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Pakistan's Foreign Minister - Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

He is the Foreign Minister of a Nuclear Power but his body language is of a child caught piddling on the floor at break time.
 
He shouldn't be in the job BUT ngl hes done ok here. Not walked into any obvious traps or criticised the foreign policy of Imran Khan.

I get that people will want to criticise just for the sake of it, but hes done OK here.

EDIT: this is in reference to the live press conference.
 
Lol people who sit on computers and probably are introverts acting as body language experts.


The guy defended imran on international forum. But you lot will critisize just for the sake
 
Major said:
Lol people who sit on computers and probably are introverts acting as body language experts.


The guy defended imran on international forum. But you lot will critisize just for the sake
Click to expand...

Imran doesn't need defending by the clown.
 
In US, Bilawal defends Imran’s Moscow visit

UNITED NATIONS: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday strongly defended Imran Khan’s Moscow visit, saying there was no way for the former prime minister to know that Russia would invade Ukraine on the day he landed in the Russian capital.

The foreign minister made these remarks during a news briefing at the UN headquarters when a journalist drew his attention to Mr Khan’s Feb 24 visit to Moscow and asked how the new government was going to rectify the `mistakes’ of its predecessors.

“As far the former prime minister’s trip to Russia, I would absolutely defend the former prime minister of Pakistan. He conducted that trip as part of his foreign policy and without knowing that — no one is psychic, no one has a sixth sense — there’s no way we could have possibly known that that would be the time [when] the current conflict will start,” Mr Bhutto-Zardari said. “And I believe it is very unfair to punish Pakistan for such an innocent action.”

Pakistan, he said, was “absolutely clear” that it has to stand by the principles of the United Nations, including that of non-use of force, on this issue.

Says Pakistan won’t take the side of any aggressor; calls for economic issues to be addressed on priority

“We are not part of any conflict. We do not wish to be part of any conflict. In fact, we would continue to emphasise on the importance of peace,” he said.

“We would continue to emphasise on the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve this conflict as soon as possible. And we will certainly not take any side or take the side of any aggressor within this context.”

Later, when another journalist asked if this was just a “one-time exception” or the present government would defend its predecessors when it has to, Mr Bhutto-Zardari said: “As far as the former prime minister is concerned, I can’t defend his politics, I can’t defend his manifesto, I can’t defend his government.”

But there were occasions where he would defend the previous ruler, he said,

“In his capacity as prime minister, the way he conducted himself in foreign policy, particularly in context of this Russian trip, I will go as far as to defend the fact that he did not know the Ukraine conflict will start on the very day that he was there.”

Earlier, Mr Bhutto-Zardari said the new Pakistan government’s immediate priority was to address the country’s serious economic challenges — a message he repeatedly underlined in his bilateral meetings and in his address to the UN food security conference.

In one of these addresses, he noted that the people of Pakistan had the potential to not only meet their own food security needs, but also to feed the people of their region and others.

“Unfortunately, Pakistan has been unable to unlock its own agriculture and economic potential,” he said, adding: “We have suffered from the vestiges of colonialism, our own turbulent history and constant quest to improve our democracy.”

Pakistan, “caught in the crosshairs of global geo-politics,” also faced the “existential threats of climate change, Covid pandemic and poverty,” Mr Bhutto-Zardari explained. “All these factors make a country like Pakistan, not only food insecure…but water and energy insecure as well.”

In an interview to VOA while talking about his meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the foreign minister said he told the US foreign policy chief that Pakistan “believes in trade and economic ties, not in begging”.

This was an obvious effort to dilute the impact of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s statement about ties with the US, in which he had reportedly said that “beggars can’t be the choosers”.

Mr Bhutto-Zardari said the message that came out of his meeting with Mr Blinken was also clear, “we want to strengthen bilateral ties in the fields of economy, investment and regional security”.

On Thursday, he spoke with a powerful Republican senator, Lindsey Graham. “We agreed that broad-based US-Pakistan relations, especially in economic and trade areas, are critical,” he wrote in a tweet.

