PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Marks 87 Years of Sindh Assembly’s Parliamentary Journey

Karachi, Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, extended warm congratulations to the people of Pakistan, especially those in Sindh, on the 87th anniversary of the Sindh Assembly, marking nearly nine decades of its parliamentary journey.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, Chairman PPP mentioned that the inaugural session of the Sindh Legislative Assembly was held on April 27, 1937. He highlighted the significant contribution of democratic ideals, stating that even before Pakistan’s formation, the early Sindh Assembly reflected the steadfast pursuit of democratic values. Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also acknowledged Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto’s pivotal role in the creation of the Sindh Assembly and noted that a conspiracy prevented him from participating in its first session. He added that despite this conspiracy, both Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto and Sir Abdullah Haroon’s party obtained a majority in the Sindh Assembly. Yet, despite this majority, Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto’s party was not allowed to form the government; the then Governor instead invited a party with merely three members to form the government, ignoring the majority’s mandate.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari remarked that despite numerous challenges and injustices, the commitment to strengthening democratic institutions has remained resolute. He underscored that the history of the PPP includes a continuous effort to fortify democracy and its institutions, from the pre-partition era to today.

Maryam Nawaz’s Top Priorities Are Poverty, Inflation, and Unemployment, Says Retired Major Pirzada

Lahore, Retired Major Pirzada has stated that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) prioritizes public service, with a focus on addressing poverty, inflation, and unemployment in Punjab. He credited Chief Minister Punjab, Ms. Maryam Nawaz, for her commitment to these goals and highlighted the Punjab government’s efforts to improve health and education.

According to Pakistan Muslim League (N), Major Pirzada shared these views during a conversation with Sajjad Ali Shakir, Spokesperson for the Central Press Club Kahana, at an event held at the Garrison Golf Club in honor of the LIKE MINDED group. The group, established by Major Pirzada in 2018, consists of various political, social, and journalistic personalities. The event was attended by notable figures including Rana Zulfiqar, Rana Inam, Major Bajwa, Major Saleem, Farooq, Colonel Athar, Khalid, former mayor of Lahore Colonel Mubasher, Dr. Ejaz, Colonel Tanveer Mayo, and Tanveer Sammit.

Major Pirzada emphasized that the PML-N government’s work in Punjab involves a dedicated effort to improve essential services and alleviate economic hardships. He noted that participants at the event were welcomed and that a meal was provided at the conclusion of the gathering. However, Major Pirzada also expressed concern over the current state of the PML-N’s media cell, describing it as “in very weak hands.” He stressed the need for significant improvements to strengthen the party’s communication and outreach efforts.

The event served as a platform for discussing PML-N’s initiatives and fostering connections among like-minded individuals dedicated to advancing public service in Punjab.

JUI Leaders Condemn Militant Attacks in Dera Ismail Khan

Karachi, The Central Deputy Secretary General of Jamiat Ulema Islam Pakistan, Hafiz Ahmad Ali, and the Provincial President of JUI Youth Wing, Rana Muhammad Saber, have condemned the recent attacks on customs officials in Dera Ismail Khan, calling for continued operations against militants.

According to Jamiat Ulema Islam, the attacks on customs officials have been alarming, and the leaders emphasized that terrorists do not deserve any concession. They urged that more measures are needed to stop terrorist activities and ensure the safety of citizens. The JUI leaders mentioned that Pakistan has been battling external terrorism for a long time, with enemy agents seeking to destabilize the country through various nefarious activities. However, they noted that Pakistan’s security agencies have consistently thwarted these attempts with their dedication and sacrifice.

The leaders expressed solidarity with the families of the victims, stating that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam stands with them in this hour of grief and will continue to support efforts to maintain peace and security in the country.

Aafia Movement Calls for Unity in Civil Society to Drive Positive Change in Pakistan

Karachi, The Aafia Movement has called for the Pakistani government and civil society to unite and bring about positive change in the country, emphasizing the need for collective action to address social and political challenges. A meeting titled “Role of Civil Society in the Struggle for Political and Economic System Change,” organized by the National Council Consultation at the Pano Rama Center 1 in Sadar, saw various personalities from different walks of life share their insights and suggestions.

According to Aafia Movement, the spokesperson stressed that ordinary Pakistani citizens feel devalued by the government, creating a division between those deprived of basic human rights and the privileged elite class. The privileged class, known as the elite, is said to have rendered the rest of society as spectators, leading to growing indifference towards national issues. The spokesperson attributed this divide to economic disparities, stating that people are too focused on making a living, which undermines the connection between the state and its citizens.

