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Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) have extended their partnership for another two years under the Benazir Nashonuma Programme. In a ceremony held today at BISP Headquarters, witnessed by Senator Rubina Khalid, Chairperson of BISP. Secretary BISP Mr. Amer Ali Ahmad and Ms. Coco Ushiyama, Country Director & Representative of WFP exchanged the agreement documents. This collaboration highlights the critical need to address malnutrition in Pakistan, where nearly 40% of children under five suffer from stunting due to poor nutrition.

Benazir Nashonuma Programme aims to reduce stunting among pregnant and lactating women (PLW) and their children under two years of age by providing additional cash support to BISP beneficiary families. PLW and boy child will receive PKR 2,500 per quarter, while girl child will receive PKR 3,000 per quarter.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson of BISP Ms. Rubina Khalid emphasized the significance of this new agreement, describing it as a key step in the country’s fight against malnutrition. She said “The Government of Pakistan is proud to strengthen this vital partnership with WFP. Our commitment to the Benazir Nashonuma Programme remains unwavering, and we are dedicated to expanding its reach and effectiveness to ensure that every child in Pakistan gets the opportunity of a healthy start in life, setting the foundation for a brighter and more prosperous future”.

The first phase of the agreement concluded in June 2024, and under the second phase, the program will expand to cover 157 districts with 562 facilitation centers. WFP will continue to implement the program following the approved design and protocols, with an increased focus on quality. The second phase will run for two years, concluding in June 2026.

Key participants at the signing ceremony included Ms. Rathi Palakrishnan, Deputy Country Director; Mr. Eric Kenefick, Head of Programme; Ms. Rie Ishii, Head of Supply Chain; Ms. Mamoona Ghaffar, Programme Policy Officer; Dr. Yasir Ihtesham, Head of Nutrition; Dr. Asma Badar, Programme Policy Officer, Nutrition; Dr. Ijaz Habib, Nutritionist, WFP KP office; and Mr. Ahmed Hassan, Procurement Officer.

The official signing of the new two-year agreement took place in Rome on 28 August 2024 between WFP’s Assistant Executive Director for Partnerships and Innovation, Ms. Rania Dagash-Kamara, and Secretary BISP, Mr. Amer Ali Ahmed.

Pakistan and Malaysia have reiterated their commitment to further enhance bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, economy, banking sector, food technology and agriculture. The two sides also agreed to cooperate on issues of bilateral importance.

This was discussed during a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and the visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, today. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chairman Pakistan People’s Party, MNA Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Minister of Commerce, Mr Jam Kamal Khan, Senator Sherry Rehman, and senior government officials also attended the meeting.

Welcoming the Malaysian Prime Minister, the President said that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Malaysia and was committed to further enhance bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. He added that the visit of the Malaysian Prime Minister would further boost bilateral cooperation between the two brotherly countries. He expressed concern over the current situation in Gaza and called on the international community to take measures to prevent Israel from committing genocide and atrocities against the Palestinian people.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia apprised the President that he held a very good discussion with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

Later, during a special investiture ceremony, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the award of Nishan-e-Pakistan upon Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim in recognition of his support for Islamic causes and for being a great friend of Pakistan.

During the ceremony, it was highlighted that the Malaysian Prime Minister was an avid reader of Allama Iqbal and acknowledged that his work has been a source of inspiration for him. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has been a prominent advocate of humanitarian causes and Islamic values throughout his political career. His leadership is marked by a profound commitment to promoting social justice and addressing global issues affecting the Islamic world. He has also been a voice for the causes of self-determination movements and has particularly stood against oppression across the world. He continues to work tirelessly to counter Islamophobia striving to create interfaith harmony by fostering understanding and respect between different cultures and religions.

The Ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Federal Ministers, Services Chiefs, diplomats, and senior government officials.

The President also hosted a state dinner in honour of the visiting Malaysian Prime Minister and his delegation. 

President Asif Ali Zardari has directed the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority to process the appointment of a deceased employee’s son in accordance with the law within a month.

