Tue, 21-Oct-2025

President calls for enhancing capacity of LEAs in Balochistan

President

GWADAR: President Asif Ali Zardari called for enhancing the capacity of the Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), posting competent officers in Balochistan, and improving the prosecution mechanism to effectively counter terrorist elements in Balochistan.

The president expressed these views while chairing a meeting on the security/law and order situation in Balochistan, in Gwadar, on Thursday.

Minister for Interior, Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, senior civil and military officials attended the meeting.

The president was briefed about the overall security situation of the province as well as the role of LEAs in successfully countering terrorist attacks in various districts of Balochistan.

It was informed that the provincial government had adopted a targeted approach to improve the security and law-and-order situation in Balochistan.

It was further apprised that the initiatives taken by the LEAs had resulted in improving the security situation in the province. The president was informed that the provincial government was taking steps to provide fool-proof security to Chinese and foreign nationals.

He appreciated the efforts of the provincial government as well as the sacrifices of the LEAs in combatting terrorism.

The president emphasized that the prosecution system needed to be improved so that the terrorist elements could not escape justice.

He said that compensation for the families of martyrs of LEAs in Balochistan should be enhanced bringing it at par with the rest of the provinces.

Underlining the need to improve the socio-economic condition of Balochistan, the President called for focusing on the skill development of its people and producing more skilled professionals.

He said that the capacity of training institutions should be enhanced to produce more trained human resources and equip them with foreign language skills that would also help them find jobs in foreign countries.

The president also called for promoting the fishing industry of Balochistan by providing financing and equipment to local fishermen, apart from promoting sustainable fishing practices and checking the production of illegal fishing nets.

During the meeting, the president said that political dialogue was the way forward to bring prosperity, development and peace to Balochistan.

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President confers Nishan i Pakistan award to Prince Rahim Aga

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday conferred the Nishan-i-Pakistan award on Prince Rahim Aga Khan, in recognition of his meritorious services for the development, prosperity, and betterment of Pakistan and its people.

The top civilian award was conferred on Prince Rahim Aga Khan at a special investiture ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr and attended by Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, federal ministers, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, parliamentarians, diplomats, and senior government officers.

According to the citation read out on the occasion, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, through his many leadership roles for more than a quarter century within the Aga Khan Development Network, dedicated his untiring efforts to improve the living standard of the people in resource-constrained regions of Asia and Africa. Upholding a multigenerational legacy, Prince Rahim has contributed immensely to the economic, health, education, and cultural well-being of poor and marginalized communities.

It was told that under his leadership, the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development has advanced path-breaking initiatives in Pakistan in commercial banking, microfinance, insurance, sustainable tourism and renewable energy sectors.

The Fund has enabled access to financial services for nearly 50 million people in Pakistan. As the Founding Chairman of Aga Khan Development Network’s Climate and Environment Committee, Prince Rahim Aga Khan has spearheaded the establishment of environmental stewardship policies and best practices to address climate change issues, besides generously supporting the people of Pakistan in the wake of devastating floods of 2022.

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Pakistan firmly upholds one-China principle: President

China

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has reiterated that Pakistan firmly adhered to the one-China principle as the country always chooses to stand on the right side of history.

“Pakistani people loved China as “there is no conditionality between us,” the president remarked in an interview with the Chinese media published on Wednesday, marking the 73rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan.

This was the first such interaction of President Asif Ali Zardari with any foreign media after being re-elected for the second time in March. Recalling the rapport between the previous leaders of the two countries, President Zardari said, “My late father-in-law, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto told the nation to look east, to look towards China.”

President Zardari, who had visited China nine times during his first term as Pakistani president, reaffirmed Pakistan’s stance of upholding the one-China principle, rejecting any form of “Taiwan independence.” “Taiwan is part of China. There’s no other way,” the president said, adding that Pakistan will always stand by China and safeguard China’s core interests.

