The President of Pakistan

2/2 She was also briefed on beneficiary recertification, support for persons with disabilities, the inclusion of previously underserved groups, education incentives and family well-being initiatives. The removal of the ever-married condition was highlighted as an important step towards extending support to previously excluded women. Senator Rubina Khalid mentioned President Asif Ali Zardari’s vision in establishing BISP and advancing women’s inclusion in the national identity system. She recalled that, in 2008, President Zardari directed that women seeking to become BISP beneficiaries should possess Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs). This initiative helped bring millions of previously undocumented women into the national identity system and strengthened their access to social protection and public services. She also highlighted the expansion of digital payments as a major step towards financial inclusion and underscored the role of skills development in creating sustainable livelihoods and pathways to economic independence for beneficiary families. During her visit, the First Lady interacted with BISP beneficiaries and listened to their experiences. She reiterated the importance of strengthening awareness, transparency and accountability to ensure that assistance reaches deserving families effectively. The meeting was attended by MNA Shazia Marri, Senator Sardar Al Haj Muhammad Umer Gorgaij, Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, and other senior officials. ——

1/2 First Lady Lauds BISP’s Role in Women’s Empowerment, Assures Full Support for Its Initiatives First Lady Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari visited the headquarters of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) in Islamabad and chaired a meeting to review its initiatives for poverty alleviation, women’s empowerment, financial inclusion and skills development. Chairperson BISP Senator Rubina Khalid and Secretary BISP Amer Ali Ahmad briefed her on the programme’s achievements and ongoing initiatives. The First Lady appreciated BISP’s role in supporting vulnerable families and advancing women’s empowerment. She emphasised financial literacy and public awareness to help beneficiaries make informed financial decisions and access their entitled assistance with dignity and transparency. She called for stronger grievance redressal mechanisms, exploring collaboration with Lady Health Workers to expand community outreach, and greater use of social and digital media to raise awareness about BISP’s programmes and services. She assured BISP of her full support in advancing its initiatives. Senator Rubina Khalid highlighted BISP’s economic impact, citing a World Bank study indicating that every rupee spent through the programme generates an estimated PKR 2.34 in real income. BISP supports approximately 1.66 million full-time equivalent jobs, two-thirds in rural areas, while economic activity generated through the programme is estimated to contribute PKR 174 billion annually to the national exchequer. The First Lady was briefed on the Benazir Hunarmand Program, under which more than 50,000 people have registered for market-relevant skills training linked to employment and self-employment. Training covers information technology, healthcare, hospitality and construction, with support from development partners, including the Asian Development Bank and GIZ. She also reviewed skills training delivered through the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Human Resource Research and Development Board in collaboration with the Government of Sindh. More than 5,000 individuals have received training, with over 1,200 securing employment. Secretary BISP briefed the First Lady on the Social Protection Wallet initiative, under which 9.7 million SIMs had been activated and 9.3 million beneficiaries had conducted transactions through CNIC-linked digital wallets. He highlighted biometric authentication and a two-tier verification system to strengthen payment transparency and financial inclusion. He also briefed the First Lady on BISP’s expanding media outreach. Between September 2024 and October 2026, the programme’s Facebook following grew from approximately 501,000 to 1.4 million, alongside increased engagement on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. The First Lady inspected a BISP Mobile Registration Van and was shown its various sections and facilities. She was briefed on the van’s functioning, including its registration process, equipment and services designed to facilitate beneficiaries in accessing BISP services, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

صدرِ مملکت آصف علی زرداری کا بلوچستان کے ضلع کیچ کے علاقے میناز میں دہشت گردوں کے خلاف کامیاب کارروائی پر سیکیورٹی فورسز کو خراجِ تحسین۔ صدرِ مملکت نے کارروائی کے دوران فتنہ الہندوستان کے ایک دہشت گرد کو ہلاک کرنے پر سیکیورٹی فورسز کی پیشہ ورانہ صلاحیتوں کو سراہا۔ صدرِ مملکت کا دہشت گردوں کی جانب سے دو خواتین کو ہمراہ لے جانے کی کوشش ناکام بنانے پر سیکیورٹی فورسز کی کارروائی کو خراج تحسین۔ بلوچستان میں دہشت گردی کے مکمل خاتمے تک سیکیورٹی فورسز کی کارروائیاں جاری رہیں گی: صدرِ مملکت