As per details, Mr Faheem Ahmed (the complainant) had complained against the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) for his non-appointment against the “deceased employees” quota. He stated that his father was an employee of PCAA, and he died in the year 1999 during service due to cancer. As he was a minor at the time, he could not apply for appointment against the “deceased employees” quota. He said that when he applied for a job, his request was turned down without any justification. He approached PCAA for the redressal of his grievance but to no avail. Feeling aggrieved, he approached the Wafaqi Mohtasib for the resolution of his complaint. The Mohtasib decided that the complainant had failed to make out any case of maladministration against PCAA as the Family Assistance Package was not applicable at the time of his application. The complainant then filed a representation with the President against the orders of the Mohtasib. 

In his decision, the President observed that the complainant’s father expired in 1999 during service and at that time the petitioner was only six years of age. He noted that the petitioner applied for appointment, after coming of age, under the policy of 2005, according to which the son of a deceased employee was to be considered for appointment in the same department without undergoing the formality of advertisement. He rejected the claim of PCAA that it adopted the Family Assistance Package Policy in 2005 and that the provisions of the said package did not merit consideration due to the factual and legal position in the instant case. 

The President pointed out that the contention of the Civil Aviation Authority was not legally correct in the circumstances of the present case as the petitioner attained the age of maturity after the introduction of the policy as he was not eligible to be appointed prior to the introduction of the policy. He held that this was the case of prospective application of the policy and not retrospective application of the policy. The President also placed reliance on the judgment of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in Civil Appeal number 410/2020 dated 02-06-2021.

The President, therefore, accepted the representation of the complainant and asked the Civil Aviation Authority to process his application for appointment in accordance with the law within one month.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has firmly stated that his struggle is not for any particular individual but aimed at delivering immediate justice to the people and strengthening institutions.

According to a press release issued by the Bilawal House Media Cell, Chairman PP, while addressing the Balochistan High Court Bar here on Tuesday, lauded the lawyers’ community in Balochistan for their sacrifices and struggle in restoring democracy. He expressed his deep connection with the lawyers of Balochistan and termed the terrorist attacks on the legal fraternity, resulting in precious loss of life, a great tragedy. He recalled visiting Quetta for condolence after the attack and noted how his tears were met with ridicule at the time. 

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized that his family’s and his party’s journey did not begin with the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan’s puppet regime but has been an ongoing struggle across three generations. This struggle was not a quick revolution achieved in a day or a year but rather a persistent fight that began long ago.

The PPP Chairman highlighted that while the entire country now stands united in support of the 1973 Constitution, it was Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto who struggled for over 30 years to restore it. Although she twice became the Prime Minister, she could not see the dream of restoring the Constitution come true. However, through the Charter of Democracy, PPP succeeded in restoring the 1973 Constitution via the 18th Amendment.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also shared his personal experiences of witnessing the hardships his family endured for the sake of democracy. He recounted how Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was hanged, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was imprisoned in the scorching heat of Sukkur jail, and PPP workers and those of other democratic parties faced atrocities during their struggle. He also described the hardships faced during the Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif governments of the 1990s, recalling vivid images of his mother holding his and his sister’s hands, waiting outside jail in extreme heat to meet his father.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed disbelief at the claims made by PTI, suggesting that they understood Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s struggle better than him. He accused the judiciary, military, and intelligence leadership of that time of conspiring behind the scenes, fearing the restoration of the Constitution would reduce their control over democracy.

He acknowledged the difficult times Pakistan is facing today, but reminded the audience that the situation was equally dire during the era of a dictator who could not be spoken against. He criticized contempt of court laws, which he said have been used to silence criticism of the judiciary while undermining freedom of expression. He condemned how courts allowed military rulers to make unconstitutional amendments but denied elected representatives the same powers.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari clarified that his struggle is not for the current Chief Justice or any individual. He said his agenda is not to serve any one person, emphasizing that Pakistan needs a constitutional court to address provincial issues equally. He voiced concerns over judicial reforms being undermined and questioned whether delays in reforms would lead to decisions similar to Article 63(A) and further restrictions on constitutional amendments.

He also spoke against the ongoing interference in parliamentary matters by institutions that should not wield such power. He argued for judicial accountability and reforms in the appointment process of judges, stressing that the judiciary should be free from the influence of any entity that wears a uniform or wields a weapon.