Commenting on the development of Gwadar Port, a starting point of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), President Asif Ali Zardari said a lot of work had been done at the Gwadar Port since the launch of the CPEC 11 years ago, noting that the Port would always welcome investors from all over the world.

President Zardari said Pakistan is encouraging more schools to adopt the Chinese language into their compulsory curriculum.

Emphasizing the importance of strengthening people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, he called for more policies to facilitate the movement of people between the two countries.

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President, PM condole demise of Iran’s Ebrahim Raisi

Ebrahim Raisi

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound shock and sorrow over the tragic death of Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, calling it a great loss not only for Iran but for the entire Muslim Ummah.

“Today, Pakistan mourns the loss of a great friend. Just last month, we had the honor of hosting him in Pakistan.

During our discussions, I found him very keen on strengthening our bilateral relations. Agha Raisi always had a special place for Pakistan and its people, in whichever position he served whether as President of the Islamic Republic of Iran or as Custodian of Imam Raza’s (A.S) Shrine,” President Zardari said in a statement.

He described Raisi’s passing as a great loss not only for Iran but for the entire Muslim Ummah.

President Zardari extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the Iranian president, the foreign minister, and others who lost their lives in the accident.

He paid tribute to late President Raisi’s dedicated services to the Islamic world, highlighting his steadfast advocacy for the unity of the Muslim Ummah.

He emphasized that the Islamic World had lost a remarkable leader who always supported the Muslim cause and deeply felt the sufferings of the Muslims globally, particularly the Palestinian and Kashmiri people.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressing condolences and sympathies to the Iranian nation on the death of President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, announced a day of mourning in the country.

“They were good friends of Pakistan. Pakistan will observe a day of mourning and the flag will fly at half mast as a mark of respect for President Raisi and his companions and in solidarity with Brotherly Iran,” the prime minister said in a statement after a helicopter carrying President Raisi along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and others crashed in the Varzaqan region in the northwest province of East Azerbaijan.

He recalled that Pakistan had the pleasure of hosting President Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian on a historic visit, less than a month ago and remembered them as “good friends of Pakistan.”

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President visits family of Shaheed Major Babar Niazi

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari visited the family home of Shaheed Major Babar Khan in Mianwali and expressed condolences to the family members of the martyr.

During the visit, the president offered Fateha for Major Babar Khan who was martyred in Zhob.

He prayed to Allah Almighty to elevate the rank of the martyred in paradise and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this loss with patience.

He also paid tribute to martyred Major Babar Khan for sacrificing his life for the sake of the country.

The president said that the entire nation was proud of its martyrs and salutes them. He also appreciated the Shaheed’s devotion to duty, patriotism and his services for the country.

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KP Governor Kundi calls on President Zardari

KP Governor

ISLAMABAD: Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi called on President Asif Ali Zardari here.

The president congratulated the governor on assuming the office.

Faisal Karim Kundi thanked the president for reposing trust in him and appointing him as the governor.

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9th May to be remembered as a ‘dark day’ in Pakistan’s history: President, PM

9th May

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that 9th May 2023, will always be remembered as a dark day in Pakistan’s history when a politically instigated mob ran amok across the country, damaging public property and military installations.

Condemning the violence, he said that the unfortunate incidents severely tarnished the country’s image, which only served the interests of Pakistan’s enemies.

The president, in his message, termed the mob attacks an attempt to challenge the writ of the state, undermine the rule of law and weaken the institutions.

He said that peaceful demonstrations and constructive criticism were the essence of democracy, emphasizing that Pakistan’s Constitution enshrined the fundamental rights of assembly and expression.

The president expressed pride in Pakistan’s Armed Forces and its institutions, which had been a vanguard in defending the nation against various threats.

President Zardari observed that Pakistan faced numerous challenges, and such irresponsible acts by political forces not only hindered the progress achieved as a nation but further exacerbated socio-economic challenges.

The president urged political parties, the Parliament, the media, and civil society to strengthen democracy by upholding the rule of law, and fostering a culture of tolerance, political dialogue and inclusivity.

