President Asif Zardari tests positive for COVID-19

President Asif Zardari tests positive for COVID-19

President Asif Ali Zardari has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently in isolation, as confirmed by his physician, Dr. Asim Hussain. He is receiving medical care at a private hospital, and all his official meetings have been postponed until he recovers. Doctors have conducted multiple tests to monitor his health. A day earlier, Asif … Read more

President Asif Zardari arrives in Lahore on two-day visit

President Asif Zardari arrives in Lahore on two-day visit

President Asif Ali Zardari has arrived in Lahore for a two-day visit. Asif Ali Zardari is expected to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Governor’s House to discuss the issues PPP is facing in Punjab. He will also meet PPP Punjab leaders to address their concerns, especially those raised by the governor. Zardari’s visit aims … Read more

President Asif Zardari meets Chinese Premier Li Qiang to strengthen bilateral ties

President Asif Zardari meets Chinese Premier Li Qiang to strengthen bilateral ties

BEIJING: The President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to discuss bilateral relations and enhance cooperation in various sectors. During the meeting, both leaders talked about the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and explored ways to expand collaboration in renewable energy, science and technology, infrastructure, and agriculture. … Read more

Asif Zardari, Zhao Leji discuss bilateral ties

Asif Zardari

BEIJING: President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman of the Standing Committee of National People’s Congress, Zhao Leji underscored the time-tested and all-weather friendship between the two countries, which continued to grow in depth and scope over the decades.

The president met with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China, Zhao Leji.

They also underlined strategic mutual trust as the cornerstone of the China-Pakistan relationship and emphasized the importance of continued high-level exchanges to further deepen the ongoing practical cooperation.

The two sides also discussed the high-quality development of CPEC 2.0, with a particular emphasis on promoting cooperation in science & technology, renewable energy, infrastructure and agriculture sectors.

They described CPEC as a shining example of people-centric development, with its focus on win-win cooperation, shared benefits and common prosperity.

The two sides discussed the opportunities to strengthen institutional linkages, including through parliamentary exchanges and participation in the CPEC Political Parties Joint Consultative Mechanism, to further solidify the bilateral cooperation.

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President Asif Zardari reaches China on five-day official visit

President Asif Zardari reaches China on five-day official visit

President Asif Ali Zardari landed in China on Tuesday for a five-day official visit, following an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping. Accompanying him were Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, and Dr. Asim Hussain. Upon arrival at Beijing International Airport, he was warmly received by … Read more

President Asif Zardari signs Societies Registration Amendment Act 2024

President Asif Zardari signs Societies Registration Amendment Act 2024

President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday signed the madrassa registration bill into law, bringing an end to the weeks-long friction between the government and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F). This development follows the issuance of a gazette notification by the National Assembly Secretariat, confirming that seminaries will now be registered under the Societies Act. In addition … Read more

Court reserves verdict on Toshakhana case against Zardari, Nawaz

Toshakhana

ISLAMABAD: An Accountability Court in Islamabad has reserved its verdict of in Toshakhana reference against President Asif Ali Zardari, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani back to the National Accountablity Bureau (NAB).

Accountability Court Judge Abida Sajjad heard the petition to send the Toshakhana reference back to NAB against Asif Ali Zardari, Nawaz Sharif and others.

President Asif Ali Zardari’s lawyer Farooq H. Naek and Nawaz Sharif’s lawyer Kazi Misbah and Rana Irfan appeared in the accountability court.

Lawyer Farooq H. Naik said that there are 5 accused in the reference, after NAB amendments, this case is not the jurisdiction of this court and this case should be sent back to Chairman NAB.

The judge of the accountability court said that the parties agree on the point that the reference is not the jurisdiction of this court. On which lawyer Farooq H. Naik said that Asif Ali Zardari had previously also took immunity when he became the president, but when he stepped down from the presidency, he again appeared before the NAB.

The accountability court should send the reference back, to whom the NAB authority sends the case, now the question will be whether the case will be made against Asif Zardari or not.

Nawaz Sharif’s lawyer Qazi Misbah said that earlier when the court decided, the case was sent back to NAB, in the light of former Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial’s decision, the case sent back to the accountability court.

The lawyers of Nawaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari and Yousaf Raza Gilani requested to send the Toshakhana reference to NAB, while the NAB prosecutor said that Asif Ali Zardari had given a check which bounced.

The NAB prosecutor said that Nawaz Sharif’s case will be separated and Asif Ali Zardari’s case will be separated.

After hearing the arguments of the parties, the Accountability Court reserved its decision on the applications related to sending the Toshakhana reference back to NAB against Asif Zardari, Nawaz Sharif and others.

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President calls for increasing ADB support to mitigate climate change impacts

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has emphasized that Pakistan’s climate finance needs are substantial and called for increased support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to address the impacts of climate change.

