Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, addressed a mammoth election public gathering (Jalsa) in Shigar (Gilgit-Baltistan) on Monday. The rally was organized by Imran Nadeem, the Pakistan Peoples Party candidate from the Shigar constituency.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Bilawal said that today he had returned to the people of Shigar and thanked them for supporting the PPP for the past three generations. He said that standing on these mountains, he could proudly declare: “Zinda Hai Bhutto, Zinda Hai.” He added that the opponents wanted to suppress this slogan, but the people of Shigar had foiled their intentions.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto gave the country the 1973 Constitution, and when he sought the support of the people of Shigar and Gilgit-Baltistan, they wholeheartedly stood by him. He said that when the people of Pakistan elected him as the country’s first directly elected Prime Minister, he made Pakistan a nuclear power. He always stood with the downtrodden of society. When he visited this region and witnessed the poverty of the people of Shigar and Gilgit-Baltistan, he introduced a program to transform their destiny.

He said that the greatest achievement of Shaheed Quaid-e-Awam for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan was the gift of subsidies, which continue to this day. Because of these subsidies, the people here receive petrol and wheat at the same prices as in Karachi. It was believed that by martyring him, the voice of the poor would be silenced and there would be no one left to speak for farmers, laborers, the rights of the people, and democracy but that proved to be a mistake.

He further said that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto struggled alongside the people for their rights for 30 years. She became the first woman Prime Minister of the Muslim world, and the people of Pakistan elected her Prime Minister twice. Chairman Bilawal said that the world knows Pakistan through the name of Shaheed Bibi, and wherever he went as Foreign Minister, he was respected not merely because he was the youngest Foreign Minister, but because he is the son of Shaheed Bibi and the grandson of Quaid-e-Awam and also because he represents the people of Pakistan.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that once again he had come to seek the support of the people of Shigar, who had never disappointed him. He recalled the warm welcome he received during the previous elections. He said that he had angered the entire PDM leadership at the time because while a PDM rally was taking place in Balochistan, he chose instead to come to the people of Shigar.

He added that during the previous elections, the victory of Imran Nadeem had been stolen, but circumstances are now different. He expressed confidence that his loyal supporters would elect the true representative of the people, and that representative is Imran Nadeem. Chairman Bilawal said that nine seats of the party had been snatched away in the previous elections. Addressing the people of Shigar, he remarked: “You arrange Form-45, and he will take care of Form-47.” He concluded by saying that this time, no one would be able to steal their seat.

He said that the Pakistan Peoples Party is a democratic party and has never asked anyone to “select” it into power. We have always demanded free and fair elections, and this was our demand in the past as well as today. He urged the public to stamp the arrow symbol and said that just as Quaid-e-Awam and Shaheed Bibi served the people, our slogan even today remains “Roti, Kapra aur Makaan” (Bread, Clothing and Shelter). Our manifesto is that we will secure the rights of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. Our seats were snatched away, yet even with only three seats we continued to serve the people wholeheartedly. We have always played a leading role in securing the rights of ownership and governance for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. Just as the 18th Amendment ensured provinces received their due rights, Gilgit-Baltistan should also receive the same rights, and only the Pakistan Peoples Party can accomplish this. If elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir are held alongside Pakistan’s general elections, it will become easier to secure the rights of ownership and governance.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that our opponents want to control everything from Islamabad, whether it is Gwadar or Karachi. The decisions regarding Gilgit-Baltistan should be made by the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, and the decisions regarding Shigar should be made by the people of Shigar. There is no need for ministers for Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir; if the federal government claims it is bankrupt, then these ministries should be abolished. The resources of Gilgit-Baltistan’s mountains belong to you. If the people of Shigar are allowed to make these decisions, they will achieve economic self-reliance. We have proven this in Sindh by generating electricity from Thar coal. Shaheed Bibi wanted to start this project in the 1990s, but it was delayed for 30 years. We demonstrated success through a public-private partnership, and the success of the Thar coal project has benefited the entire country by producing the cheapest electricity in Pakistan.

