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Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and fostering the development and empowerment of minorities in Pakistan. He emphasized that the PPP will never compromise on these core principles.

In a statement issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP, on the occasion of National Minorities Day, underscored his party’s long-standing dedication to championing minority rights. He highlighted that the consensus Constitution of 1973, a testament to the political vision of Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, guarantees equal rights, religious freedoms, and protections for all citizens of Pakistan. “My mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, envisioned a Pakistan where people of all faiths could coexist in harmony and with dignity,” he added.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also noted that the observance of National Minorities Day was instituted by President Asif Ali Zardari during his first tenure, with the aim of recognizing the vital role of minorities in the nation’s fabric and promoting tolerance and harmony in society. “Our nation’s diversity is our greatest strength, and it is our collective duty to ensure that every citizen, irrespective of their faith or background, enjoys equal rights and opportunities,” he added. 

He urged all Pakistanis to unite in the fight against discrimination and intolerance. “As we observe National Minorities Day, let us renew our pledge to build a Pakistan that truly embodies the principles of justice, equality, and tolerance. Together, we can create a nation where every individual, regardless of religion or ethnicity, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to our country’s prosperity,” Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari concluded.

The PPP HR Cell commemorated Minority Day with a special event hosted at the Central Secretariat. The gathering was graced by esteemed leaders, including President HR Cell Farhatullah Babar, General Secretary Malaika Raza, incharge central secretariat Syed Sibte Bukhari, members Human Rights cell and prominent Minority leaders.

During the event, General Secretary Malaika Raza reiterated the PPP’s steadfast support for minority rights and its commitment to ensuring their representation in both the parliament and local government. The party has consistently championed the rights of minorities and remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive and tolerant society.

President Farhatullah Babar called upon the government to reinstate the Minority Commission and bolster safeguard mechanisms to protect minority communities effectively.

The event provided a platform to address crucial issues affecting minority groups, underscoring the party’s unwavering dedication to advancing diversity, equality, and social justice for all.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in his address to the National Assembly on Friday congratulated Olympic champion, Arshad Nadeem on his victory. He said that Arshad made history by creating a new Olympic record and bringing home the gold medal for Pakistan. This is proof that the Pakistani youth, when given the opportunity, emerge victorious. 

Chairman Bilawal called for consensus in the House over supporting youth in Pakistan, as they are capable of achieving such accolades. In Lyari alone, every other youngster is capable of bringing home the FIFA World Cup due to the influx of talent. Chairman PPP said that recently, he met young girls in Peshawar who are competing in Taekwondo from D I Khan and bringing medals for Pakistan. It is unfortunate that neither the federal government nor the provincial government provided the necessary support. In the next Olympics, every province of Pakistan should win a medal, Chairman PPP resolved while advising the Federal Minister for Sports to establish an endowment fund in collaboration with all provincial ministers for this purpose. 

Chairman Bilawal said that the talents of the Pakistani youth, and the skills of the labour have turned vast deserts such as the Middle East into major cities. There is every possible resource available within Pakistan. Islamabad was made only to serve the people of the country. These buildings house the biggest institutions of the country. There is the presence of an entire battalion of bureaucracy in the country along with all the politicians and other powerful entities. However, ever since this city was made, we have never fulfilled the purpose for what it was created. We begin concocting conspiracies and fighting amongst one another. We keep bearing losses due to the infighting between politicians and the adventurism of the military generals. The politics of hate and division is at the peak, with unprecedented polarisation. 

We are witnessing a plethora of crises, and have not been able to effectively address issues such as inflation and worsening law and order, Chairman Bilawal said. We are not even able to form the bare minimum consensus on protecting the country from terrorism. We are hurling insults at each other on the television. We would have to devise a way to compete with each other within political domains. We have to resolve the issues faced by the people. The political workers are closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh, Chairman Bilawal said while citing an example. The protests that erupted there were over a quota for the martyrs of their Army. The quota had been removed by Sheikh Haseena Wajid herself in 2018 but was restored by the court. The protests could not be stopped and Hasina Wajid had to leave her post. The entire region should learn from this and address the real issues of the people. 

