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Asif Ali Zardari elected for second term as the 14th President of Pakistan [Updated Post #11]

Who do you want to be the 14th President of Pakistan?

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FearlessRoar

FearlessRoar

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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Asif Ali Zardari is set to be the next president of the country, adding that there will be "strong coordination" between them. All allies of the ruling coalition, including Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), have agreed to support Zardari in the presidential election scheduled for March 9.

Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai is the nominee of Sunni Ittehad Council, the new home of the PTI, for the coveted post of the president. He will be contesting against Asif Ali Zardari, the joint candidate of the allied parties.

Whom are you supporting, and who should be the next president of Pakistan?
 
Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai on Friday wrote a letter to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) seeking the postponement of the presidential elections — scheduled for tomorrow — on grounds of an “incomplete electoral college”.

The Pashtun nationalist leader from Balochistan is the nominee of Sunni Ittehad Council — the new home of the PTI — for the coveted post of the president. He will be contesting against Asif Ali Zardari, the joint candidate of the allied parties.

In a letter addressed to Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, stated that the electoral college prescribed for the election of the president under the law and Constitution was “incomplete”.

Citing that Achakzai was a candidate for the presidential poll, it highlighted that there were some reserved seats in the national and provincial assemblies which were vacant as no one was elected to them.

"[…] If the presidential election is conducted as per the schedule, that would be a denial of their votes, which otherwise is against the fundamental rights, law and Constitution,” the letter highlighted.

It pointed out that the completion of the electoral college was not possible unless members on reserved seats were elected.

“[…] A petition has also been filed by the SIC before the PHC on accounts of the reserved seats issue, and an injunctive order was passed by the honourable court and the petitioner is hopeful for a clear verdict in favour of the SIC.

“However the completion of the electoral college in the near future would not be insight and this infirmity would make the whole election illegal and unlawful,” the letter said.

Achakzai demanded that the presidential elections be delayed or postponed until the completion of the electoral college.

“Under the above circumstances, it is submitted that the proposed election […] is clearly impossible, therefore the same may kindly be postponed or delayed till completion of electoral college accordingly in the best interest of justice, fair play, and equity,” the letter concluded.

Separately, speaking to the media outside the Parliament House today, Achakzai reiterated his demand for the postponement of presidential elections and called for the formation of a parliamentary committee to resolve the PTI’s grievances regarding the February 8 general elections and allocation of seats.

He said the committee should be headed by senior lawmakers such as JUI-F’s Fazlur Rehman, PPP’s Raza Rabbani and PML-N’s Mushahid Hussain.

The reserved seats that Achakzai’s letter refers to were those that the SIC argues should be allocated to the party.

The SIC was joined by PTI-backed lawmakers after winning elections sans their poll symbol, and the council had written to the ECP seeking allocation of reserved seats in the national as well as three provincial assemblies, excluding Balochistan.

The ECP, however, did not consider the plea till applications piled up opposing the allocation of SIC’s quota on the grounds that it was not a parliamentary party and had not submitted a priority list of candidates for the reserved seats.

After hearing arguments from all sides, the commission reserved its verdict last week, a day before the maiden session of the National Assembly. However, in a 4-1 majority verdict earlier this week, the ECP rejected the SIC’s plea seeking the allocation of reserved women and minority seats.

“SIC is not entitled to claim quota for reserved seats due to having non-curable legal defects and violation of a mandatory provision of submission of party list for reserved seats which is the requirement of law,” the ECP had ruled.

Subsequently, the SIC approached the Peshawar High Court challenging the ECP’s decision. On Wednesday, the PHC barred the oath-taking of the beneficiaries that were given the National Assembly reserved seats the SIC claims should have been allocated to it.

Yesterday, a larger PHC bench once again deferred the oath-taking of nine women lawmakers till March 13, who had been awarded the reserved seats claimed by the SIC.

Dawn
 
Watch Zardari get his revenge on the establishment and PDM.
 
Achakzai is a bit anti pakistani type guy so i will prefer zardari instead of him.
 
Asif Zardari vs Mahmood Khan Achakzai: Polling begins to elect country's president

Lawmakers across the country in the Senate, National as well as the four provincial assemblies have started casting their votes to elect the 14th president of the country. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) finalized all preliminary arrangements for the process, which commenced at 10am and would conclude at 4pm.

PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari, the joint presidential candidate of the PML-N, PPP, and other allied parties in the coalition government, stands poised to potentially secure his second term as president if successful in this election. He faces competition from Pakhtunkhwa Mili Awami Party President Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who is the joint candidate representing the opposition.

The respective houses of parliament have been declared the polling stations where the election is being held through a secret ballot. The Parliament House in Islamabad would cater to senators and MNAs, while the four provincial assemblies would take on the role of polling stations for the respective provincial lawmakers.

PPP Senator Sherry Rehman is acting as Asif Zardari's polling agent, while Senator Shafiq Tareen is representing Achakzai.

Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamir Farooq has been appointed as the presiding officer in the Parliament House. Zardari's children, Bilawal, Bakhtawar and Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, are also present in the Parliament House for the presidential election.

Boycott

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has decided against voting in the presidential election, while the Jamaat-e-Islami also decided against participating in the process.

A JI spokesperson said the party would not participate in the presidential election, maintaining that the polling in these assemblies is also fake. "Votes and results were both stolen in the elections. The PM and his cabinet are all fake," Qaiser Sharif commented.

Swearing-in

The new president of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is scheduled to be sworn in tomorrow (Sunday). The oath-taking ceremony will be held on Sunday at 4pm at the President's House. Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Qazi Faez Isa will administer the oath to the newly elected president.

The Presidency has issued invitations to the guests to be invited to the ceremony.

Polling stations

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 118 members of the provincial assembly are exercising their voting rights. The Sunni Ittehad Council has 89 members, JUI-F nine, PML-N eight, PPP five, PTI-P two and ANP one. Four independent members are also part of the provincial House.

In the Punjab Assembly, election commission member Nisar Durrani has been appointed as the presiding officer for the presidential election, for which 400 ballot papers have been printed.

Durrani told the media the election process would be fair, transparent, and peaceful. The treasury candidate's polling agent is Khalil Tahir Sandhu and Rana Shehbaz the opposition's.

Moreover, Sindh High Court Chief Justice Aqeel Abbasi is acting as the presiding officer during the polling process. There are 163 members in the provincial house of 168, with the PPP and MQM having a combined strength of 150. Asif Ali Zardari is expected to get 58 votes from the House, with 45.66 votes from the PPP lawmakers in the electoral college of the Sindh Assembly.

Achakzai, on the other hand, is expected to get 3.4 votes from Sindh, while the votes of two PPP lawmakers would not be counted.

The PPP has a huge majority of 116 members in the Sindh Assembly, followed by the MQM’s 36 members. Under the presidential election procedure, 2.54 members of the assembly are equal to one vote.

The MQM has also decided to vote for Zardari.

In the Balochistan Assembly also, the PPP, PML-N, National Party, BAP and BNP have all decided to vote for Asif Zardari. Moreover, the Jamaat-e-Islami and Haq Do Tehreek have also announced their support for Zardari.

However, the BNP-Awami has decided to boycott the presidential election, while the stance of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam is unclear.

Polling guidelines

Election commission sources have issued directions for the lawmakers to cast their votes in the presidential election.

According to the procedure, the lawmakers would be given white-colored ballot papers to poll their votes that mention the names of both candidates in Urdu. The voters would be asked to mark a cross before the name of the candidate they wish to vote for, while a vote would be considered wasted if someone tick-marked a candidate’s name.

Security measures

However, the atmosphere is tense, with strict security measures implemented across the Red Zone of Islamabad. Section 144 has been imposed citywide, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Over 600 police personnel have been deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the electoral process, with strict regulations in place to restrict unauthorized access to the parliament premises. Only individuals possessing valid passes will be permitted entry into the designated areas.

The Punjab Police chief has said that Dolphin and Elite Force will patrol the provincial assembly and its surrounding areas.

On Friday, the election commission had upheld its decision to proceed with the scheduled polling, dismissing a request from opposition candidate Mahmood Achakzai to postpone the presidential election.

This decision underscores the commission's commitment to upholding democratic norms and adhering to the established electoral timeline.

As the clock ticks closer to the commencement of voting, anticipation and speculation are rife regarding the outcome of this closely contested presidential election. All eyes are on the Assembly as the representatives of the people prepare to exercise their democratic right and shape the future leadership of the nation.

SAMAA
 
Asif Ali Zardari elected as the 14th president of the country

Voting was held through a secret ballot and polling for the election of the Pakistan’s 14th president concluded in country’s national and provincial assemblies.

Asif Ali Zardari, the joint candidate of PPP and the PML-N, and Sunni Ittehad Council’s candidate Mahmood Khan Achakzai contested for the office of President.

The current ruling coalition, comprising the PML-N, the PPP, and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), has backed former president Asif Ali Zardari.

The President is elected by an electoral college comprising members of the Senate, National Assembly and the four provincial assemblies.

A joint session of the parliament was held at the parliament house in Islamabad today where the members of National Assembly and the Senate will exercise their right to vote.

Similarly, the provincial assemblies also holding their sessions today for the election.

The Election Commission of Pakistan Saturday declared all four assemblies as a polling station for the conduct of the presidential elections.

At least 162 members of the provincial assembly in Sindh, 353 in Punjab, 65 Balochistan and 115 in KP will vote to elect the country’s new president.

With majority in all assembles and Senate, PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari is set to become President of Pakistan for second time.

ARY
 
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This will be Zardari's second term as the country's president, having earlier served in the role from 2008 to 2013.
 
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Don't forget that they're the best candidates in the country who are now running the country and will take it to new heights never achieved since independence.
 
Achakzai acknowledges fairness in presidential election

Following his defeat to Asif Ali Zardari in the presidential election, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the presidential candidate representing the opposition and Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief, expressed satisfaction on Saturday. He highlighted that for the first time, the election transpired without votes being bought or sold, and members from various political parties extended their support to him in both the National Assembly and Senate.

Speaking to the media outside the parliament after the presidential election, Achakzai, who ran as the candidate of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and independent members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), emphasised the positive and conducive environment in which the election took place.