In response to questions, the PPP Chairman said his demand for a constitutional court is not new and reiterated that the creation of such a court would focus judges’ attention on constitutional matters, ensuring timely justice for the common man. He argued that it would also ensure accountability within the legal community.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari concluded by saying that Pakistan’s judiciary has never allowed parliamentarians or politicians to draft laws concerning the judiciary but has allowed military rulers to amend the Constitution at will. He stressed that PPP’s goal is not to serve any individual but to ensure a judiciary that functions independently and provides justice efficiently.

The PPP Chairman also emphasized that Pakistan needs both federal and provincial-level constitutional courts, calling for the end of the concept of “sacred cows” within the judicial and military systems. He warned that if the judicial system does not change, discussions about military courts would resurface, pointing out that such courts are proposed when the judiciary is deemed incapable of delivering justice to terrorists. The demand for a constitutional court, he added, is not an attempt to target any specific judge but a necessary reform for the country.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stressed that PPP is committed to seeing these reforms through and will continue its struggle to ensure that justice and democracy prevail in Pakistan.

In a bid to build grand national consensus for the upcoming 26th Constitutional Amendment being piloted by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PPP’s Human Rights Cell PPP HRC organized a dialogue with Civil society in Karachi to solicit their input for the proposed amendment, which included judicial reforms.

The consultative dialogue was held at Sindh Assembly’s Committee Room where Nisar Khuhro President PPP Sindh, Minister Saeed Ghani General Secretary PPP HRC Malaika Raza, MNA Nafisa Shah, Senator Zameer Ghumro and former Sindh HR minister Surendar Valasai  addressed various concerns raised during the session.

Nisar Khuhro said that the amendment being pursued by the PPP Chairman was overdue as it was the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to have a constitutional court to cater to the needs of interpretation of the Constitution and save the huge time Supreme Court spending on political and constitutional matters. “Judicial activism needs to be aligned with the expectations of the poor litigants instead of treading on warring political narratives,” he said.

Sindh Minister Saeed Ghani deliberated on the history of judiciary where in the Supreme Court allowed a dictator to amend the Constitution for three days and the CJP had the audacity to talk about the Constitution’s protection. Another CJP demolished people’s homes, while his predecessor reportedly gave decisions under the instructions of his mother in law to favour PTI.

Dr Nafisa Shah said that around 80 democratic countries in the world have separate Constitutional Courts to adjudicate constitutional matters and disputes. She appreciated Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for leading the national debate on the 26th Amendment.

Senator Zamir Ghumro gave a detailed presentation about the needs for the Constitutional Amendment and gave answers to the questions by civil society members present there.

He said that 26th Constitutional Amendment was part of the unfinished agenda of the Charter of Democracy (CoD) orchestrated by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto together with different political parties in 2006.

Malaika Raza acknowledged the vital role of civil society in shaping public policy and emphasised the PPP’s commitment to inclusivity and transparency. “We appreciate the insights and concerns shared by civil society members. Their perspective is crucial in ensuring that our legislative efforts align with the needs of the public,” she stated.

Raza reiterated the PPP’s stance on the amendment process, clarifying that the party is dedicated to addressing the legitimate concerns of all stakeholders. “Our aim is to establish constitutional courts to better serve the people of Pakistan. This initiative is about reforming our system, not targeting individuals,” she noted.

She also reaffirmed the party’s commitment to transparency, stating, “While the draft is still being finalized, we are open to dialogue and constructive feedback from civil society to enhance the quality of our proposals.”

The PPP remains focused on fostering collaboration with civil society to ensure that constitutional reforms are inclusive, effective, and in the best interest of the nation.

Anis Haroon, Tahir Hassan Khan, Yasmeen Shah, Sana Rahmoon, Ishaq Soomro and other civil society members attended the dialogue. PLF delegation comprised Qazir Bashir Ahmed, Sharfuddin Jamali, Tassaduq Nadeem and others was also present on the occasion.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has emphasized that the relief and rehabilitation of flood victims remain one of his top priorities. He urged the federal and provincial governments to take immediate and concrete steps to address the issues faced by these citizens, who are severely affected by climate change.