Chairman Bilawal said that the crisis of the month is the distance between institutions. This is being created by the continuous interference of an institution with this institution (Parliament). The history of the judiciary is before the entire country. Our judiciary has also broken world records. Pakistan’s judiciary is so capable that it not only runs the court but also builds dams. The judiciary can even combat inflation and set the prices of tomatoes and samosas. No judiciary in the world can compete with our judiciary. Chairman Bilawal said that the citizens of the country still await justice. We are thankful to the judiciary to have given us justice after a three-generation long struggle on our end, that began with Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s martyrdom. They admitted that he was not given a fair trial, but they could not take any clear step to right this wrong. 

In Pakistan currently, a storm in a teacup is being transformed into a full-blown constitutional crisis, Chairman PPP said. Not me, not the Speaker, not the members, PM or the Parliament but the judiciary itself is responsible for this crisis. This is a crisis of the judiciary, by the judiciary and for the judiciary. The Leader of the Opposition should be asked whether it was us who snatched their symbol. It was the court that stated that their internal elections were rigged which is why they could not get a symbol and would not be considered a political party. This last-minute decision benefitted a dead political party, with no election campaign, which mobilised it. It is now being said that this was not the intention. A decision then was made to distribute the seats amongst them as if they are candy. 

As long as this country does not adopt the Constitution, law and a democratic demeanour, and its institutions not work within their boundaries, the purpose behind building this city and our presence here would remain futile. Our only advice would be for political discourse to take place to reclaim the space of politicians sans the political hatred and division.

President Asif Ali Zardari has underlined the need for discouraging the spread of fake news and disinformation by promoting a culture of fact-checking and verifying information. He said that the media should uphold the highest standards of journalism and play its role in promoting tolerance, unity and ethical values in the society.

The President expressed these views while talking to Chairman Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Mr Muhammad Saleem, who called on him and presented PEMRA Report 2021-23, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, today.

Talking to Chairman PEMRA, the President said that modern communication technologies had opened up new challenges and the media needed to play a responsible and constructive role in shaping public opinion. He said that a code of conduct regarding the spread of misinformation and propaganda should be observed.

The President stressed the need to improve the capacity of PEMRA by adopting modern tools and technologies and building a pool of talented human resources. He remarked that the media should also raise awareness about socio-economic issues, besides promoting a soft image of the country.

Chairman PEMRA briefed the President about the role and performance of PEMRA in the regulation and development of the media landscape of the country.

The President affirmed his support to further strengthen PEMRA.

The First Lady of Pakistan and Member of the National Assembly, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, visited the family of late Nazir Hussain Dhoki, a dedicated and loyal party worker who served the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and its leadership throughout his life. Nazir Dhoki, who was the Chief Media Coordinator for Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, passed away on July 14 after a short battle with cancer at the Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences in Khairpur District. Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari prayed for his departed soul and for his high rank in Jannah.

Speaking with Nazir Dhoki’s family, the First Lady paid rich tributes to a party worker who made significant sacrifices during the dictatorship of General Zia ul Haq and was imprisoned during the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy. She emphasized that Nazir Dhoki was one of the most committed activists of the party, whose loyalty to the Bhutto family was unparalleled. His dedication and steadfastness served as an inspiration to other party members. The First Lady assured the family that the party leadership would continue to stand by them and provide support during these challenging times. Nazir Dhoki’s family expressed their gratitude to the First Lady for her support during this difficult period.

Accompanying the First Lady were Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Mir Munawar Talpur MNA, Chief Whip of PPP in the National Assembly Ijaz Jakhrani MNA, Central Information Secretary of PPPP Shazia Marri MNA, Shehla Raza MNA, and Mehreen Bhutto MNA.

According to a press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP has instructed the concerned minister to utilize all available resources to promptly repair the breach and minimize the damage.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized that the Minister of Irrigation must ensure that such incidents do not occur again during the rains. He also directed that the residents of the affected villages be relocated to safe areas and that an assessment of the damage to agricultural crops due to the breach be conducted.

Furthermore, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged the PPP office-bearers and workers in Sanghar district to actively assist the affected people and provide necessary aid.

Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of lives and property caused by the ongoing monsoon rains in various parts of the country.

According to a press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP highlighted that the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has suffered the most significant loss of life, with ten fatalities reported in Kohat district alone. He noted that due to severe weather and lack of communication facilities, many incidents in remote areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain unreported. He expressed regret that rain victims in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are left helpless, with no visible government assistance.