At the same time, our focus has always been on providing employment opportunities to the people. Shaheed Bhutto gave every Pakistani the right to a passport and arranged employment opportunities for them abroad, and the remittances they sent became one of the biggest contributors to Pakistan’s economy. When Shaheed Bibi returned to Pakistan in 2007, the public slogan was, “Benazir Aye Gi, Rozgar Lai Gi.” Rights of ownership will also lead to rights of employment, and Pakistan’s youth will come to Gilgit-Baltistan in search of jobs. Now it is your and my turn so that, by completing the mission of Quaid-e-Awam and Shaheed Bibi, we can bring prosperity to the people.

He said that at this time the entire region and the world are facing anxiety and uncertainty. The United States and Israel attacked Iran and martyred Iranian leaders and schoolchildren, which we condemn. The Field Marshal is trying to establish peace, and we too are against war. It is the youth of the world who are bearing the economic burden of this conflict. The prices of petrol and diesel have risen drastically. We pray that peace efforts succeed and that inflation decreases.

He said, “Who do you want to represent you at this time? If you believe that PML-N can serve the people, then so be it, but they do not do so. On the other hand, PPP has always cared for the poor, laborers, and farmers. PPP is the voice of the poor and the party of the poor. PPP’s policies are always pro-poor. BISP is an example of this. In every difficult time, poor women across the country receive assistance through BISP. Only PPP can protect BISP and safeguard the poor, which is why PPP must be brought to victory.”

He said that some people want to sabotage BISP because they fear the philosophy and vision of Shaheed Quaid-e-Awam and Shaheed Bibi. Their proposal is to hand BISP over to the provinces, whereas throughout the world such programs are run by the federal government. “Does Gilgit-Baltistan have the resources to run such a program?” he asked. He added that when he was Foreign Minister, he even advised Afghanistan to create a similar successful program. Today, from Egypt to Brazil, countries are replicating BISP and running similar initiatives.

As Foreign Minister, during the floods, he also helped the public through BISP. He said the floods had washed everything away, and at that time, as a pro-poor party, he instructed the Chief Minister of Sindh to first build homes for the poor before focusing on other development projects. He said this is the world’s largest housing project, under which they are providing two million homes to poor people. Ownership of these houses is being given in the names of women. “We have economically empowered women,” he said. He added that this is also the largest land transfer project, and through it they have provided employment to one million people who are building these homes.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that PPP’s policies have always been pro-poor. “We have built hospitals throughout Sindh that are providing free treatment to the public, while in other provinces hospitals and educational institutions are being privatized. This makes healthcare and education more expensive for ordinary people. In Sindh, however, we have established a network of world-class hospitals across the province that provide free treatment.”

He said poor people from across the country are receiving free treatment at these hospitals. Treatments for heart, kidney, and liver diseases are extremely expensive, yet in Sindh they are being provided free of cost. Even in Gambat, a small and underdeveloped tehsil of Khairpur, there is a world-class institution providing free medical treatment.

He said, “If you elect my representative, we will establish a similar institution for free medical treatment in Shigar for the people of Shigar.”

He further said that if the people want their voice to reach Islamabad, then there is only one party capable of doing so, the Pakistan Peoples Party. “On June 7, by stamping the arrow symbol and ensuring the victory of Imran Nadeem, you must hold accountable the injustice of the previous elections. It is your responsibility to stamp the arrow symbol and carry forward this struggle of three generations.”

He said that the people had never disappointed Shaheed Quaid-e-Awam Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, President Zardari, or him, and he hoped they would not do so this time as well. At the end of his speech, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also led the crowd in chanting slogans in support of the party.

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It has been almost four hundred years since early writings first drew attention to the health hazards of tobacco. For decades, there has been a strong consensus in the scientific and health community that tobacco products pose serious health and economic risks. Successive governments around the world, working with civil society, have taken a range of measures through regulation and awareness to reduce tobacco use. Yet it continues to pose a serious threat to public health and economic wellbeing across the world, including Pakistan.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that tobacco causes more than 7 million deaths every year worldwide, including about 1.6 million deaths from second-hand smoke exposure.

These figures should compel us to reflect on the scale of a public health challenge that continues to affect millions of people and families.