Addressing the prevalent perception that everything in Pakistan can be bought and sold, Achakzai took a principled stance, expressing gratitude to be on the side that opposes such practices. He asserted, "Some people think that everything can be bought and sold in Pakistan, but there are some people who oppose this, and thank God I am on that side."

Express Tribune
 
Leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) launched a scathing attack on the ruling alliance on Saturday, raising serious questions about the recently concluded presidential election. The PTI leaders expressed their dissatisfaction following the defeat of their candidate, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, at the hands of the ruling coalition's nominee, Asif Ali Zardari.

Addressing the media outside the Parliament House, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan took a direct jab at Zardari, referring to him as the 'king of corrupt elements' and asserting that he is being imposed on the country.

Another PTI leader, Asad Qaiser, criticised the entire election process, deeming it controversial. Qaiser argued that presidential elections are deemed illegal when the assembly is incomplete. He added that the PTI is gearing up for a legal battle and will also seek justice from the people.

Barrister Ali Zafar, also speaking on the occasion, questioned how individuals were allowed to vote when the issue of reserved seats was still under court scrutiny. PTI leaders contended that the ruling coalition has a history of acquiring positions through questionable means, referencing Shehbaz Sharif becoming the prime minister on what they allege was a fake mandate.

PTI General Secretary Omar Ayub Khan accused those rejected by the people of being given positions in an illegitimate manner.

Barrister Gohar emphasised that occupying constitutional positions unconstitutionally violates the Constitution. He expressed concern over the growing influence of two prominent families, the Sharifs and Zardaris, not only on the country's resources but now on democratic institutions as well.

Amir Dogar, addressing the gathering, asserted that the ruling coalition had stolen the PTI's mandate, labeling the elections as controversial.

In a statement, the PTI spokesperson announced a peaceful protest to be held across the country tomorrow, aiming to reclaim what they referred to as the 'stolen mandate.'

tribune.com.pk

PTI says 'king of corruption' imposed on nation | The Express Tribune

Achakzai describes presidential election as ‘historic’
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
FearlessRoar said:
Leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) launched a scathing attack on the ruling alliance on Saturday, raising serious questions about the recently concluded presidential election. The PTI leaders expressed their dissatisfaction following the defeat of their candidate, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, at the hands of the ruling coalition's nominee, Asif Ali Zardari.

Addressing the media outside the Parliament House, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan took a direct jab at Zardari, referring to him as the 'king of corrupt elements' and asserting that he is being imposed on the country.

Another PTI leader, Asad Qaiser, criticised the entire election process, deeming it controversial. Qaiser argued that presidential elections are deemed illegal when the assembly is incomplete. He added that the PTI is gearing up for a legal battle and will also seek justice from the people.

Barrister Ali Zafar, also speaking on the occasion, questioned how individuals were allowed to vote when the issue of reserved seats was still under court scrutiny. PTI leaders contended that the ruling coalition has a history of acquiring positions through questionable means, referencing Shehbaz Sharif becoming the prime minister on what they allege was a fake mandate.

PTI General Secretary Omar Ayub Khan accused those rejected by the people of being given positions in an illegitimate manner.

Barrister Gohar emphasised that occupying constitutional positions unconstitutionally violates the Constitution. He expressed concern over the growing influence of two prominent families, the Sharifs and Zardaris, not only on the country's resources but now on democratic institutions as well.

Amir Dogar, addressing the gathering, asserted that the ruling coalition had stolen the PTI's mandate, labeling the elections as controversial.

In a statement, the PTI spokesperson announced a peaceful protest to be held across the country tomorrow, aiming to reclaim what they referred to as the 'stolen mandate.'

tribune.com.pk

PTI says 'king of corruption' imposed on nation | The Express Tribune

Achakzai describes presidential election as ‘historic’
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
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Their own presidential candidate acknowledged that the president's election was fair, while they are saying something else.
 

All talks and zero work​

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Balochistan always been top priority for president-elect Zardari: CM Bugti​

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has said that president-elect Asif Ali Zardari has always had the development of the country’s largest province as his top priority.

In a post on X, Bugti said this was an expression of Zardari’s “selfless love” for Balochistan and its people. “It is a source of joy,” Bugti said.

Source: Dawn News
 
A few political reporters are reporting that one of the deals, agreements that the PPP PML N have arrived at with each other is that they are now going to make constitutional amendments where they will do away with the caretaker government set ups in the centre and provinces for election purposes.

These badniyat thieves will take the country down the drain.
 

PTI leaders condemn ‘illegal’ presidential election​

Leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) launched a scathing attack on the ruling alliance on Saturday, raising serious questions about the recently concluded presidential election. The PTI leaders expressed their dissatisfaction following the defeat of their candidate, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, at the hands of the ruling coalition's nominee, Asif Ali Zardari.

Addressing the media outside the Parliament House, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan took a direct jab at Zardari, referring to him as the 'king of corrupt elements' and asserting that he is being imposed on the country.

Source: Dawn News
 
Savak said:
A few political reporters are reporting that one of the deals, agreements that the PPP PML N have arrived at with each other is that they are now going to make constitutional amendments where they will do away with the caretaker government set ups in the centre and provinces for election purposes.

These badniyat thieves will take the country down the drain.
Click to expand...
I agree with the amendment- caretaker setups have failed. Time to let go of it.
 
China's President Xi congratulates Asif Ali Zardari on election as Pakistani president

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday congratulated Asif Ali Zardari on his election as president of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

In his message, XI said China and Pakistan are good neighbors, good friends, good partners and good brothers, adding that the two countries' iron-clad friendship is a choice of history and a precious treasure of the two peoples.

Xi noted that the two countries have in recent years maintained close high-level exchanges, supported each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns, achieved fruitful results in the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and maintained a high level of development of bilateral relations.

The world, Xi said, is confronted with accelerated changes unseen in a century, and the strategic significance of China-Pakistan relations has become more prominent.

The Chinese leader said he highly regards the development of China-Pakistan relations, and is ready to work with President Zardari to carry forward the traditional friendship between China and Pakistan, advance practical cooperation in various fields, push for greater development of China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, so as to better benefit the two peoples.

Pakistan's former President Asif Ali Zardari won a second term on Saturday, supported by the ruling coalition in a vote by parliament and regional assemblies, the election presiding officer said.

The role of president is largely ceremonial in Pakistan but Zardari is known as a master of reconciliation and could help the governing coalition partners reach a consensus to steer the broken economy on a stabilisation path ahead of seeking a new IMF bailout.

As president, Zardari will also be the supreme commander of the country's armed forces, which play an oversized role in making or breaking governments.

Presiding officer Justice Amir Farooq announced the winner in a live TV broadcast.

Zardari got 411 votes, easily defeating the 181 votes cast for nationalist leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai, according to a statement from the parliament.

The president is elected by votes in the lower and upper house of the parliament and four provincial legislative assemblies.

Zardari is the widower of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and gained political stature after his wife's assassination in a suicide bombing in December 2007, taking control of the PPP Party, in line with wishes expressed in her will. He became president in 2008 and served until 2013, a period in which a U.S. special forces raid inside Pakistan found and killed Osama bin Laden in 2011.

Zardari's greatest achievement during his first term was seen as the building of a rare political consensus on adopting a new legal and political framework to decentralise power and curb the presidential powers wielded by former military leaders. From the early 1990s to 2004, he spent 11 years in jail on graft charges, which were never proven in any court and that he and his party called military-backed political victimisation, a charge the army denies.

SAMAA
 
So mission Bilawal accomplished, welcome to Purana Pakistan , this country swiftly took the wrong turn where NS SS AZ all will wreck havoc on country's already barren treasury
 
I think the self-proclaimed beggar said it best -

Screenshot 2024-03-10 132344.png

PDM is such a disgrace.
 
Now is he in good health to take the oath as the President of Pakistan?
 
President Asif Ali Zardari has decided to confer the title of first lady upon his daughter, Aseefa Bhutto, Express News reported.

Traditionally, the role of 'first lady' has been reserved for the wives of presidents or prime ministers, prompting questions about the legitimacy of appointing a daughter to the position.

Express News' investigation into the matter has revealed that the president holds the authority to confer the title upon any female member of his family. Legal experts consulted by the news outlet confirmed that there are no legal barriers preventing such an appointment.

Under constitutional provisions and existing laws, all privileges and benefits enjoyed by the president extend to their immediate family members, encompassing children, spouses, and other relatives. This includes access to official residences and the use of official aircraft, with perks and privileges afforded to the president similarly extending to their family.

Earlier in the day, President Zardari was presented with a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan armed forces at the President's House.

During the ceremony, the national anthem was played with the newly-elected president arriving in the traditional presidential carriage.

The event was attended by the president's family, including former foreign minister Bilawal-Bhutto Zardari.

On Sunday, Zardari, the coalition government's candidate for head of state took oath as the 14th President of Pakistan after securing 411 votes against his PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) presidential candidate Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s 181 votes.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa administered the oath at a ceremony at the Presidency.

tribune.com.pk

President Zardari decides to name daughter Aseefa as first lady | The Express Tribune

Investigation reveals president holds authority to confer the title upon any female member of his family
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
Its a calamity and nakedness of this abused system that a crook gets the coveted seat for the second time , national shame indeed
 
Congratulations Pakistan.
His cut used to be 10% back in the day..that's why even in India he was known as Mr 10%.
I am wondering after inflation adjustment no it will be 20% or more.
 
Now begins the Einth set Einth Bajana journey and introducing the Zardari system in Punjab and the armed forces.

Zardari had some generals in his pocket, he will use the position to get the entire establishment under his pocket and use the position to solidify Bilawals, Asifas position and to further dent PML-N and PTI.

Smart long game political player, Aik Zardari sab pe bhaari
 
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Master move by PPP to go for presidentship rather than foreign ministry etc where they will have to face the public cursing them. All the blame will go to PML while PPP enjoys the party.
 
Zardari will enjoy power and use Shahbaz and PMLN to face criticism arising from tough economic decisions on the way. His prime target is to gain strength in Punjab, and he will do so in this term. The next elections will be a competition between PTI and PPP if Imran remains alive until then.

Zardari is a smart player, much similar to Modi in political maneuvering. He will surely enact much-needed legislation, such as diminishing the caretaker setup and giving more power to provinces, as well as reforms in the NAB system.