صدرِ مملکت آصف علی زرداری کا تھرپارکر میں ایمبولینس میں آکسیجن سلنڈر پھٹنے کے افسوسناک واقعے میں قیمتی انسانی جانوں کے ضیاع پر اظہارِ افسوس۔ صدر زرداری کا حادثے میں جاں بحق ہونے والے افراد کے اہلِ خانہ سے تعزیت اور زخمی ہونے والے افراد کی جلد صحت یابی کے لیے نیک تمناؤں کا اظہار۔ واقعے کی وجوہات کا فوری تعین کرنے کے لیے شفاف تحقیقات کروائی جائیں: صدر مستقبل میں ایسے افسوسناک واقعات کی روک تھام کے لیے حفاظتی اقدامات مؤثر بنائے جائیں: صدرِ مملکت

President Zardari Highlights Pakistan-Türkiye Brotherhood and Defence Cooperation on Republic Day President Asif Ali Zardari has emphasised the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s historic partnership with Türkiye through closer cooperation in trade, investment, defence, education, culture and other areas of mutual interest. In his letter to the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, on the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, President Zardari highlighted the exceptional bond of brotherhood between the two countries, rooted in common history, faith, shared values and enduring ties between their peoples. He said Türkiye had made significant progress over the past century, strengthening its institutions, advancing its economic development and enhancing its standing and contributions in regional and international affairs. The President said Pakistan deeply values the solidarity and generous support extended by the Turkish leadership and people during challenging times. He expressed confidence that the historic partnership between the two countries would continue to flourish through enhanced political engagement and closer cooperation across areas of mutual interest. Referring to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, the President expressed confidence that the agreement would further strengthen bilateral and trilateral relations, deepen strategic cooperation among Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia and contribute to lasting peace, security and stability in the region and beyond. @RTErdogan @HakanFidan ——

President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic train accident in Spain, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and sympathies to the injured. He expressed solidarity with the leadership and people of Spain in this difficult time and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. @sanchezcastejon @desdelamoncloa

صدرِ مملکت آصف علی زرداری کا بلوچستان کے اضلاع کچھی اور وڈھ میں بھارتی سرپرستی میں سرگرم دہشت گردوں کو ہلاک کرنے پر سیکیورٹی فورسز کو خراجِ تحسین۔ صدرِ مملکت نے دہشت گردوں کے ٹھکانے تباہ کرنے اور ان کو ہلاک کرنے پر سیکیورٹی فورسز کی پیشہ ورانہ صلاحیتوں کو سراہا۔ دہشتگردوں کے غیر ملکی سرپرستوں اور ان کے مقامی سہولت کاروں کی سازشوں کو ناکام بنایا جائے گا: صدر قوم اپنی سیکیورٹی فورسز اور قانون نافذ کرنے والے اداروں کے شانہ بشانہ کھڑی ہے: صدر آصف علی زرداری

President Zardari Expresses Confidence in Further Strengthening Pakistan-Czech Republic Relations President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed confidence that Pakistan and the Czech Republic will continue to strengthen their longstanding and cordial relations and explore new avenues of mutually beneficial cooperation in diverse fields. In his letter to the President of the Czech Republic, Mr Petr Pavel, on the occasion of the country’s National Day, President Zardari said that relations between the two countries were based on mutual respect, friendship and close cooperation. The President expressed confidence that Pakistan and the Czech Republic would continue to strengthen their friendly ties and explore new avenues of mutually beneficial cooperation. @prezidentpavel ——-

MESSAGE FROM FIRST LADY BIBI ASIFA BHUTTO ZARDARI ON KASHMIR BLACK DAY On Kashmir Black Day, my thoughts are especially with Kashmiri women and children, who continue to bear the human cost of this unresolved dispute. 27 October 1947 was the day when Indian forces landed in Srinagar, marking the beginning of a prolonged period of suffering for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmiri women have endured profound loss and hardship. Many have been left to raise their children alone after the disappearance or death of their husbands and other family members. Mothers who have lost their sons, daughters growing up without their fathers and women who continue to seek answers and justice deserve to have their voices heard. Despite these hardships, Kashmiri women continue to care for their families, support their communities and work to secure a better future for their children. The impact on children is equally painful. Too many have grown up amid uncertainty, fear and disruption to their education and everyday lives. Every child has the right to attend school, receive proper healthcare, play safely and grow up with the confidence that tomorrow holds opportunities rather than fear. The emotional and psychological effects of prolonged conflict on children must not be overlooked. Their experiences deserve serious attention from the international community, human rights organisations and the UN. As First Lady, I stand in solidarity with every Kashmiri mother, daughter and child whose life has been affected by this conflict. The suffering of women and children must remain central to international efforts to address the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Their rights, safety and future cannot be separated from the search for a just and lasting resolution. Nearly eight decades after the events of 27 October 1947, the right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination, recognised in relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, remains unfulfilled. A lasting peace in South Asia requires a resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people in the light of relevant UNSC resolutions. Pakistan will continue to extend its moral, diplomatic and political support to them in their pursuit of their legitimate rights. On this day, I particularly remember the mothers who continue to wait for their loved ones, the women who carry the responsibilities of entire families and the children whose futures remain uncertain. Their sacrifices must not be forgotten. I hope for the day when Kashmiri mothers can raise their children in peace, when girls can pursue their education without fear and when every Kashmiri child can look towards the future with hope and confidence. The women and children of Pakistan stand in solidarity with their Kashmiri counterparts, with the shared wish that they may live with freedom, security and the opportunity to shape their own future. ——-

