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President Asif Ali Zardari has called upon the nation and the Muslim Ummah to abide by the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) as a guiding light to overcome the prevailing challenges. 

The president, in his message on 12th Rabiul Awwal, 1446, greeted the nation on the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), and said that Allah Almighty had set the Holy Prophet’s life as a role model to guide every aspect of life.

The president highlighted that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) established a just society where every individual, regardless of their wealth or social status, could live with dignity. He also emphasised the Holy Prophet’s teachings encouraged his followers to speak out against oppression and support the marginalized as an integral part of their faith.

“Today, as the world faces division and oppression, it’s imperative to spread the message of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who embodied love, tolerance, and human rights. He treated all individuals, regardless of their faith, with respect and dignity. Embracing this spirit, we must promote global brotherhood, justice, and love,” President Zardari remarked.

President Zardari said that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) would continue to be a source of guidance forever. 12th Rabiul Awwal serves as a reminder of a transformative message that turned the darkness into a beacon of light.

He emphasized that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) considered those who benefited others as the best of humanity.

“So on this auspicious occasion, we need to disseminate the Holy Prophet (PBUH)’s message of love and compassion to humanity. His life exemplifies service to humanity, from caring for orphans and supporting the poor to inquiring after the sick,” he remarked.

The president urged the countrymen to dedicate the day to the welfare of humanity and incorporate the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) into our daily lives. He also prayed to Allah Almighty for Pakistan’s peace and prosperity and sought strength to adhere to the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, in his address to the National Assembly today, extended his felicitations to Makhdoom Tahir Rashid ud Din on becoming a member of the National Assembly. He expressed his gratitude to the people of Punjab and Rahim Yar Khan for their support of the PPP and for putting an end to the politics of hate and division. He also commended the Party’s organisation in South Punjab for their dedication, highlighting their efforts to combat every ‘fitna’ and their success through the power of the people. These are the candidates, he said, who can present Form 45 from every polling station.

Chairman Bilawal emphasised the need for politicians to work together to restore both politics and the Parliament. However, before this can happen, it must be determined whether those who lose are willing to accept their defeat and whether the victors can accept their victory with humility. The decision of the people must be trusted and respected for the country to progress. He thanked all the candidates who participated in the recent election, noting that they had demonstrated that the people of Pakistan do not stand with the politics of hate or with Prisoner No. 804. Those who support Prisoner No. 804 continue to lose by-elections, while allied parties emerge victorious.

Chairman Bilawal referenced a statement made yesterday by Prisoner No. 804, in which the individual of attacked every constitutional institution for personal political gain and to seek relief from his cases. He urged the PTI to investigate whether this statement was actually made by Imran Khan. Until yesterday, he said, the country was moving in a positive direction, with a forum being formed to legislate for democracy. However, this statement represents an attack on democracy. He pointed out that the individual had committed contempt of court against the current Chief Justice and had made politically motivated accusations against the Chief of Army Staff, aiming to make the post controversial. If Imran Khan indeed made this statement, Chairman Bilawal stated, he should face the consequences as per the Constitution and law of Pakistan. If Imran Khan did not make the statement, then the Leader of the Opposition or the party chairman must clarify whether the account was managed by Ali Amin or Mr. Marwat. Such clarification, he stressed, is essential.

Chairman Bilawal explained that these allegations align with a pattern of actions that have been in play since the no-confidence motion, a constitutional and democratic measure that sent the Prime Minister home. Certain individuals within the establishment, in connivance with a political party, began what was essentially a coup attempt. The first attack was the rejection of the no-confidence motion, abrogating the Constitution under the guise of Article 5. The second was an effort to hold elections before the appointment of the Army Chief. The third attack sought to make the appointment process controversial. It is said, during his stint as the Intelligence Chief, he caught Imran Khan’s corruption and presented the evidence to him. Instead of taking action, Imran Khan removed the Intelligence Chief and thus began this conspiracy to sabotage the Constitution.

Chairman Bilawal said that ongoing investigations would soon uncover the full truth behind the Form 45 debacle, and when the evidence surfaces, these ‘representatives’ would not be able to face the public.

Chairman Bilawal questioned why such extreme stances emerge whenever democratic political parties take steps toward democracy. He urged the PTI to investigate within their own ranks to identify those responsible for Imran Khan’s statements and actions, which have worsened the party’s and the country’s plight.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari while talking to journalists at the Parliament House on Friday discussed in detail the issues of Pakistani politics, economy and judiciary. While answering the questions of the journalists, Chairman Bilawal said that the biggest task for any parliament is changes in legislation and changes in the constitution. He said that this was demonstrated and was the first and the biggest success achieved by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto when he gave a consensus Islamic democratic and federal constitution to the country. After that we restored the same constitution by the 18th amendment.