PMLN, as always, remains clueless and ineffective despite performing well whenever they get the chance.

Next PM will be Bilawal, after Asim Munir gets his extension.
 
And the promotion campaign has been started now by Zardari.

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Aseefa's nomination as first lady sparks debate

President Asif Ali Zardari has decided to confer the title of the first lady upon his daughter, Aseefa Bhutto. Traditionally, the role of the first lady has been reserved for the wives of presidents or prime ministers, prompting questions about the legitimacy of appointing a daughter to the position.

Some legal experts, when contacted, confirmed that the president holds the authority to confer the title upon any female member of his family. They said there are no legal barriers preventing such an appointment.

The president's entitlements and privileges mentioned in the act of 1975 do not include any mention of the first lady. On the other hand, the Warrant of Precedence issued by the Ministry of Interior does not mention the first lady or first husband.

The Warrant of Precedence is a formal document or list that outlines the order of precedence or ranking of individuals in a particular context, such as official ceremonies, diplomatic events, or state functions. It establishes the protocol for seating arrangements, introductions, and other formalities based on the relative importance or status of individuals or their positions.

Under constitutional provisions and existing laws, all privileges and benefits enjoyed by the president extend to his immediate family members, including children, spouses, and other relatives.

According to the law, the president's family members are authorized to use official residences, aircraft, and other facilities during travel. They also have the option to get railway saloons and official vehicles for their use. The laws regarding allowances received by the president will also be applicable to the family.

Earlier in the day, President Zardari was presented with a guard of honor by a smartly turned-out contingent of the armed forces at the President's House. During the ceremony, the national anthem was played with the newly-elected president arriving in the traditional presidential carriage.

The event was attended by the president's family, including PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
On Sunday, Zardari took the oath as the 14th President of Pakistan. Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa administered the oath at a ceremony held in the Presidency.

A day earlier, on Saturday, the PPP co-chairman won the presidential election by securing 411 votes against Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) candidate Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s 181 votes. Zardari is the first president in the country’s history to be elected to the coveted position for a second term.

SOURCE: EXPRESS TRIBUNE
 

Hahha... After how much they have costed Pakistan over the years, this is nothing​

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Zardari decides to forgo president’s salary in view of economic hardships​

Asif Ali Zardari has decided to forgo the president’s salary in view of economic hardship in the country, according to a post by PPP on X.

His decision is aimed at encouraging prudent financial management, and to not burden the national exchequer.
 
The Bald Eagle said:

Hahha... After how much they have costed Pakistan over the years, this is nothing​

======

Zardari decides to forgo president’s salary in view of economic hardships​

Asif Ali Zardari has decided to forgo the president’s salary in view of economic hardship in the country, according to a post by PPP on X.

His decision is aimed at encouraging prudent financial management, and to not burden the national exchequer.
Click to expand...

Lol trust me, he has figured out how to get compensation hundred times more from various other sources
 
The Bald Eagle said:

Hahha... After how much they have costed Pakistan over the years, this is nothing​

======

Zardari decides to forgo president’s salary in view of economic hardships​

Asif Ali Zardari has decided to forgo the president’s salary in view of economic hardship in the country, according to a post by PPP on X.

His decision is aimed at encouraging prudent financial management, and to not burden the national exchequer.
Click to expand...

Had to check the calendar to make sure it wasn't April 1st. Only someone like Zardari would be shameless enough to say something like this after robbing Pakistan for decades.
 
Although I am not a big fan of Zardari, his last tenure as president did pave the way for progressive legalisation-18th amendment being the key one. Combine his pragmatism with Shehbaz Sharif's ability to deliver big projects as well as Maryam who has already doing more in a month compared to Buzdar's 4 years and maybe just maybe we can return to the 2013-18 era of development. Only hurdle unfortunately is SIC's government in KP
 

But habibi don't come to Turkey or else we would bankrupt too :ROFLMAO:​

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Turkish president congratulates President Zardari on assuming office​

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has congratulated President Asif Ali Zardari on taking up the office of the head of the state as the two leaders discussed issues of bilateral importance on the telephone.

According to a press release issued by the Presidency, the two presidents stressed the need to improve further cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

President Zardari expressed his desire to invite the Turkish president and thanked him for his telephone and good wishes.
President Zardari also congratulated the people of Turkey on the holy month of Ramazan.

Source: Dawn News
 
Great to have him back as President. He knows how to run the system. He is a great playmaker.

Good for the country as now some important bills can be passed.
 
no matter how much you increase your post font, your baseless allegations will only be allegations. The person who costed pakistan is prisoner 804 sitting in jail paying for the crimes he committed.
The Bald Eagle said:

Hahha... After how much they have costed Pakistan over the years, this is nothing​

======

Zardari decides to forgo president’s salary in view of economic hardships​

Asif Ali Zardari has decided to forgo the president’s salary in view of economic hardship in the country, according to a post by PPP on X.

His decision is aimed at encouraging prudent financial management, and to not burden the national exchequer.
Click to expand...
 
President Asif Ali Zardari has welcomed the meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Asif Ali Zardari said that the meeting between Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur is a good move. Consider resolving differences,he said that I have always been a supporter of giving top priority to Pakistan. Time has come for us to give people hope that the democratic process can work.

It should be noted that yesterday, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Chief Minister KPK Ali Amin Gandapur had a long meeting for more than an hour at the Prime Minister's House. In which the Prime Minister assured to solve all the demands of the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Neo News
 
Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari has filed her nomination papers for Nawabshah’s NA-207 seat, which was vacated by her father Asif Ali Zardari after he was elected president of the country.

Dawn
 
Amazing, someone else wins the election and then gives the seat to someone else later.
 
Pakistan won’t hesitate to strike back if attacked at borders or inside its territory, says Zardari

At the funeral of Lt Col Syed Kashif Ali and Capt Muhammad Ahmed Badar on Saturday night, President Asif Ali Zardari asserted that the blood of the martyrs would not go in vain and the country would avenge the deaths. The president said Pakistan would not hesitate to strike back if attacked by anyone at borders or inside its territory. He added that the army and the people were united to fight against terrorism.

“This noble sacrifice stands as another glorious testament to the unflinching resolve of our gallant sons, who have never hesitated to offer the ultimate sacrifice for the defence of our motherland. The entire nation stands in solidarity with our armed forces, APP quoted the president as saying.

Besides President Zardari, the foreign and interior ministers, the chairman joint chiefs of staff committee, the chief of army staff, relatives of martyrs and locals of the area attended the funeral, APP added.

Source : Dawn News
 
President Zardari calls for translating Pak-Bahrain relations into ‘mutually rewarding economic partnership’

President Asif Zardari has highlighted the need to translate bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bahrain into a “mutually rewarding economic partnership”.

According to the President’s Secretariat, the head of state expressed these views while talking to Commander of the National Guard of Bahrain General Sheikh Mohammad bin Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifa who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr today.

Zardari said Pakistan attached great value to its fraternal ties with Bahrain which were based on shared religion, culture and history.

“Welcoming the visiting commander, the president said Pakistan and Bahrain enjoyed excellent relations, which needed to be further strengthened in the areas of mutual interest,” the statement said.

“During the meeting, the commander of the National Guard of Bahrain felicitated the president on assuming the office for the second time and expressed the hope that Pakistan would move forward under his leadership,” it added.

The statement quoted the Bahrain commander as saying that “both countries enjoyed excellent defence cooperation and expressed his gratitude for the supportive role of the armed forces of Pakistan. “

General Khalifa also extended an invitation to President Zardari to visit Bahrain.

Source: Dawn News
 
President Asif Ali Zardari filed on Thursday an application in an accountability court seeking presidential immunity in the Thatta water supply reference

During the hearing of the case, the president's counsel submitted the application and stated that the same has also been achieved in other cases and the current case can not proceed.

The court issued notices to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the case and adjourned the hearing until April 22.

The other accused in the case include former secretary Ejaz Ahmed Khan, Ali Akbar, Ejaz Memon, Ali Akbar Abro, Khawaja Abdul Ghani Majeed, Manahal Majeed, Abdul Nadeem Bhutto and others.

The water supply reference pertains to an alleged illegal award of a contract for the water supply scheme in Thatta to a private contractor.

In January 2023, an accountability court sent back a corruption reference against Zardari after amendments to the NAB law.

Earlier, Zardari also secured presidential immunity in the Park Lane reference case.

Accountability court Judge Nasir Javed Rana presided over the proceedings and heard the Park Lane reference against the president and others.

Zardari’s lawyer Farooq H. Naik emphasized that President Zardari’s status as the country’s elected head granted him immunity from legal action, thus rendering the continuation of the case against him untenable.

NAB prosecutor contended that this case pertains to a private bank. It will first need to be determined whether this court can even hear it, as per the existing laws.

Subsequently, the court adjourned the hearing until April 17.

The main reference in the Park Lane case accused Zardari of influential relevant authorities during his tenure as the president – from 2008 to 2013 – to obtain loans for his front companies.

Zardari allegedly received a loan of Rs1.5 billion released for Parthenon Private Limited “with ill intention”, and the money was later transferred for his personal use through fake bank accounts. NAB accused him of causing the national exchequer a loss of Rs3.77 billion.

The anti-graft body later filed a supplementary reference against Zardari in the Park Lane case, accusing him of using fake documents to acquire a bank loan for a dummy corporation.

tribune.com.pk

Zardari moves court seeking presidential immunity | The Express Tribune

Accountability court issues notice to NAB
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday called for expanding the scope of bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Japan across a wide spectrum of areas, especially trade, investment, economy, culture and people-to-people contacts.

“Pakistan is a huge market and Japanese businesses should benefit from the economic opportunities by investing in diverse sectors,” the president expressed these views while talking to Japanese ambassador Mitsuhiro Wada, who called on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Talking to the ambassador, the president said that both countries had been enjoying long-standing relations, which needed to be further cemented for the mutual benefit of the two sides. He highlighted that Japan had been a key development partner of Pakistan that had been supporting Pakistan’s socio-economic development in different sectors under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Zardari said Pakistan had a huge population and could send trained workforce and professionals to help Japan fulfil its requirement for human resources.