On other hand, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that there could absolutely be no soft-pedaling of what happened on May 9 and no absolution for those who orchestrated, supported, and assisted the attempt to damage the foundations of the nation.

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President Zardari due in Quetta today

Zardari

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari is scheduled to visit Quetta today on a maiden official trip to Balochistan after assuming office.

During the visit, the president will be given briefings about the law and order as well as the development projects in the province.

President Zardari is also scheduled to interact with the newly elected Members of the Provincial Assembly. Chief Minister of Balochistan Sarfaraz Bugti will also host a dinner reception in honor of the president.

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President Zardari approves appointment of Governors

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has accorded his approval to the appointment of Governors for Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.

After approval, Sardar Slaeem Haider Khan has been appointed as Governor Punjab, Faisal Karim Kundi as Governor KP and Jaffar Khan Mandokhel as Governor Balochistan.

The president approved the appointments under Article 101 (1) of the Constitution of Pakistan.

Earlier, Chairman Pakistan People Party  Bilawal Bhutto announced the nomination of governors of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.

Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto said that People’s Party has nominated Faisal Karim Kundi as Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and party has nominated Sardar Saleem Haider as Governor of Punjab.

Bilawal Bhutto expressed good wishes for Faisal Karim Kundi and Sardar Saleem Haider and said in a statement that he is sure that both the governors will perform their duties well.

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President, PM felicitate nation as Pakistan launches first lunar satellite

satellite

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar felicitated the nation and the scientists as Pakistan launched it first lunar satellite ICUBE-Q.

In the separately issued statements, the president and prime minister paid tribute to the core committee of the Institute of Space Technology including its member Dr Khurram Khurshid, SUPARCO, China’s space body and the students who took part in the project.

“The successful launch of satellite mission will prove to be a milestone in Pakistan’s space program. The whole nation feels proud for this significant achievement in the space technology,” the president remarked. He also lauded cooperation between Pakistan and China in the field of space and said Pakistan yet have to achieve more milestones in the sector.

President Zardari expressed the hope that Pakistan’s space research institutes and scientists would bring more laurels to the country through their more hard work, dedication and planning.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the Pak-China friendship which was dubbed as higher than Himalayas, deeper than the oceans and sweeter than the honey had gone beyond the borders to reach the space. Terming the ICUBE-Q launch Pakistan’s first step in the space, he said just like the nuclear field, the country’s scientists, engineers and experts were proving their mettle in the space technology. The acceptance of Pakistan’s mission among eight countries was the recognition of the capabilities of Pakistan’s scientists and experts, he added.

“This is a historic milestone in the technological develoment. By this achievement, Pakistan has entered a new era of exploring the space for productive purposes,” the prime minister remarked. Prime Minister Shehbaz said that this achievement would help build Pakistan’s capacity in the satellite communications besides opening up new avenues for scientific research, economic development and national security. “Our sons of soil have proved that they have the capability، passion and expertise to explore the space.

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President, PM condole over deaths in Chilas bus accident

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari  and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of precious lives in a bus accident that took place near Chilas.

According to media reports, at least 20 people were killed and many others sustained injuries when a passenger bus careened off the road, plunging into a ravine.

The president prayed for peace for the departed souls and strength for the bereaved families to bear the loss. He also prayed for the quick recovery of those injured in the accident.

Similarly, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of lives in a bus accident that took place on the Karakoram Highway in the Yashokhal Das area of Chilas.

The prime minister prayed to Allah Almighty for peace for the departed souls and sympathised with the bereaved families. He also prayed for the quick recovery of those injured in the accident and directed the authorities concerned to provide them with the best possible medical treatment.

On the other hand,  Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has expressed sorrow and grief over the death of 20 people in a traffic accident near Chilas Diamer district on Friday.