Children and young people remain particularly vulnerable. The tobacco and nicotine industry continues to target younger generations through evolving products and marketing approaches designed to create and sustain addiction. Early exposure to nicotine heightens the risk of lifelong dependence and adverse health outcomes.

The latest research shows that, globally and in Pakistan, the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, nicotine pouches and other nicotine products presents growing public health concerns. There is also evidence of concerning patterns of poly-substance use, where tobacco and nicotine products may coexist with other harmful substances, creating serious risks for young people and communities. Stronger awareness, regulation and prevention efforts are essential.

Early exposure to nicotine heightens the risk of lifelong dependence, adverse health outcomes and limited future opportunities. Widespread second-hand smoke exposure increases children’s vulnerability to asthma, pneumonia, ear infections, low birth weight and sudden infant death. The impact extends beyond health, placing a heavy burden on families and health systems.

Tobacco products are also closely linked with a growing burden of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and chronic respiratory conditions. These illnesses affect individuals and families in deeply personal ways and place sustained pressure on our hospitals, clinics and public health services.

For many households, the impact is not abstract. A working-age parent falling ill, repeated hospital visits, the cost of long-term treatment and reduced earning capacity can quickly strain already limited household resources. These pressures are felt in everyday life, from missed school days for children to the difficulties families face in managing routine expenses.

As your elder and as your head of state, I must tell you that this day is a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect current and future generations from the harms of tobacco products.

The time has come that besides other issues, our national parliament and provincial legislatures make laws and create effective enforcement mechanisms to protect our people and future generations and effectively resist the merchants of death.

Besides parliament and the government, parents, teachers, artists, poets, singers, musicians, actors, playwrights, healthcare professionals and community leaders all have a role in shaping awareness, discouraging the use of tobacco products and creating an ecosystem to protect our people. Change at the household and community level can contribute meaningfully to national progress in public health.

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President Asif Ali Zardari has extended felicitations to King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the brotherly people of Jordan on their Independence Day.

​In a message, conveyed on behalf of the Government and the people of Pakistan, the President noted that Pakistan and Jordan enjoy cordial and long-standing relations, founded on mutual respect, trust and shared values. Both countries maintain a close understanding and convergence of views on a wide range of regional and international issues. The President expressed confidence that these fraternal ties will continue to grow even stronger in the years ahead.

​President Zardari recalled His Majesty’s visit to Pakistan in November 2025, emphasising that it provided a valuable impetus to bilateral cooperation and further reinforced the bonds of friendship between the two nations.

​The President further conveyed his sincere wishes for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the people of Jordan.

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President Asif Ali Zardari has strongly condemned the terrorist incident in Quetta and expressed deep grief over the loss of innocent lives. He said such acts of terrorism are aimed at harming the people of Pakistan and diverting attention from the country’s efforts for global peace.

The President said elements hostile to Pakistan are attempting to undermine our initiatives that serve broader humanitarian objectives, global peace and progress. He stated that terrorists and their patrons are also seeking to disrupt Pakistan’s focus on stability and development.

He said there should be no doubt that Pakistan will defeat terrorists, their facilitators, financiers and those providing them safe havens. He added that the country will also thwart every conspiracy against peace, stability and national security.

The President stated that Pakistan will neither forget nor forgive the terrorists and their patrons. He said the blood of martyrs will not go in vain and every drop of their blood will be accounted for.

He urged the world to recognise the true face of terrorists and their patrons who are attempting, unsuccessfully, to derail Pakistan’s global peace efforts.

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Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians Secretary General Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari strongly condemned the suicide blast at the Quetta-Chaman railway crossing, saying that terrorists cannot break the morale of the nation.

In a statement, Bukhari said that elements hostile to peace who seek to undermine the country’s stability are unforgivable criminals.

“Cowardly attacks cannot shake the resolve of the people,” he said, adding that the entire nation stands with the bereaved families in their grief.

Bukhari offered prayers for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks, expressed solidarity with the affected families, and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.