Source: Dawn News
 
Professor Anwar Masood was awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz by President Asif Ali Zardari, a recognition long overdue but richly deserved.
 
Pakistan will not compromise on its sovereignty: President Zardari

President Asif Ali Zardari has said that Pakistan will not compromise on its sovereignty, ARY News reported on Saturday.

Addressing Pakistan Day military parade in Islamabad today, President Zardari said “We will not allow any efforts by the terrorists or any group to destabilize our country”.

He said Pakistan faces various economic, social and political challenges. President Zardari said that a democratic government has been in place following the election. He said responsibility now rests upon all of us to collectively address the challenges.

He said Special Investment Facilitation Council has been established to improve the economy. He was confident that under this platform, foreign investments will develop the agriculture, livestock, minerals and mining, Information Technology and energy sectors.

He pointed out that Indian illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir is one of the main reasons of instability in the region. He condemned all illegal steps of India in Kashmir.

Pakistan’s President urged international community to take steps to halt massacre of Palestinian people and stressed that Pakistan will continue its support to the Palestinian cause.

arynews.tv

Pakistan will not compromise on its sovereignty: President Zardari

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that Pakistan will not compromise on its sovereignty, ARY News reported on Saturday. Addressing Pakistan
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
Now, for the role of President of Pakistan, is his health going well?
 
President Zardari confers civil awards on Pakistanis, foreign nationals

President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday conferred Pakistan’s highest civil awards on a number of Pakistani citizens as well as foreign nationals in recognition of their distinction, excellence, contributions, and show of valour in different fields, including Dr Shamshad Akhtar, Fawad Hasan Fawad, Qaim Ali Shah, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

The awards were announced on Aug 14, 2023.

In a ceremony held at the Aiwan-i-Sadr, the president conferred Nishan-i-Imtiaz on Muhammad Hafeez Qureshi (late) (nuclear science), Iftikhar Hussain Arif (literature poetry), Islahuddin Siddiqui (hockey), Sindh chief minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, senior politician Raja Muhammad Zafarul Haq, former caretaker finance minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar and Air Marshal (retired) Najib Akhtar for their outstanding services in the public service category.

President Zardari also awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz to Brig Syed Sarfraz Ali (late) (strategic planning and development), Prof Dr Shahid Mahmood Baig (science), Prof Dr Mukhtar Ahmed (education), Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan (education), Prof Dr Muhammad Umar (education/medical sciences), Rahat Ali Khan (arts — qawwali/singing), Mohammad Ahmed Shah (arts — culture), Mehmood Ahmed Tahir Bhatti (film direction and fashion designing), Muhammad Anwar Masood (literature and poetry), Zahid Malik (late) (journalism), Dr Muhammad Amjad Saqib (social services), and Prof Dr Adil Najam (education).

Similarly, Ahmad Irfan Aslam, Raja Naeem Akbar, Lt-Gen Muhammad Akram Khan, Brig Atif Rafique, Dr Muhammad Jehanzeb Khan, Syed Tariq Fatemi, Tariq Bajwa, Tariq Mahmood Pasha, Shahid Khan, Sibtain Fazal Haleem, Capt (retd) Zahid Saeed, Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Mufti Abdul Shakoor (late), Nasir Mahmood Khosa, Javaid Aslam, Fawad Hasan Fawad, and Dr Usman Anwar were also awarded Hilal-i-Imtiaz for their services in the public service.

Recipients of Hilal-i-Quaid-i-Azam were Dr Muhammad Al Jasser, Sultan Bin Abdul Rehman, Khalifa Bin Jassim Al-Kuwari, Yong Ye, Knut Ostby, Philippe Steinmetz, Dr Sebastian Paust, Michal Rossman, and Samantha Power.

The president also awarded Sitara-i-Shujaat to Tariq Mahmood, Muhammad Aamir Naseem, Majid Saleem Malik, Akhtar Hayat Khan, Lt-Cdr (retd) Muqaddas Haider, Muhammad Younas, Nizam Ullah (Shaheed), Rahat Saleem (Shaheed), Ghulam Abbas Laghari (Shaheed), Abdul Latif Nok (Shaheed), Muhammad Saeed Ahmed (Shaheed), Ajmal Masih (late), Muhammad Ramzan (Shaheed), Shams Ullah (Shaheed), Muhammad Sohrab (Shaheed), Asad Ullah Khan (Shaheed), Israr Muhammad, Zia Ullah Khan, Mir Zubair Mahmood, and Muhammad Adnan.

Mushtaq Ahmed Sukehra was awarded Hilal-i-Shujaat for gallantry.

Recipients of Sitara-i-Imtiaz include Shama Hafeez, Qari Hafiz Buzurg Shah Al Azhari, Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta, Faakhir Mehmood, Jharna Basak Shabnam, Naila Kiani, Shoaib Anwar Malik, Fahad Haroon, Muhammad Sarwar Gondal, Dr Kazim Niaz, Muhammad Sualeh Ahmed Foruqui, Farhan Faruqui, Dr Muhammad Farooque Hassan, Duraid Qureshi, Yasir Malik and Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo.

Farrah Mahmood Rana, Suhail Sarwar Sultan Warraich, Lt-Gen Ahsan Gulrez and Lt-Col Junaid Ali Zulfiqar received President Pride of Performance award.

Receipients of Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam were Husein EF Kavazovich and Salma Salman Zahid. Tamgha-i-Shujaat were awarded to Muhammad Usman, Syed Amer Akhtar and Muhammad Bilal Riaz Burki.

Recepients of Tamgha-i-Imtiaz include Dr Muhammad Usman Akram, Pro Dr Rizwan Taj, Waqar Maqsood Satti, Fahad Saleem Malik, Prof Dr Mushtaq Ahmed, Syed Feroz Alam Shah, Dr Farooq Adil, Rashid Mahmood, Aisha Khan, Muhammad Tanvir Butt, Faisal Saddique Khan, Dr Rizwan Taj, Prof Dr Riazwana Chaudhri, Muhammad Zubair Shaheen, Murlidhar Dawani, Sarah Ahmed, Dr Khalid Bin Shaheen and Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, Dr Manzoor Ahmed late, Allah Ditta Abbasi late and Shamim Ashraf Khawaja late.Abdullah Al Matahari was awarded Sitara-i-Pakistan.

SOURCE: DAWN
 
BouncerGuy said:
President Zardari confers civil awards on Pakistanis, foreign nationals

President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday conferred Pakistan’s highest civil awards on a number of Pakistani citizens as well as foreign nationals in recognition of their distinction, excellence, contributions, and show of valour in different fields, including Dr Shamshad Akhtar, Fawad Hasan Fawad, Qaim Ali Shah, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

The awards were announced on Aug 14, 2023.

In a ceremony held at the Aiwan-i-Sadr, the president conferred Nishan-i-Imtiaz on Muhammad Hafeez Qureshi (late) (nuclear science), Iftikhar Hussain Arif (literature poetry), Islahuddin Siddiqui (hockey), Sindh chief minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, senior politician Raja Muhammad Zafarul Haq, former caretaker finance minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar and Air Marshal (retired) Najib Akhtar for their outstanding services in the public service category.

President Zardari also awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz to Brig Syed Sarfraz Ali (late) (strategic planning and development), Prof Dr Shahid Mahmood Baig (science), Prof Dr Mukhtar Ahmed (education), Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan (education), Prof Dr Muhammad Umar (education/medical sciences), Rahat Ali Khan (arts — qawwali/singing), Mohammad Ahmed Shah (arts — culture), Mehmood Ahmed Tahir Bhatti (film direction and fashion designing), Muhammad Anwar Masood (literature and poetry), Zahid Malik (late) (journalism), Dr Muhammad Amjad Saqib (social services), and Prof Dr Adil Najam (education).

Similarly, Ahmad Irfan Aslam, Raja Naeem Akbar, Lt-Gen Muhammad Akram Khan, Brig Atif Rafique, Dr Muhammad Jehanzeb Khan, Syed Tariq Fatemi, Tariq Bajwa, Tariq Mahmood Pasha, Shahid Khan, Sibtain Fazal Haleem, Capt (retd) Zahid Saeed, Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Mufti Abdul Shakoor (late), Nasir Mahmood Khosa, Javaid Aslam, Fawad Hasan Fawad, and Dr Usman Anwar were also awarded Hilal-i-Imtiaz for their services in the public service.

Recipients of Hilal-i-Quaid-i-Azam were Dr Muhammad Al Jasser, Sultan Bin Abdul Rehman, Khalifa Bin Jassim Al-Kuwari, Yong Ye, Knut Ostby, Philippe Steinmetz, Dr Sebastian Paust, Michal Rossman, and Samantha Power.

The president also awarded Sitara-i-Shujaat to Tariq Mahmood, Muhammad Aamir Naseem, Majid Saleem Malik, Akhtar Hayat Khan, Lt-Cdr (retd) Muqaddas Haider, Muhammad Younas, Nizam Ullah (Shaheed), Rahat Saleem (Shaheed), Ghulam Abbas Laghari (Shaheed), Abdul Latif Nok (Shaheed), Muhammad Saeed Ahmed (Shaheed), Ajmal Masih (late), Muhammad Ramzan (Shaheed), Shams Ullah (Shaheed), Muhammad Sohrab (Shaheed), Asad Ullah Khan (Shaheed), Israr Muhammad, Zia Ullah Khan, Mir Zubair Mahmood, and Muhammad Adnan.

Mushtaq Ahmed Sukehra was awarded Hilal-i-Shujaat for gallantry.

Recipients of Sitara-i-Imtiaz include Shama Hafeez, Qari Hafiz Buzurg Shah Al Azhari, Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta, Faakhir Mehmood, Jharna Basak Shabnam, Naila Kiani, Shoaib Anwar Malik, Fahad Haroon, Muhammad Sarwar Gondal, Dr Kazim Niaz, Muhammad Sualeh Ahmed Foruqui, Farhan Faruqui, Dr Muhammad Farooque Hassan, Duraid Qureshi, Yasir Malik and Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo.

Farrah Mahmood Rana, Suhail Sarwar Sultan Warraich, Lt-Gen Ahsan Gulrez and Lt-Col Junaid Ali Zulfiqar received President Pride of Performance award.