In his message, he expressed his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the heirs of the deceased.
He directed the administration to provide the best treatment facilities to the injured, saying that legal action should be taken against the driver responsible for the accident.
He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and eternal peace for the departed souls.
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President, PM pledge commitment to upholding labourers dignity 

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reiterated the commitment to upholding the dignity of labourers and paid tribute to their historic struggle.

“This day serves as a reminder for all of us to safeguard labourers’ rights, and work for their social protection, fair wages, and safe working conditions,” the president said in a message on the observance of International Labour Day on May 1.

On this day, the president said, they deeply acknowledged and appreciated the contributions of their workers who had played a commendable role in the country’s development.

He said today, the International Labour Day was being observed to pay tribute to their workers and labourers whose tireless efforts had driven the country’s socio-economic development.

The president said the theme for this year’s International Labour Day was to ensure workplace safety and health amidst climate change.

“The labourers and the working class in Pakistan are facing unprecedented challenges, such as inflation, rising cost of living, unemployment, and the adverse impacts of climate change,” a press release quoted the president as saying.

The president expressed the hope that the federal and provincial governments would also play their role to protect the rights of labourers, take steps to eliminate exploitative practices and implement social security programs for them.

On the other hand,  Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that with an overarching objective to promote the rights and interests of the Pakistani workforce and as promised in PML-N’s manifesto, they remained steadfast in their commitment to bolstering labour welfare and harmonizing domestic labour legislation with global standards.

“Today we honor the immense sacrifices of the workers who laid their lives while waging a relentless struggle for their rights. We also honour the invaluable contributions of those workers who work day and night in the fields, factories and elsewhere.

They not only work hard to feed their families but also are the driving force behind Pakistan’s progress,” the prime minister said in a message on observance of International Labour Day on May 1.

The prime minister said that sustainable economic growth remained their top priority.

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President, PM stress joint efforts to control Malaria disease

President

ISLAMABAD: As the world observes World Malaria Day on Thursday, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif called for a vigorous political commitment and adequate investment strategies to reach the goal of a world free from the disease.

President Asif Ali Zardari asked all provincial governments and other stakeholders to take joint measures to control malaria disease. In his message on the occasion of World Malaria Day, the president underscored that prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malaria was possible.

The World Malaria Day is observed every year on April 25 to create awareness and find solutions to the challenges being faced in controlling the disease.

The Government of Pakistan is committed to providing all health facilities to the people, he said adding that Pakistan was determined to implement new initiatives under the Global Malaria Programme.

President Zardari pointed out that the measures were aimed at testing, confirming and standardizing the treatment of every suspected case of malaria.

Expressing satisfaction over the Ministry of National Health’s concerted efforts to combat malaria through a joint unit, the president said the Common Management Unit Malaria adopted a comprehensive strategy.

On the other hand, prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a message on the Day, stressed the need to learn from each others’ experiences and support each other’s’ efforts in combating the disease.

He said the research and academic institutions needed to flag scientific advances to both experts and the general public, international partners, companies and foundations to showcase their efforts and reflect on how to further scale up malaria control interventions.

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Iran’s President Raisi arrives in Pakistan on three-day visit

Iran

ISLAMABAD: President of Iran Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi arrived here Monday on a three-day official visit till April 24, to meet the leadership and discuss the regional developments as well as bilateral cooperation.

This marks the first visit by any head of state to Pakistan after the general elections in February 2024.

As the Iranian president landed at Nur Khan Airbase, a red carpet was rolled out to accord him a warm welcome. Federal Minister for Housing and Works, the minister-in-waiting, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada received the guest. Clad in traditional attires, two children presented bouquet of flowers to the dignitary, who is accompanied by his spouse and a high level delegation comprising the foreign minister and other members of the cabinet, senior officials as well as a large business delegation.

During the three-day visit, President Raisi will meet the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Chairman of Senate and Speaker of National Assembly.

He will also visit Lahore and Karachi and meet with the provincial leadership. Besides discussing regional and global developments, the two sides will have a wide-ranging agenda to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran ties and enhance cooperation in diverse fields including trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, and people-to-people contacts.