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Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, while inaugurating the newly completed mega project Shahrah-e-Bhutto in Karachi, announced three additional game-changing mega initiatives aimed at ensuring Pakistan’s sustainable economic development. These include the construction of the country’s first modern seaport at Keti Bandar under a public-private partnership model, the establishment of the Sindh International Financial Center, and the creation of a special defense production zone in Karachi to cater both to domestic needs and exports.
He also expressed hope and prayers for the success of the ongoing diplomatic efforts led by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif aimed at ending the Iran war.
According to the press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, the PPP Chairman, while addressing the inauguration ceremony of Shahrah-e-Bhutto, said that whenever Karachi witnessed development, it was under PPP governments. “The number of projects completed from 2008 till today has no precedent in Karachi’s history. If you compare the development work carried out between 1947 and 2008 with what has been achieved during the PPP era, the difference is evident,” he added. Referring to major projects completed in the past, including Pakistan Steel Mills, Port Qasim, Shahrah-e-Faisal, and the Lyari Expressway, he pointed out that all these landmark initiatives were gifts of PPP governments. He said that Karachi has become the country’s most rapidly developing city because of the PPP, attracting people from across Pakistan who wish to settle here. “I can proudly say that Karachi is not only the commercial capital of Pakistan, but if this country has a healthcare capital, it is Karachi as well,” he added.
Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari highlighted the progress achieved after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, saying that after healthcare came under provincial jurisdiction, the Sindh Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (formerly NICVD) evolved into a globally recognized institution for providing free and quality healthcare. Rejecting what he described as baseless criticism by political opponents, he challenged them to see for themselves the condition of the NICVD before the 18th Amendment and compare it with the extensive cardiac healthcare network it has become today.
Chairman PPP said that he entered politics solely to fulfill the unfinished dreams and mission of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. He pointed out that during her tenure, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had announced the Karachi Special Package for the development of the metropolis, which included projects such as the Lyari Expressway and the Malir Expressway (Shahrah-e-Bhutto). “Today is therefore a proud day for the PPP, for every Jiyala of the party, and for me personally as the son of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, that we have fulfilled this dream by completing the Shahrah-e-Bhutto,” he said. He further expressed satisfaction that the project was completed under the public-private partnership model — a concept first introduced in Pakistan by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto herself.
Describing public service and resolving people’s problems as his responsibility, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari acknowledged that economic hardships faced by the people have intensified significantly. He said that the situation arising from the Iran war has imposed economic burdens on the people of Pakistan, just as it has affected people across the world. He warned that if the war situation does not come to an end, economic difficulties would increase further.He said that all those striving for a ceasefire and the establishment of peace are performing a noble service. Appreciating the ongoing efforts of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Prime Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif, and federal team for peace, he remarked, “We thank them because we, the people of Pakistan, are peace-loving people. Historically, we have stood against war, and the PPP has also always opposed war.” He expressed hope that the ongoing peace efforts would soon succeed, making it possible to ease the economic hardships faced by the people.
Chairman pointed out that despite limited resources, the Sindh government has introduced measures to provide relief to people facing economic hardships, including the Kisan Card and the Peoples Motorcycle Fuel Subsidy Program. He added that the provincial government is also preparing similar relief initiatives for fishermen in the near future.He said that while the provincial government does not possess enough resources to provide direct relief to every citizen, efforts are being made to create employment opportunities for the people.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the PPP has proven its ability to deliver. He said that instead of burdening the public exchequer, the Sindh government would form consortiums with the business community and successfully complete major development projects. He announced that new public-private partnership projects are being launched in Sindh, including the country’s first modern seaport at Keti Bandar in district Thatta — another dream project of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. He said that the Keti Bandar Port would transform the destiny of the coastal districts of Thatta, Sujawal, and Badin. To establish Karachi as a leading economic hub, he also announced the establishment of the “Sindh International Financial Center,” modeled after the Dubai Financial Center. “I promise that we will establish the Sindh International Financial Center,” he declared.
Chairman PPP further said that Karachi’s role in Pakistan’s defense production would also be expanded. Referring to last year’s war with India, he said Pakistan’s defense capabilities received global recognition, and various countries are now showing interest in Pakistani defense products. “Today, it is not ‘Made in India’ but rather ‘Made in Pakistan’ that is in demand in the global market,” he remarked.
Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari strongly criticized political opponents regarding Karachi, saying that “political orphans” have nothing to offer except baseless criticism against the PPP, and urged party workers not to pay attention to such criticism and conspiracies. “Whether the conspiracy is against this city, this province, or Pakistan itself, I will defeat it,” he vowed.
He said that no other city or province in the country enjoys the level of democracy that exists in Sindh, and that only the PPP demonstrates the political tolerance to endure such criticism because it considers criticism an essential part of democracy. He remarked that deliberate attempts are often made to malign Karachi in order to make certain conspiracies succeed. While acknowledging that Karachi undoubtedly faces challenges, he stressed that only the people of Karachi can resolve them. He further pointed out that political opponents sitting in cities where local government systems do not exist at all still question Sindh’s local government structure. He noted that neither Islamabad nor Punjab currently has a functioning local government system, while in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Imran Khan abolished the local government system after losing elections. “Yet despite the absence of local governments there, nobody says Lahore should be separated or made independent,” he added.
Chairman PPP further remarked that people would also question those who have remained “lifetime federal ministers” about what they actually delivered for Karachi despite being part of every government. He said the public would ask why they failed to build even a single hospital or road in Karachi during their years in power.
He emphasized that despite political differences, the PPP still invites everyone to work together for the country and its people, because this is not the time for internal conflict or the creation of further crises.
Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari appreciated the efforts of Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and his team for completing Shahrah-e-Bhutto, and expressed hope that the next phase of the project — linking the road to the port — would also be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
Meanwhile, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari formally inaugurated the 39-kilometer-long signal-free Shahrah-e-Bhutto corridor stretching from Qayyumabad to the M-9 Motorway in Karachi under the Sindh Local Government Department and the Public-Private Partnership Unit. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, provincial ministers, members of the assembly, and prominent business and social personalities were also present on the occasion in large numbers.relations between Pakistan and China.