Receipients of Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam were Husein EF Kavazovich and Salma Salman Zahid. Tamgha-i-Shujaat were awarded to Muhammad Usman, Syed Amer Akhtar and Muhammad Bilal Riaz Burki.

Recepients of Tamgha-i-Imtiaz include Dr Muhammad Usman Akram, Pro Dr Rizwan Taj, Waqar Maqsood Satti, Fahad Saleem Malik, Prof Dr Mushtaq Ahmed, Syed Feroz Alam Shah, Dr Farooq Adil, Rashid Mahmood, Aisha Khan, Muhammad Tanvir Butt, Faisal Saddique Khan, Dr Rizwan Taj, Prof Dr Riazwana Chaudhri, Muhammad Zubair Shaheen, Murlidhar Dawani, Sarah Ahmed, Dr Khalid Bin Shaheen and Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, Dr Manzoor Ahmed late, Allah Ditta Abbasi late and Shamim Ashraf Khawaja late.Abdullah Al Matahari was awarded Sitara-i-Pakistan.

SOURCE: DAWN
Click to expand...
How many corrupt thugs are also in this list? How many of these guys tortured innocent people? How many stole the peoples mandate
 
President Zardari urges special attention for gems, jewellery sector

Chairing a meeting regarding the development of the gems and jewellery sector in Pakistan, the president also emphasized the necessity of improved marketing and projection of gemstone items from Pakistan.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company (PGJDC) Muhammad Alamgir Chaudhry, and senior government officials attended the meeting, a press release by the President House said.

President Zardari said that Pakistan’s gems and jewellery sector has huge potential which needs to be fully utilised for the country’s development.

He underlined the need to encourage foreign companies to invest in this sector which would not only help improve the country’s economy but would also open up opportunities for the local population through employment generation.

President Zardari urged the need to focus on the training and skill enhancement of the local workforce, besides promoting diversification and industrialisation of the sector to increase its contribution to the country’s economy.

The CEO of PGJDC apprised the meeting about the strategic plan for the development of the sector. Muhammad Alamgir Chaudhry also highlighted various challenges being faced by the gem and jewellery sector in the country.

arynews.tv

President Zardari urges special attention for gems, jewellery sector

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari said that gem and jewellery may bring in significant foreign exchange for Pakistan, urging special attention for the
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
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So this party of crooks has stolen the papers and kidnapped the other candidates in NA 207 to stop a contest . This was done to facilitate Aseefa Zardari. @Major
 

Villain to some, hero to others: Asif Ali Zardari returns as Pakistan president​


Last month, as the slogans and cries of “Ek Zardari sab pe bhari” (One Zardari, outweighs all) rang out across the presidential palace, Asif Ali Zardari – with his signature grin – took his oath to become Pakistan’s president for the second time.

Few figures have been such a constant, and often controversial, presence in Pakistani politics over the years as Zardari, a man who has spent more years in a jail cell than in political office.

He was first thrust into the limelight in late 1988, when his wife, Benazir Bhutto, became Pakistan’s first female prime minister. The Bhuttos were a prominent political family; her father, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, had been prime minister in the 1970s but was then toppled and executed by the military. In 2007, Benazir Bhutto was shot dead while out campaigning; her killers have never been caught.

Zardari, now 68, was a businessman but he took an active role in Bhutto’s government. It was during her first tenure that allegations began to circulate that he was using her office for corrupt deals and government contracts. When her government fell in 1990, much of the blame fell on Zardari. Two years later he was jailed on corruption charges and became widely referred to as “Mr 10%” for the kickbacks he allegedly demanded – a moniker that has stuck to him to this day.

When Bhutto returned to power in 1993, Zardari was appointed as a cabinet minister and his role was increased. Nusrat Javeed, a political analyst said “During the second government of Bhutto, Zardari’s influence on party and government affairs had increased.”

When Bhutto’s government fell again in 1996, Zardari was arrested and charged not only with corruption – including amassing $100m (£78m) in bank deposits and luxury property abroad – but with orchestrating the assassination of his brother-in-law Mir Murtaza Bhutto, who had been one of Zardari’s most vocal critics.

In her book Songs of Blood and Sword: A daughter’s memoir, the author Fatima Bhutto recalled her father Murtaza’s last words after he was shot in an alleged encounter by police were: “They got us. Zardari … finally got us.”

Zardari denied all allegations and was never found guilty of murder. In 2002, he was convicted for receiving kickbacks during his wife’s tenure, and a year later, he and Bhutto were both convicted by a Geneva court of laundering $13m. However, both cases were later overturned on appeal.

As Gen Pervez Musharraf was in power after a coup, Zardari spent the next eight years in jail, facing torture while inside and wasn’t released until 2004.

Three years later, he found himself once again catapulted into the political limelight after his wife’s assassination as she addressed a rally in Rawalpindi. Zardari took over as chair of her Pakistan People’s party and led the PPP to a resounding victory on the back of a wave of sympathy after her death, although he never achieved her level of popularity among the public.

“Zardari was not someone to travel across the country to address voters. He was not charismatic or a public figure. He is a shrewd politician, a man who is known for wheeling and dealing,” said Zahid Hussain, an author and analyst.

It was after the 2008 election victory that Zardari was appointed president for the first time, a largely ceremonial but still influential role. Yet it did not take long for the corruption allegations to emerge once again after the Swiss authorities dropped a money-laundering case against him at the request of the Pakistan government. He denied any wrongdoing.

Zardari was the first president in Pakistan to serve a full five-year term in office, but the PPP suffered a crushing defeat in the 2013 elections, a time when the country’s economy was in shambles.

In the aftermath, Zardari retreated back to Karachi in Sindh, the heartland of the PPP, which still controlled the state government. Many have alleged that under Zardari’s PPP government, corruption became so deeply entrenched in Sindh that nothing took place without money passing through the pockets of his administration, to the longstanding detriment of development and law and order.

One powerful businessman, who asked to remain anonymous, alleged: “Be it revenue, developmental projects, contracts, building authorities or any departments, they take kickbacks or bribes, or money; they call it a system. As it is supported by the top leadership, so everyone takes the share. At least 10% goes to the top, and people in the middle and lower levels take their share, so it goes beyond 20% these days.”

Sharjeel Inam Memon, a senior Sindh minister, described the allegations against Zardari and the PPP as “political propaganda and lies”. He said: “We don’t take any percentage on any project and no department is involved taking any percentage. It is all baseless allegations.”

While Bhutto made a name for herself standing up to Pakistan’s powerful military establishment, who has been accused of being behind her assassination, Zardari has steered clear of that fight and has largely seen to cooperate with the powerful generals who are the country’s political kingmakers.

“In party meetings, Zardari clearly states that we should not fight the military’s role and we can’t afford to,” said one PPP politician, who did not want to be named.

Though he has claimed to be handing over some of the political reins to his son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, with whom he now co-chairs the PPP and who previously served as foreign minister, Zardari is still seen to ultimately hold the power.

Hussain added: “Bilawal always remained under the shadow of his father, who is known to call the shots. It is Zardari who takes the decisive political decisions.”

After February’s controversial general election, which was marred by allegations of widespread vote rigging, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari took a backseat while his father was seen to get his way when the PPP decided to join the coalition government alongside Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz – ensuring that the former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party could not take power, despite receiving the most votes.

Acting as a crucial kingmaker in giving the coalition the numbers it needed for a majority, Zardari then successfully negotiated himself one of the top posts, becoming the first person to serve as Pakistan’s president twice.

“To some people he is a villain,” said Javeed. “And to some he is a hero.”

www.theguardian.com

Villain to some, hero to others: Asif Ali Zardari returns as Pakistan president

Few have been such a constant, and often controversial, presence in Pakistani politics as widower of Benazir Bhutto
www.theguardian.com www.theguardian.com
 
Zardari urges quick trade deal with Turkmenistan

President Asif Ali Zardari called for an early finalisation of the Transit Trade Agreement with Turkmenistan to further boost bilateral cooperation between the two brotherly countries. During a meeting with the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, Atadjan Movlamov, President Zardari highlighted that the agreement, once signed, would help expand trade, promote regional connectivity, and enhance economic activities in the region. According to a press release from the President House, the ambassador congratulated President Zardari on assuming the office of the president for the second time.

Both sides expressed the desire for the early completion of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline, which would not only support Pakistan’s economy but also help meet its energy needs. Welcoming the ambassador, the president stated that Pakistan attached special value to its bilateral relations with Turkmenistan due to the centuries-old historical, religious, and cultural links. He expressed Pakistan’s desire to work with Turkmenistan to further enhance mutually beneficial cooperation.

The president highlighted that the existing volume of trade between the two countries needed improvement for the mutual benefit of both nations.

President Zardari fondly recalled his visit to Turkmenistan during his first term as president in 2010 to participate in the TAPI Summit and the 4th International Nauroze Festival in 2013. The ambassador of Turkmenistan conveyed warm greetings from the Turkmen President, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and former President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to President Asif Ali Zardari on his election. He stressed that the Transit Trade Agreement was crucial for both friendly countries and the region, as it would generate significant transit trade activities.

The president expressed warm wishes for the leadership of Turkmenistan and thanked them for their congratulatory message on his election.

SOURCE: EXPRESS TRIBUNE
 
President Zardari, COAS Asim Munir discuss security situation

Both the President and the COAS discuss matters related to the country’s overall security situation and ongoing operations against terrorists.

COAS General Asim Munir congratulated Asif Ali Zardari for becoming president and supreme commander of the Pakistan Armed Forces.

The COAS also extended his good wishes to the president.

On the occasion, the president also appreciated the Pakistan Army’s role in safeguarding the country and its development.

Earlier in March, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir also met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the issues related to the security situation.

The meeting held on Wednesday was the first between the two since Shehbaz assumed the office for the second term.

The COAS felicitated Shehbaz Sharif and extended good wishes to him on assuming the office of the Prime Minister.

arynews.tv

President Zardari, COAS Asim Munir discuss security situation

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Wednesday called on President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad, ARY News reported. Both the
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
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Pakistan wants to further expand cooperation with Russia: President

The president, in a meeting with Russian Ambassador in Islamabad Albert P. Khorev, who called on him here, emphasized that Russian banks should be persuaded to launch their operations in Pakistan to promote bilateral trade.