Later, President of Iran Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi was given a guard of honour as he arrived here at the PM House to meet Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, along with his high-powered delegation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed the visiting dignitary on his arrival at the venue of the formal welcome ceremony. The national anthems of both countries were played as the Iranian president stood at the salute dais along with the prime minister.

The smartly turned-out contingents of the armed forces presented a guard of honor to President Raisi. PM Sharif and President Raisi planted a sapling at the lawns of the PM House in connection with the Earth Day.

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Pakistan, Iran agree on joint efforts to eradicate terrorism

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of Iran Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, in a meeting held here at the PM House on Monday, agreed to bolster bilateral relations in diverse fields, particularly in combating terrorism in the region.

The meeting saw a comprehensive exchange on enhancing Iran-Pakistan relations across various sectors, underscoring the significance of fostering stronger ties between the two nations.

Key areas of discussion included strategies to augment trade volumes and bolster communication networks, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing economic collaboration. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the historical significance of President Raisi’s visit, marking it as the first head of state visit to Pakistan following the February 2024 general elections, a gesture warmly embraced by the Pakistani nation.

President Raisi, upon his arrival at the PM House, was accorded a guard of honor, showcasing the esteemed welcome extended by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation. President Raisi’s three-day official visit, accompanied by a delegation comprising ministers and businessmen, underscores the depth of bilateral engagement between the two countries.

During his stay, President Raisi is scheduled to hold meetings with the President, Prime Minister, Chairman of Senate, Speaker of National Assembly, as well as provincial leadership in Lahore and Karachi, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of his engagement with Pakistan.

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President, PM strongly condemn Karachi suicide attack  

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned a suicide attack that took place in Karachi’s Landhi area, lauding the timely response by the police to avert casualties.

In separately issued statements, both the president and prime minister said that the timely action by the police averted a huge life loss, and reiterated their firm resolve to wipe out terrorism from the country.

“The whole nation will unitedly fight out the terrorism. The miscreants will be rooted out from the country,” the president remarked. Prime Minister Shehbaz also resolved that the government would not sit idle without eliminating the terrorism in to and thwarting all the nefarious attempts to disrupt the country’s peace.

He directed the authorities concerned to extend the best possible medical treatment to the injured and prayed for quick recovery.

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President to address parliament’s joint session on April 16  

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari is scheduled to address the joint session of the parliament on April 16, to mark the beginning of the parliamentary year, following the general elections.

The joint session of the parliament will be held on Tuesday (April 16) at 1600 hours.

He would address the joint session in pursuance of Article 56 (3) of the Constitution which says, “At the commencement of the first session after each general election to the National Assembly and at the commencement of the first session of each year the President shall address both Houses assembled together and inform the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) of the causes of its summons.”

President Zardari summoned the joint parliamentary session in exercise of the power conferred under Articles 54 (1) and 56(3) of the Constitution.

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CJCSC briefs President about security situation of country

CJCSC

ISLAMABAD: The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza called on President Asif Ali Zardari and briefed him about the security situation of the country as well as the operational preparedness of the armed forces.

In the meeting, the CJCSC also highlighted that the armed forces of the country had the capability to effectively deal with internal and external security challenges.

President Zardari lauded the role of Pakistan’s armed forces in defending the national frontiers as well as their contributions towards the country’s socioeconomic development.

He said that he had complete confidence in the security forces of the country to successfully overcome the internal and external security challenges.

The CJCSC felicitated President Zardari on assuming the office of the President of Pakistan.

The meeting expressed the resolve to stamp out the scourge of terrorism with the support of the nation.

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President calls for further boosting bilateral cooperation with UK

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari said that Pakistan and the United Kingdom (UK) enjoy cordial relations, rooted in history and shared legacy, which have been reinforced by high-level interactions and people-to-people contacts over the years.