At present every institution is facing one or the other challenge and everyone can see that this system is not working. It is also known that the third generation of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto had to wait for justice. Now when this is the situation, a common man has to face many difficulties to get justice. All our institutions are facing problems, including the Parliament. Journalism is also faced with difficulties. Journalism plays an important role. We need independent journalism as well as responsible journalism. Recently, journalists were abused in a rally. The media should also have a standard so that if any wrong news is broadcast, it should be clarified in the same way.

The law and order situation in the country is also worrying. Recently there were incidents of terrorism in Balochistan and the situation in KP is even worse. The Chief Minister of KP is facing problems in his own village. Terrorism has to be fought by the provincial and federal government together. At this time, it is seen for the first time that there are difficulties in giving peace to the people of Pakistan and it is the first time that politics is being done on this issue. There is a glimmer of hope since yesterday an all-party committee has been formed in Parliament to look into the issues. He said that we have established this committee willingly. There should be a working relationship in Parliament so that people’s problems can be resolved. If we do that, it will be a huge success.

The idea behind the Charter of Democracy was to solve the problems of the people of Pakistan and all the institutions become functional. We have implemented 90% of the Charter of Democracy, only a few points remain. One of them is the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which can work on every national issue and is very important. The NAB reforms which were in the Charter of Democracy must also be implemented. NAB should not become an institution of political victimization only. The Charter of Democracy also contained points regarding the Judiciary which were introduced by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to make the courts powerful and the courts to start functioning and to give quick and cheap justice to the common man. Inflation is a huge problem at present and we all want suggestions to be given to reduce inflation and how inflation can be reduced and this can only be done through mutual consultation and discussion. Currently, the problems of Pakistan are not being solved due to the politics of hatred.

On the question of extending the tenure of the Chief Justice, he said that it cannot be the decision of a single individual. The stand of Pakistan Peoples Party is based on the Charter of Democracy. PPP has been criticizing the way appointments are being made in the judiciary at present. After the Eighteenth Amendment, it was forcibly changed and the Nineteenth Amendment was passed. The process of appointment in the Judiciary is “of the Judiciary, for the Judiciary, by the Judiciary”. This process needs to be improved. We should make every decision with as much consensus as possible. Responding to another question, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that at present there are only discussions on the constitutional amendments. Now Maulana Fazlur Rahman himself is included in the committee formed by the Speaker. If the committee wants to amend the constitution, we will do it and if it doesn’t, we won’t. This committee is expected at least to formulate a code of conduct for Parliament.

On the question of governor’s rule in KP, he said that Pakistan People’s Party is against governor’s rule, but if governor’s rule is imposed in certain circumstances, then governor’s rule cannot be imposed for a long time in the presence of the 18^th  Amendment. We want to work with the spirit of the “Charter of democracy”. We want to establish a working relationship. It will be welcome if the rest of the points of the CoD are implemented. We would always like to participate in this committee in a democratic, constitutional and positive manner. He said that his aim in politics is not to join the government. Our aim is to eradicate the problems of the people like inflation and poverty and to improve the economy of the country. Similarly, we want improvement in every institution.

President Asif Ali Zardari has reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to conserving its marine ecosystems and coastal areas by addressing challenges such as sea pollution and climate change. He said that maritime pollution was a major concern for Pakistan as it was negatively affecting aquatic life, causing a decline in the growth of the country’s fisheries sector.

The President expressed these views while talking to the visiting Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco, who called on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, on Thursday. Minister for Maritime Affairs, Mr Qaiser Ahmad Sheikh, Chairperson Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Senator Sherry Rehman, and senior government officials attended the meeting.

Welcoming the Secretary-General, the President said that focusing on the blue economy was a cornerstone of Pakistan’s development strategy as Pakistan was keen on modernizing its fisheries and ship breaking sectors under the Special Investment Facilitation Council. He added that Pakistan was taking effective steps to tackle the effects of climate change. He said that Pakistan wanted to improve its marine ecosystem and would welcome IMO’s assistance and expertise in this regard. In order to mitigate the impacts of climate change, he highlighted that Pakistan had planted mangroves over a million acres in Sindh and also sold carbon credits in the international market. He informed that plans were afoot to plant mangroves on another 2 million acres of land. 

The President also highlighted Pakistan’s strong commitment to adhering to IMO regulations and standards for maritime safety, security and environmental protection. He said that Pakistan was looking forward to exploring potential areas for future collaboration with IMO, including technical cooperation and expertise-sharing to improve Pakistan’s maritime sector.