Addressing the situation in Punjab, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed hope that the provincial government will ensure timely and indiscriminate assistance to those affected by the rains.

He directed all PPP members of the assemblies to remain present in their constituencies during the rains. In Sindh and Balochistan, ministers, assembly members, and local government representatives have already been instructed to oversee relief efforts and ensure that no affected individual is deprived of government aid.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized the need for Jiyalas (PPP workers) to step forward and assist the needy and victims in the rain-affected areas. He urged them to mobilize and actively help those in distress.

President Asif Ali Zardari has called for finding a win-win solution to address the issue of rising energy costs in the country. He proposed that the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) should form a committee and work with the President’s office to develop a viable solution to the issue of paying capacity charges to Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

The President gave these remarks while talking to a delegation of FPCCI comprising of businessmen and office-bearers of 40 regional business associations, led by Dr Gohar Ejaz, at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.

Talking to the delegation, the President announced that the President’s office would collaborate with a smaller committee from the business community to find a win-win solution for the Government, the people, the business community and IPPs. He urged the for evolving a consensus solution so that none of stakeholders lose out. He said that he was aware of the problems being faced by Pakistani businesses, that were in a “triple-whammy” due to high input, energy, and fuel costs.

Dr Gohar Ejaz highlighted that rising energy costs were overburdening the people, industry, agriculture and exports sector. He emphasised the need for reforming the energy sector to bring down energy prices.

Dr Gohar Ejaz requested the President to intervene in the matter and play his role in resolving the issues faced by Pakistan’s industries and businesses due to high electricity prices.

The President assured the delegation of his support in coming up with a solution to their problems and taking up the matter with relevant quarters.

Former Prime Minister Shaheed Benazir Bhutto is among the world leaders who featured in a unique book highlighting Singapore’s tradition of naming the new orchid hybrids after the visiting foreign dignitaries. Written by renowned author and editor Koh Buck Song and launched by Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, the book showcases the intricate process of hybridization of orchid, the national flower of Singapore. The first-of-its-kind book highlights ‘Dendrobium’, which was named after former Prime Minister Shaheed Benazir Bhutto who had paid an official visit to Singapore from March 7-9, 1995.

“This orchid’s yellow colour, with its association with sunlight, represents warmth and happiness in Pakistani culture,”

it says. The book gives a historical account of her visit when she spoke at a lunch hosted by the Singapore Chamber of Commerce, and met overseas Pakistanis at a dinner reception. She also delivered a keynote address at the Fortune Global Forum, where she said that, with the end of the Cold War, “the most critical elements of the integration of the world community, as we approach the new millennium, are information and business”.

 “Around the world, Ms Bhutto was seen as a symbol of democracy and empowerment of women”, the book says and recalls her as the first democratically elected female leader of a Muslim country for her first term, and in second term, one of three female prime ministers in the Muslim world, alongside those of Bangladesh and Turkiye. The book also mentions that after her assassination in 2007, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong wrote a letter to her husband, now President Asif Ali Zardari, noting that she would be honoured and remembered for her “indomitable spirit” and “ultimate sacrifice”. During his address at the book launch, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan said that the orchid diplomatic practice dated back to 1956. Since then, over 280 orchid hybrids have been named after foreign dignitaries and international organizations as gestures of goodwill and friendship.

He has urged the provincial government to provide immediate and non-discriminatory financial assistance to the affected individuals and families.

In a statement issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari highlighted the severe impact of the rains on various districts including Mansehra, Kohat, Bajaur, Chitral Upper and Lower, Dir Upper, Swat, and Swabi. He noted that the situation in these areas is critical, with significant damage and distress among the residents.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives, particularly in Shabqadar and other affected areas. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families mourning the loss of their loved ones, including the heartbreaking incident where 11 members of a single family perished in Kohat.

He urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to conduct a comprehensive survey of the damages due the rains and to ensure that financial assistance reaches the victims promptly and without discrimination. He emphasized the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent landslides and other accidents during the monsoon season. Additionally, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stressed the need for providing safety and necessary facilities to the thousands of tourists stranded in various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 

He also issued instructions to Jiyalas (PPP workers) in the region to actively assist and support the rain-affected individuals and communities. He emphasized that the PPP stands in solidarity with the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during this challenging time and is committed to ensuring swift and effective relief efforts.