He also called for strengthening cultural linkages between Pakistan and Russia particularly in the fields of TV and films industries.

President Zardari conveyed his message of felicitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin on his re-election and expressed good wishes for him.

He expressed the hope that under Presidnet Putin’s leadership, Russia would achieve swift development besides promoting regional peace.

He also expressed condolence over the death of 130 people in a terrorist attack took place on March 22 in Moscow.

Ambassador Albert Khorev told the president that Russia desired to play its part in the economic development and prosperity of Pakistan and that both countries were cooperating on mutual issues like anti-terrorism and drugs trafficking.

The ambassador said that Russia desired to double the existing volume of bilateral trade with Pakistan.

He thanked President Zardari for expressing condolence over the deaths in March 22 terrorist attack in the Russian capital.

The envoy also felicitated Presidnet Zardari on assuming the office.

arynews.tv

Pakistan wants to further expand cooperation with Russia: President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday said that Pakistan desired to enhance bilateral cooperation with Russia, particularly in the fields of
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
Sounds interesting topics which have been discussed between them especially the idea of Russian banks should be persuaded to launch their operations in Pakistan to promote bilateral trade and strengthening cultural linkages in the fields of TV and film industries.
 
President to address joint sitting on April 16

The Senate session is scheduled for April 8, while the joint session of parliament will convene on April 16. The inaugural session of the National Assembly's new parliamentary term will take place on April 18.

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has completed the necessary arrangements for these sessions and has forwarded the summary for the upcoming Senate session to President Asif Ali Zardari.

During the upcoming Senate session, the 37 newly elected lawmakers will be sworn in, and the house will also elect its chairman and deputy chairman.

President Zardari will address the joint session of parliament on April 16. Subsequently, the first session of the new parliamentary year will commence on April 18.

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs will soon send summaries for both the joint parliamentary session and the new National Assembly session to the president.

SOURCE: EXPRESS TRIBUNE
 
In phone call with Iran’s Raisi, Zardari stresses exchange of information to overcome security challenges

President Asif Ali Zardari, in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi, has underlined the need enhancing the “exchange of information to overcome the security challenges” being faced by both countries.

An official statement released by the President’s House on Thursday night said that the two held a telephonic conversation and exchanged greetings on the occasion of Eidul Fitr.

“During the conversation, President Zardari offered his heartfelt condolences and sympathies with the Iranian leadership and the bereaved families who lost their dear ones in the Israeli attack on the Iranian embassy in Damascus,” the statement said.

Earlier this month, a part of Iran’s consulate in the Syrian capital was flattened by an Israeli airstrike, killing two of its generals and five other military advisers.

The strike marked one of the most significant attacks yet on Iranian interests in Syria, where Israel has stepped up a long-running military campaign against Iran as the conflict in Gaza has rippled around the Middle East.

The president also expressed concerned over the “humanitarian crisis and the genocide being committed by the Israeli forces and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza,” the statement said.

Zardari assured his Iranian counterpart that Pakistan would continue to work with Iran in all areas of mutual interest to further boost bilateral cooperation.

“He underlined the need to enhance the exchange of information to overcome the security challenges being faced by the two countries,” the statement said, adding that the president also invited Raisi to visit Pakistan.

“The president also wished the Iranian president and his family continued well-being, health and happiness,” it concluded.

Meanwhile, a similar statement was also carried by Iranian news agency IRNA.

Last month, President Zardari had stressed the need for promoting barter trade and economic relations with Iran for the mutual benefit of the two brotherly countries.

The statement had come less than a week after the United States again opposed the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project and cautioned about the risk of sanctions.

President Zardari said Pakistan and Iran had great scope for expanding bilateral economic cooperation in diverse fields. He expressed these views while talking to Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam, who called on him at the Presidency.

According to the Presidency, Zardari expressed his commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. He called for working together to overcome the common challenges.

The Iranian ambassador emphasised the need to increase trade volume, banking cooperation, and air and business linkages. He said Pakistan could benefit from the Chabahar-Zahedan rail road for trade with Central Asia and Europe.

SOURCE: DAWN
 
President Asif Ali Zardari convened a joint meeting of both houses of Parliament on Thursday, April 18 at 4 pm.

The President of the State gave approval to convene a joint session of the Parliament under Articles 54 (1) and 56 (3) of the Constitution.Notification of Joint Session of Parliament on April 16 cancelled.
 

President calls for reconciliation to end political polarisation​


President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday called for turning a new page and making a fresh start, emphasising meaningful dialogue, parliamentary consensus, and fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and political reconciliation to overcome polarisation and address the challenges facing the country.

"In my considered view, it is time to turn a new page… The challenges we face are not impossible to overcome. They simply require the fundamentals of meaningful dialogue and parliamentary consensus… We can effectively tackle our challenges and foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and political reconciliation," the president said while addressing the joint session of the Parliament.

Chaired by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the joint sitting was attended by members of the National Assembly and Senate while in the galleries were provincial chief ministers and parliamentarians, diplomats, and representatives from political parties.

The president’s address was in pursuance of Article 56 (3) of the Constitution which marked the beginning of the first parliamentary year, following the general elections.

The address encompassed all of the major national and international matters and challenges from the economy, poverty, social welfare, women empowerment and foreign policy to Kashmir and Palestine as well as climate change.

Zardari said that having given away his powers to the Parliament, his role was as a unifying symbol of a joint, robust federation, where all people and provinces should be treated as equal before the law.

As a new beginning, he said that the country needed to build its strengths by investing in people, focusing on public needs, and harnessing its resources to create pathways to inclusive growth.

“We have little time to waste. The country needs us to move on from the polarisation so common now to contemporary politics,” he remarked and sought the joint house’s role in rebuilding public confidence in the parliamentary process.

Calling for resetting the political atmosphere and reflecting “more light than heat”, he emphasised reforms, to promote good governance and turn challenges into opportunities.

tribune.com.pk

President calls for reconciliation to end political polarisation | The Express Tribune

Addressing joint session, Zardari says fostering atmosphere of mutual respect must to overcome challenges
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
Here we go... presidentship is during it's work now... all cases boom...gone. RIP NAB

---------------------

NAB agrees to end criminal proceedings against President Zardari

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has consented to an application seeking an end to criminal proceedings against President Asif Ali Zardari.

In a written reply submitted to the accountability court in the Toshakhana vehicle reference, the prosecution of NAB stated that President Zardari enjoys constitutional immunity. NAB earlier last week cleared former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in the reference.

According to the reference, President Zardari and Mr Sharif had obtained luxury cars from Toshakhana by paying only 15 per cent of the prices.

NAB alleged that ex-PM and the incumbent chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani facilitated the allotment of the vehicles to Mr Zardari and Mr Sharif by ‘dishonestly’ and ‘illegally’ relaxing the procedure for the acceptance and disposal of gifts vide a cabinet division memorandum of 2007.

The prosecution of NAB contended in the report that the vehicle concerned was gifted to then PM Nawaz by the government of Saudi Arabia and deposited in Toshakhana.

It added that later the car was included in the federal transport pool. In 2008, then PM Gilani offered Nawaz to buy the car at which the latter did so from the federal transport pool and not the Toshakhana, the NAB report said.

“This case may attract any other offence but has no relevancy with the benefit of Toshakhana as the subject vehicle when purchased was not part of Toshakhana rather was part of the federal transport pool,” it said.

It stated that Mr Sharif had not made the payment for the vehicle from a fake bank account, reiterating that the car was not part of the Toshakhana valuables when he bought it.

President Zardari claimed immunity as provided in Article 248 of the constitution against criminal proceedings.

Advocate Farooq H. Naek filed the application on behalf of Mr Zardari.

It claimed presidential immunity in Toshakhana vehicles, Park Lane estate, Thatta water supply and fake bank accounts references.

Article 248(1) of the constitution says: “The President, a Governor, the Prime Minister, a Federal Minister, a Minister of State, a Chief Minister, and a Provincial Minister shall not be answerable to any court for the exercise of powers and performance of functions of their respective offices or for any act done or purported to be done, in the performance of those functions”.

Article 248(2) says, “No criminal proceedings whatsoever shall be instituted or pursued against the president or a governor during his term of office”.

Article 248(3) adds that “no process for arrest or imprisonment of the president or a governor shall issue from any court during his term of office”.

In the Park Lane case, NAB had accused Mr Zardari of being involved “in extending loan and its misappropriation by M/s Parthenon Private Limited, M/s Park Lane Estate Private Limited and others”. NAB alleged that Park Lane company had received a loan of Rs1.5 billion, which later increased to Rs2.8bn, from a joint venture of the National Bank of Pakistan and Summit Bank. The company later defaulted to this amount.

Thatta water supply reference alleged that the accused had illegally awarded different contracts to private contractors.

Mr Zardari and Ijaz Khan, Hassan Ally Memon, who headed the committee responsible for procurements related to the water supply scheme, Omni Group CEO Khawaja Abdul Ghani Majeed, Menahel Majeed and nine others are among the accused persons.

The fake bank accounts case has been transferred from the accountability court Islamabad to the banking court Karachi.

Mr Zardari, his sister Faryal Talpur and others are facing charges related to the opening of fake bank accounts and engaging in illegal transactions amounting to billions of rupees.

SOURCE: DAWN
 
President Zardari seeks greater Chinese, Australian investment

President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday called on Chinese and Australian investors to capitalise on opportunities across various sectors in Pakistan, including agriculture, trade, economy, and infrastructure.

During a meeting with Luo Zhaohui, chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), who met Mr Zardari at Aiwan-i-Sadr along with a delegation, the president said Pakistan and China enjoyed long-term strategic relations, which needed to be further strengthened in the areas of trade, economy, agriculture, people-to-people contacts, and culture.

According to the Presidency, Mr Zardari underlined the need for both countries to continue working together to improve bilateral relations.

The Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Dr Jahanzeb Khan, and senior government officials also attended the meeting.

Reiterating Pakistan’s firm commitment to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), President Zardari said Pakistan accorded immense strategic importance to the multibillion-dollar project and was fully committed to the timely completion of all CPEC projects.

Highlighting the importance of Gwadar Port, he said it would not only promote regional connectivity but also make transporting goods to China cost-effective. He also suggested undertaking joint training projects to equip workers with skills considering the Chinese demand.

