB, to those of Larkana, raise the slogan of “Marsoon Marsoon, Sindhu na Desoon”. We will not compromise on the Indus Water Treaty, and will be victorious on this issue too.

Chairman PPP further said that our manifesto for the elections in Azad Kashmir will be the same, consisting of the right to rule, the right to ownership and the right to employment. He said that just like GB, the young generation of Kashmir also wants to strive for its rights. He said that certain powers are trying to take advantage of this, but will never be able to do so. The PPP is not willing to let go of its three-generation long connection with Kashmir. The status quo under which Kashmir has been governed can no longer continue. The new generation wants to bring a new mindset. Chairman PPP said that while continuing our struggle on the international level, we should ponder on whether it is possible to empower the people of GB and Kashmir while preserving the protected status. It is possible in our eyes, and GB has paved the way for this.

Chairman PPP said that he invites the people of Kashmir to use their political rights. He said that it is unfortunate that some parties have announced that they would not be taking part in the elections. They should participate, and honour the decision of the people of Kashmir. If the PPP triumphs, we would want to hold a Joint Constitutional Convention for Azad Kashmir and GB. He said that he would like to see representatives of GB and Azad Kashmir in the National Assembly and Senate, be it on the interim basis as ambassadors. Chairman PPP said that while we are not ready to compromise on the rights and representation of the muhajireen. However, we are also not willing to compromise on Kashmir’s right to rule. Azad Kashmir and GB are the ‘Kohinoor’ of Pakistan’s economy, and will not only contribute to their regions but the entire country, Chairman PPP said. He concluded by saying that now because of the PPP jiyalas and Jiyalis, he can raise the slogan, “Panchon Soobon ki Zangeer, Benazir Benazir”.

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President Asif Ali Zardari has extended felicitations to the Governor General of Canada, Ms Louise Arbour, and the people of Canada on their National Day.

​The President said that Pakistan highly values its long-standing and friendly relations with Canada which are founded on mutual respect, shared interests and strong people-to-people ties. He expressed his confidence that bilateral cooperation between the two countries will continue to expand across areas of mutual interest including trade, investment, higher education and close collaboration in international forums.

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First Lady Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari, MNA, has congratulated Ms Han Seong-sook on her appointment as Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea.

She said that Ms Han’s appointment reflects her distinguished record of leadership in the fields of technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. She noted that the appointment represents an important milestone for the advancement of women in leadership and public service.

“As the First Lady of Pakistan and as the daughter of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the first woman Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Muslim world, it is my singular honour and privilege to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on your appointment as Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea. I wish you every success in the discharge of your important responsibilities,” she said.

Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari said that Ms Han’s appointment underscored the importance of women attaining leadership positions and contributing to national development.

The First Lady expressed confidence that Ms Han’s experience in promoting innovation and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises would contribute to the continued progress and prosperity of the Republic of Korea.

She also expressed the hope that, during Prime Minister Han Seong-sook’s tenure, the friendly relations and cooperation between Pakistan and the Republic of Korea would be further strengthened for the mutual benefit of the two countries and their peoples.

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