Category: Internal Affairs

Karachi, Faryal Talpur, the Central President of the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) Women Wing and Member of the Provincial Assembly, paid homage to Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on the 45th anniversary of his martyrdom, lauding his contributions towards democracy, social justice, and Pakistan’s sovereignty.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, Talpur’s tribute highlighted Bhutto’s efforts in making the masses aware of their democratic rights and establishing the PPP as a platform to safeguard these rights. She praised Bhutto for his initiatives aimed at empowering the underprivileged sectors of society, including workers, women, and minorities, by making them politically and economically independent. Talpur reiterated Bhutto’s belief that “all power belonged to the people,” emphasizing its relevance in contemporary times.

The achievements of Bhutto, such as the framing of Pakistan’s first unanimous constitution, the initiation of the nuclear program, and the establishment of industrial and agricultural reforms were underscored by Talpur as monumental contributions to the nation. She also celebrated Bhutto’s role in strengthening Pakistan’s international relations, particularly with China and Islamic countries, as well as his efforts in the development of significant infrastructural projects like Steel Mill and Port Qasim.

Talpur additionally recognized President Asif Ali Zardari’s role in advocating for Bhutto’s legacy, particularly through a Presidential Reference to the Supreme Court, which recently acknowledged that Bhutto did not receive a fair trial. She expressed satisfaction over the leadership of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, urging party workers and the public to support him in fulfilling Bhutto’s vision for a democratic, prosperous, and egalitarian Pakistan.

The commemoration serves as a reminder of Bhutto’s enduring legacy and the PPP’s ongoing commitment to his ideals, as the party continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of Pakistani politics.

Islamabad, In a significant meeting at the Presidency today, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir held talks with President Asif Ali Zardari, extending his congratulations on Zardari’s recent appointment as President of Pakistan and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. The meeting focused on a range of critical issues, including ongoing military operations against terrorism, the Army’s operational readiness, and its contributions to development in key regions of the country.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, General Munir briefed President Zardari on the current security operations conducted by the Pakistan Army against terrorist groups and outlined the military’s state of preparedness to face conventional threats. Furthermore, the COAS detailed the Army’s involvement in development projects, especially in the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, highlighting its commitment to the nation’s socio-economic uplift.

President Zardari expressed his appreciation for the Armed Forces’ role in maintaining Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He commended the military’s efforts in fostering social and economic development in areas affected by conflict and adversity, acknowledging the Army’s dedication to the country’s progress. The President underscored Pakistan’s unwavering stance against terrorism, vowing to counter threats with the full spectrum of national power.

Additionally, President Zardari addressed the issue of unfounded accusations made by certain political factions and individuals against the military leadership, emphasizing the need to confront such allegations decisively. He honored the memory of the armed forces’ martyrs, whose sacrifices embody the resilience and fortitude of the Pakistani people, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to recognizing and upholding the legacy of its fallen heroes.

The meeting concluded with a mutual pledge to continue fostering a climate of peace, security, and advancement, reinforcing the collaborative spirit between Pakistan’s civil and military leadership in navigating the challenges facing the nation.

Islamabad, In a meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadar today, President Asif Ali Zardari directed Pakistan’s newly-appointed High Commissioner to Singapore, Ms Rabia Shafiq, to focus on strengthening bilateral trade and investment relationships with Singapore. He underscored the importance of leveraging Pakistan’s investment-friendly climate to attract Singaporean businesses and to expand the export of Pakistani food and agricultural products to Singapore.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, the President pointed out the potential for Pakistan to become a significant supplier of processed food items such as poultry, meat, and seafood to Singapore. He urged the High Commissioner to explore new opportunities for Pakistani exports and to facilitate the exchange of manpower and expertise in sectors like Information Technology and agriculture between the two nations.

President Zardari also highlighted the significance of deepening bilateral cooperation, suggesting that enhanced economic and trade relations could serve mutual interests. He expressed his confidence in Ms Rabia Shafiq’s abilities to navigate the complexities of international diplomacy and trade, wishing her a successful tenure that contributes to the advancement of Pakistan-Singapore relations.

This meeting marks a strategic effort by Pakistan to forge stronger economic ties with Singapore, reflecting the country’s broader objectives to diversify its export markets and attract foreign investment in key sectors of its economy.

Islamabad, In a profound display of unity and support for the oppressed globally, the International Day of Al-Quds will be observed across Pakistan, as announced by the Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Fiqah Jafaria Pakistan (TNFJ). This day is set to honor the resilience of those suffering under oppression, particularly in regions like Kashmir and Palestine, and to stand against global colonialism and its impacts.