According to a press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP inaugurated the distribution of relief checks to flood victims at the Chief Minister’s House in Quetta. During his address, he reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare and development of the people of Balochistan.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari highlighted his efforts in 2022 as Foreign Minister to secure international funding for the rehabilitation of flood victims. He stated, “Standing with the Prime Minister, I signed agreements as Foreign Minister before the world. We secured funding for a housing project, which was my initiative that we presented to the World Bank. The aim of this project is to rebuild homes for flood victims in a way that they can withstand the challenges of climate change.”

Chairman PPP called on both federal and provincial governments to take the issue of climate change and rehabilitation of flood victims seriously. He urged the Chief Minister of Balochistan and his cabinet to monitor the relief and rehabilitation efforts and discuss the matter with the federal government. He further stated that the slow pace of funding for the rehabilitation project is an injustice not only to the flood victims but also to the province.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stressed that before seeking help from the World Bank, the federal and provincial governments should step in to assist the flood victims. “If both governments contribute, we can help more people,” he said. He also warned that the federal government’s approach to flood funds could have negative consequences in the future, cautioning, “If the next Prime Minister or Foreign Minister asks for funds from international organizations during a natural disaster, they will look at our past record, which is not favorable.”

Chairman emphasized that homes for flood victims must be built strong enough to withstand future floods. “When the next flood hits, these victims should not be in the same vulnerable situation they are in now,” he said. He added, “If I ask the world for help again, the first question will be, ‘What happened to the funds given earlier?'”

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reiterated the need to build new homes for flood victims, noting that the construction of homes for victims is already underway in Sindh. He urged by stating, “Our country has limited resources, and we must use them wisely.”

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has emphasized again the urgent need for judicial reforms and the establishment of a constitutional court to ensure swift and impartial justice in the country. He declared that the PPP will not be intimidated by threats from those in black coats or robes when it comes to constitutional amendments.

Addressing the Peoples Lawyers Forum (PLF) in Quetta today, Chairman PPP presented his party’s proposed draft for constitutional reforms, which includes the establishment of constitutional courts at the provincial level. He stressed that country’s judicial system has failed to deliver justice to the victims of terrorism, with judges unable to secure convictions in 50% of the cases, highlighting the dire need for judicial reforms.

According to a press release issued by the Media Cell of Bilawal House, the PPP chairman reiterated his party’s clear stance and ideology, which has been carried forward through three generations. “When something is wrong, we say it’s wrong,” he said, adding that the country is facing numerous unresolved issues, and while not all of them can be addressed immediately, the PPP will continue to strive for what is achievable based on our principles, manifesto, and the promises made to the people. He added, “Politics is the art of making the impossible possible. Even without holding the office of Prime Minister, I will continue to work for the people.”

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also reflected on the political climate in Islamabad, stating that the political battles in the capital often have little to do with Balochistan. Referring to the Charter of Democracy, he recalled that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had promised in 2006 to introduce judicial reforms and establish constitutional courts to ensure swift justice for the people. While landmark achievements such as the 18th Amendment, the NFC Award, and renaming the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province were accomplished, judicial reforms remained pending. He stated that the current political environment presents an opportunity to realize this component of the Charter of Democracy (CoD).

He further mentioned that while the PPP does not have the majority in the National Assembly to pass constitutional amendments on its own, the party will work towards a consensus-based draft that aligns with its manifesto and the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. He also expressed confidence that the proposal for establishing constitutional courts was introduced by Shaheed Bibi during the CoD discussions, noting that it was unlikely to have come from Nawaz Sharif.

Chairman PPP called for the reform of the judicial appointment process, stating that the 18th Amendment introduced a procedure whereby the judiciary would make recommendations, but the final decision would be made by a parliamentary committee with equal representation from the government and the opposition. He also emphasized that Pakistan’s current judicial system is inadequate in providing justice to the common man, especially in terrorism cases, where the conviction rate is less than 50%.