"Since 27 October 1947, the people of IIOJK have endured decades of conflict, restrictions and denial of their fundamental rights. The continuing restrictions on fundamental freedoms, heightened militarisation, arrests and reports of human rights violations remain a matter of serious concern and underscore the need for sustained international attention." ~President Asif Ali Zardari Message On Jammu and Kashmir Black Day

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT ASIF ALI ZARDARI ON JAMMU AND KASHMIR BLACK DAY — 27 OCTOBER 2026 On Jammu and Kashmir Black Day, we solemnly remember 27 October 1947, when Indian forces landed in Srinagar, marking the beginning of a prolonged and tragic chapter in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. This day reaffirms our recognition of the longstanding aspirations of the Kashmiri people and the continued pursuit of the fundamental and inalienable right to self-determination. For the past eight decades, the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have endured profound sufferings, marked by violence, repression and serious violations of fundamental rights. Generations of Kashmiris have made immense sacrifices in their pursuit of justice, dignity and freedom. Their resilience and determination in the face of adversity remain a testament to the enduring strength of their cause. Since 27 October 1947, the people of IIOJK have endured decades of conflict, restrictions and denial of their fundamental rights. The continuing restrictions on fundamental freedoms, heightened militarisation, arrests and reports of human rights violations remain a matter of serious concern and underscore the need for sustained international attention. The situation has further deteriorated since August 5, 2019, when India unilaterally attempted to alter the constitutional and legal status of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir Black Day is, therefore, not merely a day of remembrance. It is also an occasion to reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful and just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Lasting peace, stability and prosperity in South Asia remain closely linked to the resolution of this longstanding dispute, in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. On this solemn occasion, I call upon the international community, particularly the United Nations and international human rights organisations, to take due cognisance of the human rights situation in IIOJK, support efforts for the protection of the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people and contribute meaningfully towards a just, peaceful and lasting resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Pakistan will continue to extend its unwavering moral, diplomatic and political support to the people of IIOJK. We will continue to raise their voice at every appropriate international forum and to advocate the realisation of their legitimate aspirations. Today, we pay tribute to the countless sacrifices of the Kashmiri people and reaffirm our solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters. Pakistan stands with them in the pursuit of justice, peace, dignity and the realisation of the legitimate right to self-determination. The day is not far off when the people of Jammu and Kashmir will be able to determine their own future in accordance with their aspirations and the Jammu and Kashmir dispute will move towards a just and peaceful resolution. ——

صدرِ مملکت آصف علی زرداری کا سابق چیف آف آرمی اسٹاف جنرل (ر) عبدالوحید کاکڑ کے انتقال پر اظہارِ افسوس۔ صدرِ مملکت کا جنرل (ر) عبدالوحید کاکڑ کے انتقال پر اہلِ خانہ سے دلی تعزیت اور ہمدردی کا اظہار۔ صدر زرداری کی مرحوم جنرل (ر) عبدالوحید کاکڑ کے لیے دعائے مغفرت۔ اللّہ تعالیٰ مرحوم کو جوارِ رحمت میں جگہ عطا فرمائے: صدر صدرِ پاکستان کی سوگوار خاندان کے لیے صبرِ جمیل کی دعا۔

President Asif Ali Zardari has congratulated Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his historic re-election as President of Brazil. The President expressed confidence that the longstanding friendly relations between Pakistan and Brazil would continue to grow, with enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture and multilateral forums for the mutual benefit of both countries and their peoples. @LulaOficial @presidencia_BR