He also spoke to two other key lawmakers, Representatives Ami Bera and Adam Smith.

The only meeting where Kashmir, and not the current economic situation, was the focus was with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. He informed the UN chief that the quest for peace in South Asia would remain elusive until the Jammu and Kashmir issue was “resolved in accordance with the UN Security resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people”.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1690544/in-us-bilawal-defends-imrans-moscow-visit
 
Major said:
Lol people who sit on computers and probably are introverts acting as body language experts.


The guy defended imran on international forum. But you lot will critisize just for the sake
Click to expand...

Despite what you think, many PP’ers are educated professionals. Also, aren’t you one of the guys who sits on his computer and does the same thing? Ever try self reflection?
 
FM Bilawal meets Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on first bilateral visit

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Sunday held a meeting with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Guangzhou, after his arrival in China on his first bilateral visit at Wang's invitation.

According to the PPP's Media Cell, Bilawal was holding talks with his counterpart. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar was also present.

Yesterday, the foreign minister said his visit coincided with the 71st anniversary of the establishment of Pakistan's diplomatic ties with China.

“Landed in Guangzhou, China on my first bilateral visit. Today also marks 71st anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China. Looking forward to meeting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi for in-depth discussions on Pakistan-China relations,” he tweeted after arriving in the Southern Chinese city which is also largest city and capital of China’s Guangdong province.

The minister left for the two-day visit to the neighbouring country on Saturday which is the first in-person high-level interaction between the two countries since the establishment of the coalition government in April.

This is Bilawal’s first bilateral visit as foreign minister to a foreign country after he took up the post in April.

Extensive consultations were set to be held with his Chinese counterpart, during which the entire gamut of bilateral relations will be reviewed, with particular focus on stronger trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China.

"Fast-tracked progress on the transformational China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of President Xi Jinping’s visionary Belt and Road Initiative, will feature in the discussions," the statement said.

The two sides will also have wide-ranging exchange of views on major regional and international issues, it added.

According to the Chinese state-affiliated Global Times, the foreign minister’s visit is a part of the high-level exchanges between China and Pakistan, which recently also included the message of felicitations to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif from Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, and a telephonic conversation between the two leaders on May 16, 2022.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Wang Wenbin said that as all-weather strategic cooperative partners, it was necessary for China and Pakistan to improve communication and coordination on major issues to deal with changes in the region and risks and challenges.

"China hopes to use this visit as an opportunity to carry on with the traditional friendship with Pakistan, consolidate strategic mutual trust, and further deepen the all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership to build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future," the spokesperson added.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1690935/f...-counterpart-wang-yi-on-first-bilateral-visit
 
The most undeserving FM in history of Pakistan I think. Even PPP has better choices than this accidental chairman and FM.
 
[MENTION=135038]Major[/MENTION] Do you think Bilawal Bhutto be a foreign minister? Or in any ministerial position?

Don't deflect, be honest.
 
Abstraction1 said:
[MENTION=135038]Major[/MENTION] Do you think Bilawal Bhutto be a foreign minister? Or in any ministerial position?

Don't deflect, be honest.
Click to expand...

Your question doesnt make sense.

Do you mean he deserves to be one?
 
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Tuesday Pakistan was fully committed to the promotion of financial inclusion in the country and highlighted the initiatives aimed at facilitating women’s participation and integration in the national economy, the Foreign Office said in a press release.

Bilawal, who is in Davos to represent Pakistan at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), met with Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and his counterparts, Bogdan Aurescu of Romania and Pekka Haavisto of Finland on the sidelines of the Davos forum.

In a meeting with Queen Maxima, also the UN Secretary General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development, the foreign minister highlighted that Pakistan’s efforts through the Roshan Digital Account initiative would improve access to the country’s banking services to the overseas Pakistanis.

As part of the National Digital Infrastructure Development Strategy, the foreign minister emphasised, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) had successfully operationalised the instant digital micropayments gateway called RAAST.