Mr Luo, the CIDCA chairman, briefed President Zardari about the agency’s role in Pakistan’s socio-economic development and its contributions in the health and education sectors. He also underlined the need to promote tourism and agricultural cooperation between the two countries.

The president expressed grief over the last month’s Bisham suicide bombing, in which five Chinese workers and a local were killed, saying that Pakistan would make all-out efforts to provide a safe environment for Chinese workers and investors in Pakistan.

Mr Luo said the enemies of the two countries wanted to harm bilateral relations, but they would never succeed in their designs.

The president thanked the Chinese government for supporting Pakistan and playing a vital role in Pakistan’s economic development. He also appreciated CIDCA’s contributions to the rehabilitation of flood-affected people and reconstruction of schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh, as well as the construction of housing units for lady health workers in Sindh and Balochistan.

Australian high commissioner

In a separate meeting with the high commissioner of Australia to Pakistan, Neil Hawkins, President Zardari said the two countries enjoyed a durable relationship and urged Australian companies to invest in different sectors of Pakistan, including agriculture, agricultural equipment and other tools.

The president expressed satisfaction with the bilateral cooperation in the mining and mineral sectors.

SOURCE: DAWN
 

Zardari directs Sindh govt to crack down on criminals​


President Asif Ali Zardari chaired a high-level law and order meeting at CM House in Karachi on Wednesday, directing Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to launch an extensive operation against street criminals in Karachi, dacoits in the Kacha area, and drug traffickers across the province, in coordination with other regions.

Expressing zero tolerance for illegal land occupation, President Zardari directed the chief minister for its immediate cessation. He urged for the implementation of posting tenures for police officers, with strict performance monitoring and removal protocols for underperforming officers.

Additionally, President Zardari instructed the chief minister to ensure foolproof security for foreign nationals residing and working in Sindh, with particular emphasis on safeguarding Chinese nationals involved in CPEC-related projects.

The meeting, attended by key officials including Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal IT Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, focused on enhancing security measures. Notable attendees also included Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon, Minister of Energy Nasir Hussain Shah, and other provincial and federal officials.

CM Murad apprised the president of the ‘improving’ law and order situation, highlighting recent peaceful events such as the visit of the Iranian president and the smooth conduct of PSL and international cricket matches. He assured the president of daily monitoring and proactive measures to maintain law and order in the province.

During the meeting, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) provided a comprehensive briefing on the current state of law and order. President Zardari was informed that while crimes against persons had slightly decreased compared to the previous year, there was a concerning rise in property crimes. Efforts to address these issues were discussed, including strategies to reduce crime rates across various categories.

In response to inquiries, Zardari was briefed on the fluctuating trends in street crime cases, revealing a slight decrease in March and April compared to January and February.

Regarding crime resolution, it was reported that out of 48 street crime cases resulting in 49 fatalities, 27 cases have been resolved with 43 arrests and 13 fatalities in encounters. Similarly, out of 136 cases involving 174 injuries, 49 cases have been resolved with 114 arrests and nine fatalities in encounters.

Chief Minister Murad highlighted Karachi's remarkable improvement in the global crime index, dropping from sixth place in 2014 to 82nd in 2024. He juxtaposed Karachi's crime index of 56.5 with other major cities, emphasising the city's comparatively ‘lower crime rate’. President Zardari expressed concern over Karachi's persistent high crime rate despite lacking discernible reasons.

Efforts to combat street crime include the revitalisation of the Shaheen Force with 386 deployed motorcycles, bolstering Madadgar-15 with 168 additional vehicles and 120 motorcycles, and proposals for E-Tagging of repeat offenders and the Sindh Smart Surveillance System (S4) project.

President Zardari directed CM Murad to ensure effective execution of the operation against street crime to bolster public confidence. He questioned why police were not targeting markets and individuals involved in the sale of stolen goods, emphasising the need for action and progress reporting.

MQM-P leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui praised President Zardari's focus on Karachi's law and order, suggesting monthly meetings to enhance citizen trust in the government.

Concerning the Kacha area, measures such as the establishment of 107 police pickets along the left bank of the River Indus and efforts to combat kidnapping were discussed. President Zardari instructed the establishment of police pickets on the right bank to cover Shikarpur and Kashmore districts.

Regarding dacoit operations, it was reported that 63 dacoits were killed, 120 injured, and 418 arrested, with 469 weapons recovered. President Zardari urged intensified operations against dacoits and severe measures against kidnappers.

He instructed the completion of the Karachi Safe City project, fencing/dualisation of the Northern bypass, and development along the River Indus. He directed community engagement to resolve tribal feuds in the Kacha areas.

President Zardari directed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to facilitate Sindh Police in acquiring sensitive equipment. Regarding narcotics, coordinated efforts between police, Rangers, and the ET&NC department were emphasised.

Furthermore, he instructed measures to prevent drug infiltration into educational institutions and launch awareness campaigns for parents and teachers.

President Zardari assured the MQM-P delegation of personal oversight in improving the city's law and order, stressing the issue's importance and his commitment to addressing it.

tribune.com.pk

Zardari directs Sindh govt to crack down on criminals | The Express Tribune

President vows strict action against street criminals, Kacha dacoits, and drug traffickers across the province
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 

Zardari steps down as PPPP president​


President Asif Ali Zardari has stepped down from his position as the president of the Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarian (PPPP).

Zardari, who became the 14th President of Pakistan in March, informed the Election Commission Pakistan (ECP) about his decision on Thursday, Express News reported.

A widower of two-time prime minister Benazir Bhutto, Zardari secured his presidency after defeating Mahmood Khan Achakzai, a seasoned politician from Balochistan, and a candidate backed by the opposition Sunni Ittehad Council, a religiopolitical group that now encompasses members from the incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

As a candidate for the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Zardari holds the distinction of being the sole politician to serve as the country's president for a second term.

During his previous presidency from 2008 to 2013, Zardari played a pivotal role in the passage of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, a landmark legislation that devolved significant powers from the presidency to the Prime Minister and the Parliament.

His tenure also marks a historic milestone as the first democratically elected president to complete a full term in Pakistan's 75-year history.

Born in July 1955 into a prominent Sindhi landlord family, Zardari received his early education at Saint Patrick's School in Karachi, the bustling commercial hub and capital of Sindh.

He pursued his higher education at Cadet College Pitaro, near Hyderabad, the second largest city in Sindh, before furthering his studies in business in London.

Initially indifferent to politics despite his father Hakim Ali Zardari's involvement, Zardari's life took a dramatic turn with his marriage to late Benazir Bhutto in 1987, marking his formal entry into the political arena.

The couple, who shared three children, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Bakhtawar, and Assefa, became a prominent force in Pakistani politics until Benazir's tragic assassination in 2007.

tribune.com.pk

Zardari steps down as PPPP president | The Express Tribune

President has informed Election Commission Pakistan about his decision
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
President Zardari gets immunity in Toshakhana reference

Legal proceedings concerning President Asif Ali Zardari regarding the Toshakhana reference have been halted on constitutional grounds.

Representing Zardari, lawyer Farooq H. Naik applied to the Accountability Court of Islamabad to suspend the proceedings against him, citing presidential immunity as per the law.

Naik asserted that as long as Zardari holds the office, the case cannot progress.

Khawaja Manzoor appeared as prosecutor for NAB.

The Accountability Court ruled that the case against Zardari cannot proceed while he remains in office as President of the country.


Dunya News
 
President calls for political dialogue in Balochistan

President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday emphasized the need for a dialogue between all political forces in Balochistan stating that talks were essential to ensure development and progress though certain quarters did not want stability in the country.

The president expressed these views while receiving a briefing on law and order and progress on the ongoing development projects in the province. The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhel, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, provincial ministers and senior federal and provincial authorities.

Mr Zardari highlighted the need to eliminate smuggling, which was damaging the national economy, and stressed the link between terrorism and narcotics smuggling. He also emphasized the importance of providing job opportunities to people living in border areas.

During the meeting, it was decided to initiate consultations on adopting a joint national narrative against terrorism. The president directed law enforcement agencies to continue their efforts against terrorists and expressed awareness of the province’s backwardness and frail economic situation.

Mr Zardari suggested emulating the Sindh government’s system for training youth in nursing and other sectors and seeking its services in the health sector.

He also proposed evolving a joint strategy for cooperation between the two provinces in different sectors of public welfare.

He stressed the need for seeking cooperation from different countries through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide jobs to technically educated and skilled youth abroad.

He emphasized the importance of releasing allocated funds by the federal government to remove the province’s backwardness and prioritizing funds for public welfare projects.

The president also highlighted the need for outsourcing Kachhi canal and proposed constructing dams and supplying water to make lands cultivable, overcoming the paucity of water in the province, similar to Central Asian countries.

Chief Minister Bugti discussed governance, climate change issues and security challenges in the province, emphasizing the need for expeditious release of PSDP and other allocated funds for mega development projects.

He stressed the importance of maintaining peace in the province and holding negotiations in the future, with a consensus at the national level.

At the meeting, cooperation from the federal government was sought for various uplift projects, including Burj Azam Khan Dam, Kachhi canal, Hub, and road from Dareji to Dadu, besides other projects related to Gadani Ship Breaking Yard, Gwadar Port, imparting skills to youth and climate change.

SOURCE: DAWN NEWS
 

President for broadening economic, cultural ties with Uzbekistan​


President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday called for further broadening bilateral cooperation with Uzbekistan in trade, economy, culture and tourism.

The president, speaking with Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov during his visit to Aiwan-e-Sadr, emphasised that Pakistan attached utmost importance to its centuries-old ties with Uzbekistan, which were based on shared religion, culture, and history.

Welcoming the foreign minister, the president noted that both countries had great potential to increase bilateral trade and economic ties for mutual benefit.

He highlighted Pakistan's commitment to regional connectivity, emphasising that Central Asian countries could leverage its geographic location.

Additionally, he suggested implementing barter trade and using local currencies to enhance bilateral trade, along with opening banks in both countries to facilitate business and commercial relations.

Furthermore, he stressed the importance of promoting people-to-people and tourism linkages to bring the two countries closer.