The Secretary-General said that Pakistan had great maritime potential, adding that IMO would continue to support Pakistan in advancing collaborations and promoting a sustainable and efficient maritime industry.

The President congratulated the Secretary-General on his election as the 10th Secretary General of IMO and expressed confidence in his leadership to advance the organization’s mission for a fair and effective regulatory framework for the global shipping industry.

The envoys of Sweden and Belgium presented their diplomatic credentials to President Asif Ali Zardari, during a credential ceremony, held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, today.

The President received credentials from the Ambassador-designate of Sweden, Ms Alexandra Berg Von Linde, and the Ambassador-designate of Belgium, Mr Charles-Idesbald Van Der Gracht De Rommerswael, who also held separate meetings with the President.

Welcoming the envoys, the President felicitated them on their appointment and expressed the hope that they would play their role in further improving mutually beneficial cooperation with Pakistan.

Talking to the Ambassador-designate of Belgium, the President highlighted that Pakistan greatly valued its relations with Belgium. He said that Belgium was an important trading partner and Pakistan wanted to further enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation with Belgium.

During the meeting with the Ambassador-designate of Sweden, the President said that Pakistan and Sweden enjoyed friendly and cooperative relations based on mutual respect and understanding. He underlined the need to further strengthen the bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of the two countries. 

Earlier, the envoys were presented guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Armed Forces upon their arrival at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, in his address to the National Assembly today, referred to the students seated in the galleries, stating that the future of the country is present in the Parliament today.

Chairman Bilawal said he reflected on what the youth might be thinking about the future of the country. He remarked that not many of them would aspire to become politicians. Being a member of the House is a matter of prestige and honour in any democratic country. Politics has become a curse, but it is the same politics that will bring employment to the youth, economic justice to the people, and govern the country. The country is currently facing multiple crises, but when today’s children grow up, it will lead the region.

Chairman Bilawal stressed that without establishing the supremacy of the Constitution, no institution can function. The representatives of the House must maintain a working relationship. If the government is constantly engaged in firefighting, and the Opposition continues to curse, make hue and cry, and act below the belt, they cannot fulfill their duty of holding the government accountable. If they claim the government’s economic or security policies are flawed, they must also propose solutions. Failure to fulfill their responsibilities means the Opposition will not achieve its own objectives. While it is expected for the Opposition to raise the matter of their imprisoned leaders, the more pressing issues for the people they govern include unemployment, inflation, education, health, and terrorism.

Chairman Bilawal highlighted that if the Chief Minister curses the media and opposition, and uses his own government to initiate vindictive actions against judges in the Anti-Terrorism Court, it does not address the issues of the people in the province. On the other hand, if the government’s primary focus is who to jail next, it may bring momentary satisfaction, but tomorrow we will all be trapped in the same cycle, he said.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari recalled that during Imran Khan’s tenure as Prime Minister, the PPP did not harbour any personal grudges against him. Their only concern was protecting the Constitution and democracy, for which his family and party had sacrificed, and to solve the problems of the people. He mentioned that this was the reason for the signing of the Charter of Democracy between Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif. Previously, the Election Commissioner was appointed by the government, but their amendments allowed the Opposition Leader to play a role in the process, as is the case with the appointment of the interim government. This understanding stemmed from the realisation that both sides must work together for the country’s prosperity. Personal grievances, such as who jailed whom, must be set aside in favor of serving the people in Parliament.

Chairman Bilawal said the PPP contested elections to achieve economic justice for the people. He said that he also criticised the government where necessary. However, it is now time to evaluate the government’s performance on key issues. He pointed out that while the government’s target was to reduce inflation to 12 percent, the rate has already dropped to 9.6 percent, with the year yet to end.

While we have criticised the government’s economic policies, the House should commend the reduction in inflation, and now everyone must contribute their input, Chairman PPP said. He further said that from 2008 to 2013, the government operated with consensus, engaging with the same Opposition responsible for keeping his father in jail for over a decade. They developed a revolutionary, consensus-based document that strengthened all constitutional institutions. A lobby exists against this consensus, seeking to undermine it to create more space for anti-democratic forces. One such effort took shape under Iftikhar Chaudhary, and another involved intelligence officers backing a political party, pushing the political system to a point where even basic cooperation is elusive. This, Chairman Bilawal warned, is playing with the destinies of future generations.