He highlighted that the severe climate changes and devastating floods of 2022 had a profound impact on the country’s economy as well as on its agriculture sector, educational and road infrastructure.

He expressed these views while talking to the visiting President of Asian Development Bank, Mr. Masatsugu Asakawa, who called on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

President briefed the ADB President about the economic and climate-related challenges being faced by Pakistan. He stated that the war on terror had inflicted significant economic damage on the country.

The President appreciated the support of ADB towards the socio-economic development of Pakistan. He also thanked the President ADB for assisting Pakistan in the wake of the 2022 floods.

Mr. Masatsugu Asakawa, President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said that Pakistan is facing severe effects of climate change, particularly with glaciers melting at an accelerated pace.

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Mazhar Alam Miankhel agrees to be appointed as ad hoc judge

Mazhar Alam

ISLAMABAD: Justice (Retired) Mazhar Alam Miankhel has agreed to be appointed as an ad hoc judge in Supreme Court of Pakistan.

President Asif Zardari has approved the appointment of two ad hoc judges in the Supreme Court, including Justice (retd) Mazhar Alam Miankhel and Justice (retd) Sardar Tariq Masood.

Justice (Retd) Mazhar Alam Mian Khel had previously apologized for becoming an ad hoc judge, after which it was decided to appoint Justice (retd) Mazhar Alam Miankhel again in the Judicial Commission of Pakistan(JCP) meeting.

It should be remembered that the names of 4 former judges were proposed as ad hoc judges of the Supreme Court, after which Justice (Retd) Mushir Alam and Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqar apologized.

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President Zardari summons NA session on July 30

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday summoned the session of the National Assembly to he be held on July 30.

The National Assembly will meet at the Parliament House on Tuesday at 1700 hours.

The president summoned the session in exercise of the powers conferred on him under Article 54 (1) of the Constitution.

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President Zardari stresses upon increasing jobs quota for minorities

President

ISLAMABAD:  President Asif Ali Zardari reiterated that the minority communities living in Pakistan enjoyed equal rights and stressed upon increasing jobs quota for them in different government departments.

Addressing a ceremony after signing Christian Marriage (Amendment) Act 2024 at the Aiwan-i-Sadr, the president said that he would write to the federal government to enhance the jobs quota in different departments including police, FIA etc, for the minorities.

“I will definitely write to the government and ask them for this,” he said, adding there should be a quota for the minorities in every department.

The president said that all the citizens of the country had equal rights and urged the minorities to continue playing their role for the progress and prosperity of the country as this soil and land belonged to them as much as to him.

He also advised them not be disheartened at certain issues pertaining to politics as in every society, there might be some problems.

President Zardari mentioned that PPP had given sacrifices for the country as their leaders and workers laid down lives for the people.

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President calls for comprehensive plan to prevent urban flooding

President

KARACHI: President Asif Ali Zardari directed the Sindh government to prioritize a comprehensive plan to prevent urban flooding in Karachi by adopting a sustainable, long-term strategy based on international best practices for managing sewage and stormwater.

The President expressed these views while chairing a meeting on saving Karachi from urban flooding and environmental degradation and promoting sustainable water resource development, at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

The President was given a comprehensive presentation by international water and sewage management experts and proposed various solutions to address the challenges of urban flooding and sewage in Karachi on the pattern of the tunnel sewer systems of Washington DC, the London Super Sewer Project, and the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System of Singapore.

During the briefing, it was proposed that a network of small and large sewer tunnels under existing roads in high-flood zones of Karachi may be developed. It was highlighted that underground tunnelling using modern techniques would not disturb the public, city traffic and land ownership.

The experts informed that Karachi generated almost 450 million gallons per day (MGD) of sewage. They added that sewage and stormwater were collected in small and large open drains which fell into the Lyari and Malir rivers and were released untreated into the sea, polluting the marine ecosystem.

It was further informed that the existing network of drains had limited capacity and absorbed around 50% of the rainwater under normal circumstances. The meeting was told that excess water was not absorbed by the system, causing urban flooding.

Speaking on the occasion, the President underlined the need for completing the feasibility study to control flooding in Karachi through tunnelling options within three months. He stated that Karachi and its coastal areas need to be made clean and brought at par with other Metropolitan cities of the world.

He said that since the proposed project would have significant environmental impacts, therefore, Government of Sindh should approach international donors to seek environmental financing for the project.

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President, PM express grief over Sheila Jackson Lee’s demise

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed grief over death of US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, founder and co-chairperson of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus.

President offered his heartfelt condolences to the family members and friends of the Late Congresswoman.

The president said that Congresswoman Sheila Jackson was a remarkable leader who always advocated for human rights, with a particular focus on women and children.

He highlighted that her contributions towards strengthening the relations between Pakistan and the USA would always be remembered.

The president stated that her efforts during the devastating floods of 2022 in Pakistan would never be forgotten. “Her advocacy and support during that difficult time provided hope and relief to the families affected by the floods”, he added.