Chairman PPP expressed optimism that there would be consensus on these reforms, including the proposal to establish constitutional courts not only at the federal level but also at the provincial level, to ensure swift justice. He highlighted that nearly 50% of the cases in high courts pertain to constitutional matters under Article 199, making it essential to have constitutional courts at all levels.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also underscored the importance of revisiting the method for appointing judges, suggesting to return to the approach adopted in the 18th Amendment, where judicial nominations would require the approval of a parliamentary majority. He noted that the PPP had reached an agreement with PML-N and JUI-F on merging the current judicial committee and parliamentary committee to streamline the process of judicial appointments.

Chairman PPP emphasized the critical role of lawyers in this reform process. He announced plans to engage with bar associations across the country, saying, “We will work within our mandate. It’s not just judicial politics now; even judges are involved in politics, and we must address this together.”

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reiterated the need for constitutional courts, reforms at the provincial level, and changes in the judicial appointment process, asserting, “If I am drafting laws and making constitutional amendments, I am doing it based on our party’s manifesto and the people’s mandate. Only the people have the power to decide whether I am right or wrong.” He furthered saying, “It has taken us 50 years to seek justice for Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. This time, we will not be intimidated by threats from those in black coats or black robes.”

A delegation of Supreme Court Bar Association led by the President Association Shehzad Shaukat called on Chairman of Pakistan-Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto on Thursday evening at Zardari House Islamabad.

The delegation discussed the establishment of constitutional court and judicial reforms. The delegation also extended an invitation to the Chairman PPP to address the Bar at the Bar Room of the Supreme Court.

The delegation consisted of Rifaqat Islamabad, Samia Faiz Durrani, Neelam Azra Khan, Tanveer Ahmed Mughal, Mukhtar Ahmed Maniri, Raza Ullah and others. Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Secretary General PPPP Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari and Ijaz Jakhrai MNA were also present on the occasion.

Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has emphasized the urgent need for reforms in the “fractured” judicial system, ensuring that every citizen receives their fundamental right to timely justice. He reiterated his resolve to establish the constitutional court to ensure that no elected Prime Minister is ever unjustly hanged again. He also clarified that his party stands against any legislation aimed at benefiting or harming an individual.

In a statement issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, the PPP Chairman highlighted that under his proposed amendments, the constitutional court would provide equal representation to all provinces, with the position of Chief Justice rotating among them.

While addressing the Sindh High Court Bar Association here on Tuesday, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that he belongs to the family and party that gifted the country its Constitution. He remarked that their history includes facing authoritarian regimes, where they witnessed the whims of dictators dismantling the 1973 Constitution with just a blink or a gesture. He added that they also witnessed how judges allowed dictators to undertake actions that kept democracy and the Constitution at bay for decades.

Chairman condemned the tearing apart of the nation’s Constitution, adding that the saddest part was that judges permitted dictators to amend it. With a touch of irony, he noted how they were once labeled as corrupt to the extent that the Constitution and laws didn’t seem to apply to them. He said that in Pakistan’s democratic system, judges could only tolerate one instance of a Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO), yet during the first PCO oath, democracy and the Constitution appeared unthreatened.

He recalled the generational sacrifices made by his party for the restoration of democracy so that people could elect representatives who would make laws according to their will. He mentioned that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto signed the Charter of Democracy (CoD) to ensure that if Pakistan’s system were to be corrected and democracy restored, agreements like the Charter must be implemented. He added that after passing the 18th Amendment and restoring the 1973 Constitution, they fulfilled Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s unfinished mission.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari pointed out that former Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry was not a revolutionary but a PCO judge. He said that long before the Justice Chaudhry’s tenure, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto decided to establish a constitutional court, initiate judicial reforms, and ensure timely justice for the people.

He stated that they have learned from the past, expressing great respect for the legal community. He stressed that lawmaking cannot happen through courts, yet judges, through Articles 184 and 186, have granted themselves the power to legislate. He said that if the citizens of this country are to receive timely justice, and there is to be no disparity between provinces, then a federal constitutional court is essential. He outlined that in his proposed reforms, each province will have equal representation in the federal constitutional court, with the position of Chief Justice rotating among them to ensure fairness.