FM Saidov called for developing a roadmap to deepen bilateral ties and accelerate the partnership for mutual benefit. He emphasised the need for an action plan to boost bilateral trade and economic cooperation, expressing hope that the transport corridor between the two countries would further improve ties.

The visiting foreign minister also conveyed warm regards from the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to President Zardari.

tribune.com.pk

President for broadening economic, cultural ties with Uzbekistan | The Express Tribune

Zardari says Pakistan attaches utmost importance to its centuries-old ties with Uzbekistan
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
President urges global efforts to deal with climate change

President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday underlined the need for global efforts to address the challenge of climate change by adopting environment-friendly technology, promoting afforestation, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Talking to Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan’s minister of ecology and natural resources and COP29 president-designate, President Zardari highlighted that global warming and climate change were affecting the glaciers and causing water scarcity.

Mr Zardari said that tackling these challenges required global support to mitigate their adverse impacts.

Azerbaijan will host the 29th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku in November. Mr Babayev, along with a delegation, called on Mr Zardari and invited him to the conference.

Welcoming the minister, President Zardari congratulated Azerbaijan on winning the bid to host COP29 and hoped that the global conference would result in setting the New Collective Quantified Goal on Finance that would help developing countries fulfil their climate finance needs.

He highlighted that Pakistan had planted mangrove forests over hundreds of thousands of hectares that would help protect the environment, besides earning carbon credits for Pakistan.

President Zardari said that Pakistan highly valued its relations with Azerbaijan and wanted to expand bilateral cooperation in the areas of common interest. He called for promoting more interactions, bilateral exchanges and people-to-people contacts to further cement relations between the two brotherly countries.

Mr Babayev also underlined the need to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in tourism and culture.

He also delivered the invitation to President Zardari to participate in COP29 in Baku in November 2024.

Green investment opportunities

Meanwhile, highlighting Pakistan’s vulnerability to the diverse effects of climate change, Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday emphasised the country’s commitment to addressing climate change and promoting green investment opportunities.

He said this while delivering a keynote speech via an online platform at the UK-Pakistan Green Investment Forum, organised by the British High Commission in Pakistan, the finance ministry said in a statement.

Mr Aurangzeb shed light on Pakistan’s disproportionate vulnerability to the devastating impacts of climate change, despite its minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.

He cited a recent World Bank study, estimating potential annual GDP losses of up to 1 per cent due to climate-related risks.

Acknowledging the significant funding gap in adaptation, resilience and mitigation projects, the minister stressed the importance of bridging this divide.

He noted that the changing weather patterns in Pakistan were impacting agricultural yields and posing threats like flooding, storms and heatwaves.

Expressing gratitude to the British High Commission for organising the forum, the minister acknowledged the need for a better portfolio of green investment projects.

He emphasised Pakistan’s reliance on the private sector for support and highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance investor confidence in bankable green opportunities.

The minister also outlined Pakistan’s plans to utilise innovative financing instruments to raise international climate finance.

He said the government was working on issuing domestic green sukuk bonds by December to finance sustainable development projects.

He also elaborated on the significant improvements in various macroeconomic indicators over the past 10 months. He provided an overview of the country’s macroeconomic stability, including improvements in inflation, GDP growth in the agricultural sector, increased forex reserves, upward trend in stock market and the projected reduction of the current account deficit.

The minister also mentioned the successful completion of a nine-month Standby Arrangement with the IMF and expressed the intent to engage with the lender for a medium-term loan programme, which he said demonstrated Pakistan’s resolve to pursue sustained economic growth and stabilisation.

Mr Aurangzeb wanted to hear from investors about the challenges they encounter when investing in Pakistan and reiterated the government’s determination to make the business environment more conducive for international investors.

SOURCE: DAWN
 
An accountability court in Islamabad on Saturday granted President Asif Ali Zardari immunity from criminal proceedings in two cases of the National Accountability Court (NAB).

According to the court order, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, since Zardari was elected to the president’s office this year, no criminal proceedings can be launched against him and any proceedings already underway have been stayed or paused.

The president had last month petitioned the court under Section 248(2) of the Constitution, which states that no criminal proceedings can be launched or continued against a sitting president or governor.

The prosecutor “did not contest the petition”, concurring with its contents and raising no objections.

Zardari filed for immunity under Article 248 of the Constitution, aiming to stop the ongoing criminal proceedings against him in the Islamabad Accountability Court pertaining to the Thatta Water Supply Project and Park Lane cases.

The NAB prosecution had alleged that Zardari, during his previous tenure as president, influenced the relevant authorities to get loans released to his front companies, including Park Lane.

President Zardari, according to NAB, got a loan of Rs1.5 billion released to his front company Parthenon Private Limited with ill intention and the money was later transferred for his personal use through fake bank accounts.

The water supply reference pertains to alleged illegal award of a contract by the special initiative department for water supply scheme, Thatta, to private contractor Harish & Co.

Zardari also extended the immunity claim to two other cases concerning Toshakhana vehicles and fake bank accounts, his lead counsel, Senator Farooq H. Naek, had told Dawn.

In a written reply submitted to the accountability court in the Toshakhana vehicle reference in April, NAB prosecutors stated that President Zardari enjoys constitutional immunity.

Source: Dawn News
 
Zardari for promoting trade ties with Bosnia

President Asif Ali Zardari has underlined the need to promote business and trade ties with Bosnia and Herzegovina by opening banks, trading in local currencies and promoting barter trade between the two countries.

The President expressed these views while talking to Ambassador of Bosnia & Herzegovina (B&H), Emin Cohodarevic at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Monday.

Zardari said that Pakistan’s ties with Bosnia & Herzegovina were based on historic and friendly relations spanning over almost three decades. He added that both countries should continue bilateral engagements and interactions to further explore the avenues of cooperation in the areas of mutual interest.

The ambassador said that his country wanted to deepen ties with Pakistan in the fields of economy, security and culture. He highlighted that there was a vast scope for economic cooperation for Pakistani businesses in different industries in Bosnia & Herzegovina, including food, tourism and textile.

The ambassador expressed his gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for their support to Bosnia & Herzegovina during the war in the 1990s. He also solicited Pakistan’s support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s draft resolution on Srebrenica in the United Nations’ General Assembly.

SOURCE: EPXRESS TRIBUNE
 
Zardari rules out imposition of governor’s rule in KP

President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday ruled out the imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in an attempt to quash rumours arising from the recent shouting match between Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

According to a statement, Faisal Kundi called on the president.

“President Zardari instructed Governor Kundi to work in people’s interest and expressed good wishes for him,” a press release said.

In a fresh message of threat to the Centre, the KP chief minister warned that he would occupy the Pesco offices in protests againsts “unannounced loadshedding”.

However, a source close to President Zardari told Dawn that he had ruled out the possibility of imposing governor’s rule in KP.

He said a segment in the PPP believed that Governor Kundi should exercise restraint amid “provocative statements” by Gandapur. “The same message Zardari Sahib conveyed to Mr Kundi,” the source added.

“The governor was advised that the dignity of his office required him to avoid political statements.”

The source recalled that President Zardari had imposed governor’s rule in Punjab in 2009 because a decision by the Supreme Court led to the removal of Shehbaz Sharif as chief minister.

SOURCE: DAWN
 

Senate Chairman Gilani takes charge as acting president​


Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday assumed the charge as acting president after President Asif Ali Zardrai left the country for United Arab Emirates on a private visit.

According to the Presidency, a notification was issued which said the president has made Mr Gilani the acting president. Similarly, Deputy Senate Chairman Syedaal Khan will serve as acting chairman of the upper house of parliament.

A source told Dawn that President Zardari has left for Dubai on a private visit and he will return to the country in four to five days.

After assuming the charge of the acting president, Mr Gilani called for further consolidating bilateral relations with Malaysia for the mutual interest of the two brotherly countries.

“Pakistan and Malaysia enjoy cordial cooperation at all international fora, which need to be further strengthened for the benefit of the two sides,” the acting president said while talking to the Chief of the Malaysian Navy, Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Rahman bin Ayob, who along with his delegation, called on him, at Aiwan-i-Sadr.

Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, the acting president stressed the need for further exploring avenues of cooperation in maritime sectors for the mutual benefit of the two brotherly countries. He expressed the hope that training and exchange programmes between the two navies would further cement naval cooperation between Pakistan and Malaysia.

Mr Gilani expressed satisfaction over the regular conduct of bilateral naval exercises and training collaboration between Pakistan and Malaysia.

He praised the Malaysian Navy for regular participation in AMAN exercises and emphasised the need for continuity of the same in future.

“Pakistan is looking forward to the continued support of Malaysia for Pakistan’s bid to become the Full Dialogue Partner of Asean,” he added.

Earlier, the acting president conferred the award of Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) upon the Chief of the Malaysian Navy, Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Rahman bin Ayob, during a special investiture ceremony, at the Presidency.

The award was conferred upon him in recognition of his professional achievements and endeavours for strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the Malaysian Navy and the Pakistan Navy.

The acting president congratulated the Malaysian naval chief on receiving the award and appreciated his contributions towards increasing naval cooperation between the two countries.

www.dawn.com

Senate Chairman Gilani takes charge as acting president

Calls for further consolidating bilateral relations with Malaysia for the mutual interest of the two brotherly countries.
www.dawn.com
 
Court stops fake bank accounts case against President Zardari

The banking court judge said that the case could not be heard against President Zardari owing to the presidential immunity.

The court also granted a plea of Faryal Talpur for exemption from appearing in the court.

The banking court adjourned further hearing of the case until June 09.

Advocate Muhammad Waqas, an associate of senior lawyer Farooq H. Naik, filed two applications before the court on behalf of their clients in a previous hearing, pleading that Asif Ali Zardari has been elected president.

He submitted that Article 248 (2) of the Constitution safeguarded the president from legal proceedings in court during his term of office and claimed the presidential immunity and asked the banking court to halt the criminal proceeding against him in fake bank accounts case.

While in another application, his sister Faryal Talpur sought exemption from the court appearance for one day.

arynews.tv

Court stops fake bank accounts case against President Zardari

KARACHI: A banking court on Wednesday put the fake bank accounts case against President Asif Ali Zardari on backburner after an immunity plea from his
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
This decision may come as a disappointment to many who were hoping to see justice served and transparency upheld in the country's leadership.
 
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