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President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the joint ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

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President Asif Ali Zardari, First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and Chairman PPP Mr Bilawal Bhutto Zardari presenting a souvenir to Prince Rahim Aga Khan V at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

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President Asif Ali Zardari today received His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V upon his arrival at Noor Khan Airbase on an official visit to Pakistan. First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari accompanied the President.

This is Prince Rahim Aga Khan’s first visit to Pakistan since assuming leadership of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community as the 50th Imam following the passing of his father, His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, in February 2025.

Upon arrival at Aiwan-e-Sadr, a tri-services guard of honour comprising contingents of the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force was presented to the visiting dignitary.

President Asif Ali Zardari, First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman PPP, held a meeting with Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, followed by delegation-level talks. The President also hosted a banquet in his honour, which was attended among others by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir COAS & CDF, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, federal ministers, members of parliament and members of the diplomatic community.

The President appreciated the Aga Khan Development Network’s longstanding contributions to Pakistan in healthcare, education, community development, climate resilience and heritage conservation. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with AKDN for the welfare and development of vulnerable communities.

The President recalled the enduring association of late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV with Pakistan and appreciated the historic contributions of the Aga Khan family to the country.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan thanked the President for the warm welcome and reaffirmed AKDN’s continued commitment to supporting development and humanitarian initiatives in Pakistan.

Prince Rahim’s last visit to Pakistan was in 2024, when the President conferred upon him the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the nation’s highest civilian award, in recognition of Aga Khan family’s longstanding contributions to Pakistan.

Mr Sultan Ali Allana, Director Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development & Head of Financial Services AKDN; Mr Shafic Sachedina, Head of Department of Jamati Institutions; Mr Nizar Noor Mohammed Mewawala, President Ismaili Council for Pakistan and Mr Akbar Ladak, Vice President Ismaili Council for Pakistan, were part of the delegation.

Chairman PPP, and former Foreign Minister, Mr Bilawal Bhutto Zardari; First Lady, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari; Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, Mr Naveed Qamar, MNA, Dr Asim Hussain and Foreign Secretary also attended the meeting.

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Chairman PPP Mr Bilawal Bhutto Zardari receiving Prince Rahim Aga Khan V upon his arrival at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

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