He stressed the need to further strengthen trade and economic ties for the mutual benefit of the two friendly countries.

The president expressed these views while talking to the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, who called on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Both sides exchanged views on matters of bilateral importance. During the meeting, the president expressed his warm sentiments for His Majesty King Charles III and the Princess of Wales, Catherine Middleton and wished them good health.

He also mentioned that the people of Pakistan held His Majesty the King in high esteem. Talking about the economic situation of the country, the president stated that the stabilization of the economy was the priority with a key focus on employment generation and poverty alleviation.

The president highlighted that climate change posed a serious challenge to Pakistan as it was among the most vulnerable countries to climate change.

He informed the High Commissioner that Sindh had mangrove forests, covering an area of 600,000 hectares, which supported the coastal ecosystem, besides contributing to environmental sustainability.

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President summons National Assembly session on April 1

National Assembly

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari summoned a session of the National Assembly on April 1st at 4:00 PM in the Parliament House.

The president summoned the session under the powers conferred by Clause (1) Article 54 of the Constitution of Pakistan.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with President Asif Ali Zardari wherein they expressed their resolve to steer the country out of prevailing challenges.

In the meeting, they discussed the country’s overall political and economic situation, a President House press release said.

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President confers Nishan i Pakistan award on Saudi Defence Minister

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Nishan-i-Pakistan award on Minister for Defence Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, in a Special Investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, federal ministers, military top brass and members of the diplomatic corps.

The award was conferred in recognition of Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud’s meritorious services for Pakistan and its people, enhancing defence cooperation, strengthening of bilateral ties and contributions towards peace efforts in the region.

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President, PM felicitate the nation on Pakistan Day

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif felicitated the nation on Pakistan Day urging people to reflect on journey of the nation while celebrating their achievements.

In a message, President said, “On this auspicious occasion of Pakistan Day, I extend heartfelt greetings and best wishes to each one of you.”

“Today, as we commemorate the historic passage of the Pakistan Resolution on 23rd March 1940, a day that laid the foundation for the creation of our beloved nation and an independent homeland, let us reflect on our journey, celebrate our achievements, and reaffirm our commitment to a prosperous and united Pakistan,” he added.

He said, “As we revisit the pages of history, we are reminded of the vision and determination of our forefathers. The Pakistan Resolution of 1940 marked a crucial turning point, setting the course for the establishment of Pakistan on 14th August 1947.

Today, we honour the commitment and sacrifices made by the Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and his companions, who worked tirelessly towards transforming Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal’s dream into reality.”

On the other hand, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that being cognizant of the serious challenges confronting Pakistan, the incumbent government was committed to put Pakistan on the path to economic recovery and prosperity with a cogent policy reform framework.

“We are completely cognizant of the serious challenges confronting Pakistan currently including inflation, unemployment, circular debt, fiscal and trade deficit, and above all the growing scourge of terrorism,” the prime minister said in his message to the nation on Pakistan Day being observed on Saturday (March 23).

Felicitating Pakistanis at home or abroad, he said that as a nation, the Pakistanis had proved to be resilient in the face of extraordinary circumstances and stood the test of time.

He said that in the journey on the path of democracy, the people of Pakistan elected their representatives in the general elections held on 8th February and consequently the governments had been formed at the federal and provincial levels.

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President approves remission for prisoners on Pakistan Day, Eid  

President

ISLAMABAD:President Asif Ali Zardari approved remission for the prisoners on the occasion of Pakistan Day annually observed on March 23 and Eid ul Fitr.

The president granted a remission of 90 days each, for both occasions in sentences exercising his powers under Article 45 of the Constitution and Rule 15-A of the Rules of Business.

However, the remission would not be applicable on the prisoners involved in murder, espionage and anti-state activities.

Besides, the prisoners involved in rape, theft, robbery, kidnapping, terrorism and financial crimes, would also be ineligible for the remission.