صدرِ مملکت آصف علی زرداری کا نائیک سیف علی جنجوعہ شہید، ہلال کشمیر(نشان حیدر) کی 78 ویں برسی پر خراجِ عقیدت نائیک سیف علی جنجوعہ شہید، (ہلال کشمیر)کی 78 ویں برسی کے موقع پرپوری قوم کی جانب سے اور اپنی ذاتی حیثیت میں ارضِ پاک کے اس بہادر سپوت کو بھرپور خراج عقیدت پیش کرتے ہیں: صدر مملکت آصف علی زرداری نائیک سیف علی جنجوعہ شہیدنے جنگ آزادی کشمیر کے دوران تعداد میں کئی گنا زیادہ اور اضافی وسائل کے حامل دشمن کے شدید حملے کو مستعدی اور دلیری سے ناکام بنایا: صدر آصف علی ذرداری نائیک سیف علی جنجوعہ شہید نے شدید زخمی ہونے کے باوجود اپنے فوجی دستے کی کمان کرتے ہوئےدشمن کو عبرتناک دھول چٹائی جو قومی تاریخ میں سنہری حروف سے عبارت ہوئی:صدر آصف علی زرداری نائیک سیف علی جنجوعہ شہید، نے مادرِ وطن کی حرمت کی خاطر اپنی جان کا نذرانہ پیش کر کے شجاعت اور بہادری کی عظیم داستان رقم کی: صدر زرداری کشمیر کے فرزند نائیک سیف علی جنجوعہ شہید کی بے مثال قربانی اور تاریخی شجاعت پوری قوم کے لیے باعثِ فخر اور ہماری آنے والی نسلوں کے لیے مشعلِ راہ رہے گی: صدر آصف علی زرداری پاکستان اپنے شہداء کا ہمیشہ مقروض رہے گا۔ قوم کے یہ عظیم سپوت ہماری آزادی، خودمختاری اور قومی سلامتی کی مضبوط بنیاد ہیں: صدر زرداری …………………………...................

President Zardari Extends Felicitations to Austria on National Day President Asif Ali Zardari has extended warm felicitations to the President and the people of the Republic of Austria on the occasion of Austria’s National Day. In his letter to Austrian President Dr Alexander Van der Bellen, President Zardari conveyed his best wishes for the President’s good health and happiness and for the continued progress, prosperity and well-being of the Austrian people. President Zardari said that Pakistan and Austria enjoy longstanding and cordial relations founded on mutual respect, goodwill and a shared commitment to peace, stability and international cooperation. He noted that the two countries maintain constructive engagement at bilateral and multilateral levels, reflecting their common desire to strengthen friendly relations and promote mutually beneficial cooperation. The President expressed confidence that the bonds of friendship between Pakistan and Austria would continue to grow stronger, opening new avenues for cooperation in areas of mutual interest and bringing the two peoples closer together. ——

صدرِ مملکت آصف علی زرداری کی انگلینڈ کے خلاف اعصاب شکن مقابلے میں پاکستان کرکٹ ٹیم کی شاندار فتح پر کھلاڑیوں کو مبارک باد۔ صدر زرداری نے ایک وکٹ سے فتح حاصل کرنے پر قومی کرکٹ ٹیم کی کارکردگی کو سراہا۔ صدرِ مملکت کی شاداب خان کو شاندار سنچری اسکور کرنے اور حارث رؤف کے ساتھ آخری وکٹ کی فیصلہ کن شراکت پر مبارک باد۔ کھلاڑیوں نے عزم، حوصلے اور بہترین کھیل کا مظاہرہ کرتے ہوئے ٹیم کو یادگار فتح سے ہمکنار کیا: صدرِ مملکت صدر نے سہ ملکی کرکٹ سیریز میں قومی ٹیم کی مجموعی کارکردگی اور کھلاڑیوں کے عزم، پیشہ ورانہ مہارت اور ٹیم ورک کو سراہا۔ صدر کی چیئرمین پاکستان کرکٹ بورڈ محسن نقوی کو بھی قومی ٹیم کی شاندار کارکردگی پر مبارک باد

صدرِ مملکت آصف علی زرداری کا ڈیرہ اسماعیل خان میں سیکیورٹی فورسز کے انٹیلی جنس بیسڈ آپریشن کے دوران بھارتی سرپرستی میں سرگرم چھ خوارج کو ہلاک کرنے پر سیکیورٹی فورسز کو خراجِ تحسین۔ صدر زرداری کا آپریشن کے دوران جامِ شہادت نوش کرنے والے نائیک غلام مرتضیٰ اور سپاہی تاثیر احمد کو خراجِ عقیدت۔ صدرِ مملکت کا مادرِ وطن کے دفاع میں جانوں کا نذرانہ پیش کرنے والے شہداء کی بہادری، فرض شناسی اور عظیم قربانی کو سلام۔ صدرِ مملکت کا شہداء کے اہلِ خانہ سے دلی تعزیت اور ہمدردی کا اظہار۔ صدرِ مملکت کا ملک کے امن و استحکام اور عوام کے تحفظ کے لیے سیکیورٹی فورسز کی مسلسل قربانیوں اور پیشہ ورانہ خدمات کو خراجِ تحسین۔ دہشتگردوں کے غیر ملکی سرپرستوں اور ان کے مقامی سہولت کاروں کی سازشوں کو ہر صورت ناکام بنایا جائے گا: صدر