According to Tehreek Nafaze Fiqhe Jafariya, the Central Secretary General of TNFJ, Allama Raja Bisharat Hussain Emami, underscored the significance of Al-Quds Day as a moment for the Islamic world to fulfill its religious duty by staging peaceful protests across the country. Initiated by Jafaria leader Agha Syed Hamid Ali Shah Mousavi, this day calls for a reevaluation of solutions to the challenges facing the Islamic world through a lens of unity and brotherhood.

Emami praised the government and media’s role in fostering mutual unity among all Islamic schools of thought, particularly during the martyrdom of Ameerul Momineen Hazrat Ali (AS). He asserted that unity and brotherhood serve as the Muslim world’s most potent weapons against oppression.

Furthermore, the TNFJ announced the appointment of convenors across Pakistan to organize events in support of the oppressed. These appointments include Muhammad Ali Al Qasim Zaidi for Sindh, Ghulam Mustafa Chingizi for Balochistan, Professor Samar Abbas Ghaffari for Gilgit and Baltistan, and Syed Sajid Kazmi for Azad Kashmir.

Allama Bisharat Emami reaffirmed the TNFJ’s commitment to justice and the denunciation of cruelty and brutality, highlighting the tradition of observing the last Friday of Ramadan as World Al-Quds Day. He emphasized the continuous efforts of the TNFJ to stand with the oppressed until justice is established and cruelty is eradicated.

This announcement underscores the TNFJ’s dedication to raising awareness and support for those suffering under oppression, through peaceful demonstrations and rallies, ensuring the voice of solidarity resonates across the nation.

Islamabad, President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the need for an expedited conclusion of the Transit Trade Agreement with Turkmenistan, aiming to strengthen the economic and cooperative ties between Pakistan and Turkmenistan. This move is anticipated to broaden trade avenues, enhance regional connectivity, and boost economic activities within the area.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, the President shared these remarks during a meeting with Mr. Atadjan Movlamov, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The ambassador extended his congratulations to President Zardari on his re-election, marking the occasion as a stepping stone for further diplomatic and economic engagements between the two nations.

Both parties expressed a mutual interest in the swift completion of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline project. This project is not only expected to support Pakistan’s growing energy needs but also to contribute significantly to the country’s economic stability.

President Zardari highlighted the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and religious ties that form the foundation of the relationship between Pakistan and Turkmenistan. He advocated for increased high-level exchanges to rejuvenate bilateral relations and expressed a keen interest in bolstering mutually beneficial cooperation.

Reflecting on the trade relations, the President pointed out the necessity to amplify the current trade volume to achieve mutual prosperity. He fondly recollected his visits to Turkmenistan, including his participation in the TAPI Summit in 2010 and the 4th International Nauroze Festival in 2013, as landmarks in the diplomatic journey of the two countries.

The Turkmen Ambassador relayed the warm wishes of Turkmenistan’s leadership, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and former President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to President Zardari. He underscored the significance of the Transit Trade Agreement, not just for the bilateral relations but for the regional trade dynamics it is poised to enhance.

President Zardari’s discussions with the Turkmen Ambassador underscore a shared vision for a future marked by strengthened bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and regional connectivity.

Karachi, The Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) has voiced strong opposition against the provincial governments’ reliance on private bank loans for wheat procurement, stressing that such practices squander public funds and enrich banks at the expense of the people. In a statement, PDP Chairman Altaf Shakoor criticized the banking sector for operating at the detriment of consumers and the government, likening the situation to historical exploitation by colonial powers.

According to Pasban Democratic Party, Shakoor highlighted the annual expenditure of billions of rupees paid by provincial governments to private banks as interest on loans. He argued that this money could be better used for the welfare of the poor if the government utilized its own resources for essential purchases like wheat. The statement called for an urgent overhaul of the banking sector to prevent private banks from acting as modern-day East India companies, exploiting consumers and the government through high-interest loans.

Shakoor pointed out the skewed policies of the State Bank of Pakistan, which he believes favor private banks at the expense of the country’s populace. He underscored the necessity of breaking the “deadly debt trap” facing the government and its citizens, criticizing the lack of political advocacy for consumer rights within Pakistan.

The PDP’s statement also referred to a report indicating Pakistan’s banking sector has one of the highest spreads in the world, exacerbated by the central bank’s policy rate reaching an all-time high of 22 percent. This has significantly widened the gap between the interest rates on loans and the returns on deposits, further burdening the economy and its people.

Shakoor’s call to action includes urging central and provincial governments to devise mechanisms to reduce their dependency on bank loans, particularly for operational needs like wheat procurement. He emphasized that saving taxpayer money should be a top priority, advocating for pro-consumer banking reforms to foster a culture of consumer rights protection in Pakistan.

The Pasban Democratic Party’s critique of the banking sector and the government’s financial practices sheds light on the broader economic challenges facing Pakistan, calling for reforms to safeguard the interests of the poor and promote fiscal responsibility.