Chairman Bilawal urged the Speaker to restore the functionality of the House, as a functional Parliament is essential for a functional country. He expressed disappointment regarding the resignation of a senior politician, particularly one who had played a significant role in the politics of Balochistan. “All it takes for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing,” Chairman Bilawal expressed over Mr. Mengal’s decision to resign and emphasised the need for all members to take responsibility. He reminded the House that during the PDM government, he had advised against boycotting the assemblies. Now, both the Opposition and the country are suffering as a result.

Chairman Bilawal suggested the Speaker form a high-powered committee to help restore the functionality of the House. He reiterated that the responsibility of Parliament is not only to legislate but also to create a conducive environment. The cycle of political rallies against one another must end, and the focus should shift toward serving the people and safeguarding their rights.

President Asif Ali Zardari has assured the Chairperson of Abdul Qadeer Khan Hospital Trust, Dr. Dina Khan , of his support to the Trust that provides free medical and healthcare services to the deprived and marginalized section of the society. He commended the services of the Trust offering accessible healthcare to the needy people. 

The President expressed these views during a meeting with the delegation of Dr. A.Q. Khan Hospital Trust, led by Dr. Dina Khan, daughter of Mohsin-e-Pakistan Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan (Late), at Aiwan-e-Sadr, today. Ms. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, MNA, was also present during the meeting. The meeting was also attended by the Trustees namely Mr. Habib-ur-Rehman, Raja Arshad Mehmood and Advisor Chaudhry Ghulam Yasir Abbas. 

Dr. Dina Khan briefed the President about the role of the hospital in the provision of medical services to the people. She also apprised the President about certain problems being faced by the Trust and highlighted that some former trustees had committed financial embezzlement and had misused the accounts of the Trust.

The President said that the entire nation was indebted to Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan for his services to the nation and that their issues would be resolved.

The President commended the working of A.Q. Khan Hospital Trust, and appreciated the generous donations by the people for the noble cause of providing much-needed free health services to the underprivileged.

President Asif Ali Zardari has urged the nation to follow Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s principles of “unity, faith and discipline” emphasising their significance as a beacon for the country’s development. “I am sure that by acting upon his (Quaid-e-Azam) teachings and advice, we can make Pakistan strong and prosperous,” the president said in his message to the nation on the occasion of the 76th death anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah annually observed on September 11. Paying tribute to Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the president said that the Pakistani nation was indebted to him for his efforts and contribution to the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent where they could live with dignity and exercise their political, cultural, and religious rights. Calling him a visionary leader, who united the Muslims of India under one banner, the president said the whole nation was proud of Quaid-e-Azam’s untiring struggle and unwavering commitment to the right to self-determination that shaped the destiny of millions of Muslims. “Quaid-e-Azam’s vision for Pakistan was fundamentally democratic as he firmly believed in a state where all citizens, irrespective of religion, would be equal before the law. Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s struggle not only laid the foundation of Pakistan’s democratic system but continues to influence our aspirations for parliamentary democracy and communal harmony,” he remarked. President Zardari said that Quaid-e-Azam successfully steered Indian Muslims through the complex political landscape of India while maintaining an unyielding stance on the rights of Muslims. He said that Jinnah had envisioned a Pakistan based on Islamic principles of democracy and socio-economic justice. “It was due to his sheer will, hard work and successful advocacy of the cause of Muslims that the partition of India became a reality. On this day, we not only honour his efforts but also recommit ourselves to the values and ideals that he championed,” the president added.

President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday strongly condemned the incident of firing targeting a police mobile van in Panjgur, which led to the killing of Sub-inspector Shakeel Ahmed. The president paid tribute to the martyred sub-inspector, praying for peace for the departed soul and strength for the bereaved family to bear the loss, according to a President House press release. He also paid homage to Sub-inspector Shakeel for his sacrifice and commitment to duty.

Senator Rubina Khalid, Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), conducted a live E-Katcheri session today at BISP Headquarters. During the session, Senator Rubina Khalid directly interacted with beneficiaries via BISP’s official Facebook account, listening to their concerns and issuing immediate directives for the resolution of their complaints.

Over the course of the one-hour live session, 34 people from across the country called in. The callers asked questions related to their enrollment in the Benazir Income Support Programme, eligibility criteria, and stipend information for the Benazir Kafaalat, Taleemi Wazaif, and Nashonuma programmes. Senator Rubina Khalid addressed their queries in real time and instructed officers to resolve the issues on an urgent basis.

The Chairperson informed the callers that if, for any reason, a deserving woman is unable to withdraw her stipend on time, the amount is added to her next installment, which she can receive as a lump sum. Senator Rubina Khalid further explained that payments are currently being made under a new banking model to ensure the distribution of funds to deserving women in a dignified and transparent manner.