The PPP Chairman further noted that 90% of the judiciary’s time is spent on political cases, which constitute only 15% of the total cases. He stressed that if they are serious about providing justice to the public, institutions should be allowed to focus on the work they were established for. He mentioned the long struggle to abolish Articles 58(2)(b) and 63(A), which were used as tools to unconstitutionally dismiss democratic governments, and how eventually, they were repealed. Regrettably, the courts later adopted these powers by dismissing elected Prime Ministers and amending the Constitution themselves through rulings on 63(A).

Addressing the lawyers, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged them not to doubt his intentions when it comes to the supremacy of the Constitution. He vowed to personally fight for constitutional supremacy, ensuring that all provinces receive fair representation. He emphasized that they will establish a constitutional court to prevent any future Prime Minister from facing unjust execution and to ensure that justice is served for the people of Pakistan.

In response to questions, Chairman PPP remarked that if one were to observe the systems in the U.S. or the U.K., there are no restrictions on breaking party lines. Members of parliament there are free to vote against their party. He further explained that the amendment they introduced to 63(A) was not previously part of the law. Under this amendment, members of parliament were required to follow their party’s line on constitutional amendments, the budget, and no-confidence motions, but they still retained the right to cast their vote.

He further stated that in the mentioned article, it was written that if any parliamentarian votes against the party line on these crucial matters, their vote would still be counted. However, neither we nor any court has the authority, nor should we have it, to force a parliamentarian to strictly follow the party line.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the decision on Article 63-A was given with a specific intent. We do not want floor-crossing to be easy; we want strict punishment for those who do it. When they face the risk that a by-election will be held in their constituency as a result of floor-crossing, they will think carefully before casting their vote. He further added that if it is declared that a parliamentarian who crosses the floor will be disqualified for life and their vote will not be counted, it means you are threatening that member who might not agree with the budget, IMF conditions, or a constitutional amendment, but you are coercing them into voting under the threat of lifelong disqualification.

The PPP chairman said that constitutional reforms are a new concept for those “whose history begins with the vote of no confidence.” He said that in the world, a vote of no confidence is the only democratic parliamentary method, and this power lies with the parliament, not with a judge or a general. For the first time in the country’s history, a prime minister was ousted through a vote of no confidence, whereas previously, dictators or judges were the ones who sent elected prime ministers home.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari clearly stated that both the current Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, who were part of the bench that ruled Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto innocent, are highly respected by him.

Pakistan and Russia have reiterated their commitment to expanding trade and economic ties, along with enhancing regional connectivity, to strengthen bilateral relations. Both sides underscored the importance of fostering mutually beneficial cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, food security, business, education, railways, science and technology, and promoting stronger people-to-people connections.

This was discussed during a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and the visiting Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Mr Alexei Overchuk, who along with members of his delegation called on the President, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, on Thursday.

Welcoming the Russian Deputy Prime Minister, the President stressed the importance of exploring possibilities for barter trade, in addition to improving connectivity to strengthen economic relations between the two nations. He called for easing visa regulations and increasing connectivity through railways and direct flights to facilitate and enhance people-to-people and business-to-business contacts.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that there was great scope to increase bilateral cooperation in the agriculture sector. It was emphasised that there was enormous potential to undertake joint ventures in the agricultural sector for the mutual benefit of the two countries. It was also informed that a 75-member business delegation from Pakistan would visit Russia in October to explore avenues for business and economic cooperation.

Mr Alexei Overchuk said that Russia was looking forward to improving cooperation with Pakistan in the areas of food security, science and technology, education, connectivity and railways. He stated that the upcoming visit of the Russian Prime Minister to Pakistan, in October, would provide another opportunity to further strengthen bilateral relations. He further said that Russia held tremendous respect for all religions and Muslim culture, and had condemned the desecration of the Holy Quran.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Mr Ishaq Dar, Chairman Pakistan People’s Party, Mr Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Minister of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Mr Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Minister of Energy (Power and Petroleum Divisions), Mr Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister of Communications, Mr Abdul Aleem Khan, Minister of Commerce, Mr Jam Kamal Khan, Senator Ms Sherry Rehman, and senior officials of the Government were also present during the meeting.