برلن، جرمنی: صدرِ مملکت آصف علی زرداری جرمن صدر کی دعوت پر سرکاری دورے کی تکمیل کے بعد جرمنی سے وطن واپسی کے لیے روانہ۔ صدر کو برلن ائرپورٹ سے اعلیٰ جرمن حکام اور سفیرِ پاکستان نے الوداع کیا۔ صدرِ مملکت آصف علی زرداری کا دو دہائیوں سے زائد عرصے کے تعطل کے بعد جرمنی کا دورہ دونوں ممالک کے دوطرفہ تعلقات میں ایک اہم پیش رفت ہے۔ صدرِ مملکت کا تاریخی دورہ جرمنی دونوں ممالک کے درمیان سفارتی تعلقات کے قیام کے 75 سال مکمل ہونے کی تقریبات کے تناظر میں خصوصی اہمیت کا حامل ہے۔ صدرِ مملکت آصف علی زرداری اور جرمن صدر کی اعلیٰ سطحی ملاقاتیں دوطرفہ تعلقات کو مزید وسعت دینے کے مشترکہ عزم کی عکاس ہیں۔ اس دورے سے دونوں ممالک کے درمیان خیرسگالی اور روابط کو مزید فروغ دینے کی راہیں ہموار ہوں گی۔ جرمنی کی اعلیٰ قیادت کی پرتپاک میزبانی اور صدرِ مملکت کا کامیاب دورہ دونوں ممالک کے درمیان تعاون کے نئے امکانات کا عکاس ہے۔

First Lady Calls for Equal Application of International Law, Climate Justice and Greater Investment in Children First Lady Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari said that international humanitarian law must be upheld and civilian lives protected, stressing that the principles of the United Nations must apply equally to every human life, irrespective of geography, nationality or political circumstance. Addressing the United Nations Day 2026 celebrations in Karachi, the First Lady highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding partnership with the organisation in development, education, humanitarian assistance and peacekeeping. She said international cooperation remained essential to addressing challenges that no country could overcome alone. Referring to the suffering of innocent people in Gaza, she emphasised that the principles of the United Nations must apply equally to every human life, irrespective of geography, nationality or political circumstances. The First Lady also highlighted the devastating impact of the 2022 floods in Pakistan, noting that the support extended by the United Nations and international partners had demonstrated the value of cooperation during a crisis. She called for climate justice, pointing out that countries and communities contributing least to climate change often bear its greatest consequences. Highlighting her commitment to polio eradication, Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari said every child deserves protection from preventable disease, regardless of where they were born or their family circumstances. She acknowledged the work of frontline health workers, supported by the World Health Organization, UNICEF and other partners, in advancing the shared goal of a polio-free Pakistan. The First Lady also underscored the importance of children’s nutrition and education. She expressed support for the World Food Programme’s ShareTheMeal campaign, which aims to provide 150,000 nutritious school meals to children across Pakistan. She said school meals can improve attendance and learning while helping children build healthier futures. Reflecting on the values that shaped her commitment to public service, she recalled the belief of her mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, in international cooperation, dialogue, education for every child and opportunities for women to determine their own futures. The First Lady said the strength of the United Nations lay not only in international agreements but also in the tangible difference its work makes in people’s lives. She called for continued collective efforts to build a more peaceful and compassionate world. The United Nations Day celebration was organised by the United Nations in Pakistan in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan and in partnership with the Government of Sindh and other partners. The event marked more than eight decades of partnership between Pakistan and the United Nations and featured an exhibition on Pakistan’s contributions to the UN, including peacekeeping, alongside information and careers booths and cultural performances. The event was attended by MNA Shazia Atta Marri, Sindh Minister for Labour Saeed Ghani, Sindh Education Minister Sardar Shah, MPA Qasim Soomro, MPA Jam Shabbir, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and Sukkur Mayor Arsalan Shaikh, among other participants. The First Lady thanked the United Nations team in Pakistan for bringing the celebration to Karachi and providing the public with an opportunity to learn more about the organisation’s work. ——

“We must continue until every child in Pakistan is protected from polio.” ~ Asifa Bhutto Zardari, First Lady of Pakistan