The reduction in sentences would be applicable on the male prisoners of over 65 years age and female prisoners of over 60 years age, who had completed one-third of the sentence.

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President approves dismissal of SC’s Justice Mazahir Ali Naqvi  

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari approved the dismissal of  Supreme Court (SC)  Justice (Retd) Mazahir Ali Naqvi.

The Ministry of Law also issued a notification for the dismissal of former judge Mazahir Ali Naqvi of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

According to the notification, the Supreme Judicial Council declared Mazhar Naqvi guilty of judicial misconduct.

The notification of Mazahir Naqvi’s resignation as a judge was also withdrawn.

It should be noted that this month the Supreme Judicial Council had sent its opinion to the President for approval recommending the dismissal of Mazahir Naqvi.

 

In the statement issued in this regard, it was said that the Supreme Judicial Council reviewed 9 complaints against Mazahir Naqvi, these complaints were reviewed under Clause (6) of Article 206 of the Constitution.

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President calls for further boosting of bilateral ties with UAE

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari emphasised the need for further boosting of bilateral ties between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the areas of trade, economy, aviation, renewable energy, climate change and human resource development for the mutual benefit of the two brotherly countries.

The president expressed these views while talking to Ambassador of UAE to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, who called on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Talking to the ambassador, the president urged the need to increase collaboration in the aviation industry to facilitate the Pakistani diaspora in the UAE, including the initiation of commercial flights of Airbus A380s. He said that Emirati businesses should be encouraged to invest in the Pakistan Stock Exchange to infuse innovative ideas and more capital in the Pakistan’s economy.

Talking about Sindh, the president apprised that Pakistan had started investing in mangrove forests and was trading carbon credits in the international market. He suggested that Pakistan and the UAE should mutually benefit from this opportunity. He said that projects had been undertaken for the lining of canals to overcome seepage and boost agricultural production.

He maintained that Pakistan and the UAE needed to collaborate in the agricultural sector by sharing new technologies as food security was a growing concern for the region due to climate change.

During the meeting, the ambassador highlighted that the UAE was committed to Pakistan’s development and would continue to stand with Pakistan. He stressed upon the need to transform the existing bilateral relationship into a strategic partnership between Pakistan and the UAE.

He also called for focusing on economic diplomacy, adding that big companies from the UAE were keen to invest in aviation, agriculture, renewable energy (solar), education and healthcare in Pakistan. He informed that the UAE had recently hosted COP-28 and pledged $100 million for the “loss & damage” fund to help vulnerable countries deal with the adverse effects of climate change. He said that Pakistan could benefit from this fund to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The ambassador congratulated President Asif Ali Zardari on becoming the President for the second term and extended best wishes on behalf of the leadership and people of the UAE.

He further reaffirmed their strong commitment to further reinforce the bond of friendship between the two countries.

He also extended an invitation to the president to visit the UAE, which the president accepted. The president thanked the UAE’s leadership for warm greetings and messages of felicitation and said that the UAE was very close to his heart.

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President reiterates resolve to further strengthen cooperation with China

China

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for extending him warm congratulations for assuming charge of the President of Pakistan. While replying to President Xi’s letter, the president expressed his commitment to working closely with the Chinese President to deepen practical cooperation, strengthen the all-weather partnership, and foster a shared community … Read more

President Zardari decides not to draw his salary

Zardari

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has decided, in view of the prevailing economic challenges, that he will not draw his presidential salary.

“He took this decision to encourage prudent financial management in the country. The President considered it essential not to burden the national exchequer and preferred to forgo his salary,” President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release on Tuesday.

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President Asif Zardari presented guard of honour

Zardari

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari was presented guard of honour here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, a day after he was sworn in as the 14th President of Pakistan.

The president arrived at the forecourt of the presidency in the horse-driven buggy. After the national anthem, he inspected the guard of honour presented by the smartly turned-out contingents of the armed forces.

Later, the president shook hands with the officers and staffers of the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

On Sunday, Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa administered the oath of office to

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