The spokesperson suggested that the Pakistani government should value ordinary citizens like the United States and European countries do. Referring to the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist imprisoned in the United States for over 21 years, the spokesperson highlighted the need for concerted efforts to secure her release. Clive Stafford-Smith, a British-American lawyer and human rights advocate, is seeking support from the Pakistani government and civil society for Dr. Aafia’s release, stating that 2024 could be the year of her return to Pakistan.

The Aafia Movement believes that if the government, state institutions, and civil society collaborate, they can create positive change and work towards achieving justice for individuals like Dr. Aafia, whose case has drawn significant attention internationally. The meeting served as a platform for discussion on how civil society can play a pivotal role in influencing political and economic reforms in Pakistan.

Urs of Hazrat Shah Muhammad Ruknuddin Al-Wari and Ruknul-Islam Jamia Mujadiya Ceremony to be Held in Azad Maidan Mosque

Hyderabad, The Urs of Hazrat Shah Muhammad Ruknuddin Al-Wari, a significant spiritual event, and the Ruknul-Islam Jamia Mujadiya meeting are scheduled to take place at the Azad Maidan Mosque on April 29. The ceremony, held in honor of Hazrat Shah Muhammad Ruknuddin Al-Wari, will feature a special address by Allama Selman Misbahi and will be presided over by Sahibzada Abul Khair Muhammad Zubair.

According to Jamiat Ulema Islam, the event is organized by Ruknul-Islam Jamia Mujadiya, with Sahibzada Atir Mahmood serving as the moderator. The gathering, planned for Monday, April 29, 2024, after the Isha prayer, will celebrate the life and teachings of the revered spiritual leader, Hazrat Shah Muhammad Ruknuddin Al-Wari, with prayers and an academic memorial.

The Ruknul-Islam Jamia Mujadiya meeting for the distribution of credentials will be held at the Jamia Masjid Azad Maidan, Hirabad, Hyderabad, under the chairmanship of Hazrat Allama Dr. Sahibzada Abul Khair Muhammad Zubair, president of Jamiat Ulema Pakistan and the National Solidarity Council. The meeting aims to commemorate the spiritual legacy of Hazrat Shah Muhammad Ruknuddin Al-Wari and will feature various religious leaders and scholars.

This event serves as a significant gathering for followers and scholars alike, reflecting the spiritual and academic contributions of Hazrat Shah Muhammad Ruknuddin Al-Wari to the community.

Aga Khan University Hospital Opens Nakawa Specialty Centre in Kampala

Kampala, Ugandans now have access to a broad range of specialized outpatient healthcare services with the opening of the Aga Khan University Hospital’s Nakawa Specialty Centre, located on the Old Port Bell Road. This new centre is the first facility on the upcoming Aga Khan University’s Kampala campus.

According to The Aga Khan University, the Nakawa Specialty Centre offers services such as chemotherapy, dialysis, and diagnostic imaging including CT scans, mammography, neurophysiology, and ultrasound. It also provides access to specialists in various fields like gynaecology, paediatrics, cardiology, neurophysiology, oncology, and endocrinology. Additional services like physiotherapy, dentistry, and laboratory and pharmacy services are also available at the centre.

During the inauguration, Uganda’s State Minister for Health, Hon. Margaret Muhanga, commended the Aga Khan University for its ongoing investment in the country’s health and education sectors. She noted that the Nakawa Specialty Centre would improve access to specialized quality healthcare and reduce the need for Ugandans to seek medical treatment abroad. Hon. Muhanga stated, “The government is committed to providing quality healthcare to all citizens, and we are happy to walk this journey with our worthy partners like the Aga Khan University.”

The Nakawa Specialty Centre joins the three other medical centres operated by Aga Khan University Hospital in Kampala, located at the Acacia Mall, Metroplex Mall Naalya, and the DTB building. Rashid Khalani, CEO of the Aga Khan University Hospital, reiterated the institution’s commitment to providing world-class healthcare services in Uganda, highlighting the state-of-the-art equipment and technology that ensures accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.

In addition to the Nakawa Specialty Centre, a seven-storey University Centre and a nine-storey student housing building are currently under construction on the Aga Khan University’s Kampala campus. Construction of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Kampala is set to begin next year. The Aga Khan University Hospital and the Aga Khan Health Services operate five hospitals and more than 100 clinics across East Africa, serving over 2 million patients annually.

Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President of the Aga Khan University, emphasized that the new hospital and campus would play a significant role in creating an integrated network of international-quality health and education institutions across East Africa. He highlighted that AKU has been active in Uganda for 24 years, graduating nearly 5,000 nurses, doctors, teachers, and journalists across the region.

Amb. Amin Mawji, Diplomatic Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network in Uganda, echoed these sentiments, stating that the opening of the Nakawa Specialty Centre was an important step toward bringing high-quality healthcare closer to Ugandans.