In a post on his X handle, Prime Minister said Sheila Jackson was a champion for  stronger ties between Pakistan and the United States. He said her contributions will be remembered  and missed for years to come.

He also condoled with bereaved family members and friends of Late Congresswoman.the bereaved family.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar expressed sorrow over the death of U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

“Deeply saddened by the loss of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a distinguished lawmaker and a steadfast friend of Pakistan,” the Deputy PM wrote on his official X handle.

He highlighted her role as Chairperson of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, emphasizing her unwavering dedication to strengthening Pakistan-US relations, which he noted will be remembered always.

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President calls for Eastern nations collaborative efforts to ensure sustainable development

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari called for collaborative efforts by the Eastern nations to ensure sustainable development and common prosperity through China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI).

He highlighted that GDI had great potential to significantly shape the future of the world by promoting shared development and urged the developing countries to play a leading role in the global development process.

The president expressed these views while virtually addressing the 2nd High-level Meeting of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development, organized by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), in Beijing, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.

Representatives of foreign countries, international organisations, foreign companies and non/ governmental organisations attended the event.

In his statement, President Zardari underscored the importance of viewing global challenges such as progress, development, and health, from an Eastern perspective.

He pointed out that most of the global population lived in the Eastern hemisphere, particularly in countries like China, Pakistan, and other neighbouring nations.

The President emphasized that Pakistan was eager to see President Xi Jinping and the People’s Republic of China spearheading GDI, leading the East and the entire world into the new millennium.

It is worth stating that through the Global Development Initiative (GDI), China aims to help accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and solve the dilemma of global development.

China is collaborating with global partners to speed up the implementation of GDI by enlarging its Friend Circle, mobilizing resources, and building capacities for shared prosperity.

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Death anniversary of Abdul Sattar Edhi observed

Edhi

ISLAMABAD: The 8th death anniversary of great humanitarian and philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi was observed on Monday.

Abdul Sattar Edhi was born in 1928 in Gujarat and began his welfare services in 1951.

He established world’s largest volunteer ambulance network along with shelters for homeless people and animals and orphanages across the country.

Many international and national awards, including Asian Nobel, the Lenin Peace Prize and Nishan-e-Imtiaz were bestowed upon him in recognition of his services for humanity.

He breathed his last on this day in 2016 at the age of 88 in Karachi and was buried with full state honor.

On the hand, President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to philanthropist and humanitarian Abdul Sattar Edhi on his death anniversary being observed on the day.

The president lauded the late Edhi’s exemplary services to Pakistan and humanity and remembered him as the top humanitarian personality in Pakistan’s history.

He said that late Edhi rendered invaluable services in the social sector, regardless of race, faith and social status.

President Zardari said that Abdul Sattar Edhi laid the foundation of hospitals, orphanages, shelter houses and rehabilitation centers in the country.

He also prayed to Allah Almighty for granting peace to the departed soul of Edhi and elevation of his status in paradise.

Meanwhile, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani paid glowing tributes to the great humanitarian and philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi on the occasion of his 8th death anniversary.

Gilani eulogized Edhi’s services for humanity, highlighting his dedication to the destitute and underprivileged.

He remarked that Abdul Sattar Edhi was a great human being who served people without any discrimination.

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President, PM congratulate Dr Pezeskian on his election as President of Iran

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his heartfelt congratulations to Dr Masoud Pezeshkian on his election as the President of Iran.

Pakistan and Iran enjoy fraternal ties and I hope that under your leadership our relations will grow further stronger, the president said in a statement.

He expressed his eagerness to work together for the peace and prosperity of the region.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif extended congratulations to Dr Masoud Pezeshkian on his victory in Iran’s presidential elections.

“I look forward to working closely with President-elect Dr Pezeshkian to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran bilateral ties and promote regional peace and stability,” the prime minister wrote on his official ‘X’ account.

He said as neighboring countries, Pakistan and Iran enjoyed a close and historic relationship. “We must ensure a bright future for our two peoples through mutually beneficial cooperation,” he added.

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Court stops fake bank accounts case Asif Zardari

Court

KARACHI: A banking court put the fake bank accounts case against President Asif Ali Zardari on backburner after an immunity petition from this lawyer.

The banking court heard the fake bank accounts case against  President Asif Ali Zardari, Faryal Talpur and others.

The lawyer of President Asif Ali Zardari said that as long as Asif Zardari is the president, the case cannot be heard against him. The court said that as long as Asif Zardari is the president, the case against him will not be heard.

MPA Faryal TalpurFaryal Talpur did not appear in the court and an plea was filed on her behalf, in which it was argued that Faryal Talpur was busy due to the assembly session and therefore exemption should be granted.

The court admitted the case against President Asif Ali Zardari and adjourned the hearing of the case till July 9.

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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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