Read More: Digitalisation key to financial inclusion

In a separate press release, the foreign said that Bilawal and Romanian Foreign Minister Aurescu discussed bilateral matters including mutual cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, development and education as well as collaboration at multilateral forums.

Foreign Minister Bilawal underscored that Pakistan attached high importance to its relations with Romania, both bilaterally and in the context of the European Union. “The two ministers also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest,” the press release added.

While talking to his Finnish counterpart, Pekka Haavisto, Bilawal expressed the hope that Finland’s embassy would be reopened in Islamabad, which would help facilitate trade relations as well as promote people-to-people contacts between the two countries.

The Foreign Office said that the two foreign ministers discussed the state of bilateral relations as well as regional and global matters. Bilawal stressed that Pakistan valued Finland as an important bilateral partner as well as a key member of the European Union.

The foreign minister expressed Pakistan’s resolve to further solidify its political and economic relations with Finland. He particularly stressed on the need for enhancing commercial ties and investment cooperation. Both the foreign ministers agreed to work together for promoting bilateral ties.


Express Tribune
 
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called for a reset in ties between Pakistan and the United States and said easing tensions between the two nations was in the best interest of both.

In an exclusive interview with an American columnist published in the Washington Post, Bilawal stated that the two countries “agree on far more than we disagree on,” adding that it will not be wise to allow relations between the two to deteriorate further.

The two nations, once close allies, have had frosty relations in recent years. The US-Pakistan relationship soared during the PTI government’s tenure because of differences between Islamabad and Washington on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The young FM believed that both nations could learn from their past mistakes, “the way in which this relationship progressed in recent years doesn’t serve the interests of the people of Pakistan, but it also doesn’t serve the interests of the people of America.”

During the interview, Bilawal underscored that he believed change should be implemented incrementally through negotiations, “even though I'm young and I'm supposed to be a lot more idealistic and revolutionary, because of our [family’s] experience, I actually believe in evolution over revolution.”

The minister also stated that the western superpower and Pakistan could improve relations, as they were aligned on Afghanistan. He said that both countries wanted the Taliban to bring stability to the citizens of Afghanistan and encourage the state to improve its image.

He expressed hope that the main point of contention between Washington and Islamabad, the Afghanistan war, would now be an area of cooperation.

On May 18, against the backdrop of strained ties between Pakistan and the US, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with FM Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.

Blinken assured the FM that the administration of President Joe Biden was looking forward to working with the new government in Pakistan and discussed “expanding partnership” between the two countries.

This was the first high-level face-to-face contact between Pakistan and the US since the change of government in Islamabad.

Express Tribune
 
Reset ties?

It's like asking a person who is being abused in a relationship, to go back to a partner that is no good for them.
 
Learning on the job?

Good place for an internship - The FM of Pakistan

Disclaimer: This is a report so make what you want of it.

==

The team of current Foreign Minister of Pakistan Bilawal Bhutto had reportedly contacted the students of Columbia University in New York, USA to arrange a lecture for him.

Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf’s former MNA Shandana Gulzar stated the incident in her tweets on Thursday. The incident happened during his latest visit to the United States of America.

As per reports, a team of Bilawal Bhutto had contacted Pakistani students at Columbia University New York to arrange a lecture by him. The students refused. The team then contacted the Pakistani students who also refused reportedly.

The team then contacted students of Cornell University in New York University. The student body then contacted Pakistani students but FM Bilawal Bhutto did not get a chance to deliver a lecture.

The Pakistani consulate also tried to arrange a meeting with Pakistan’s community leaders and businessmen and academics. Shandana Gulzar in her tweet said that besides the party workers everyone else also refused.

https://www.globalvillagespace.com/...sa-refuse-lectures-by-bilawal-bhutto-reports/
 
Khaya piya kuch naheen... Glass tora...

==

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto has entered self-isolation after his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock tested positive for the coronavirus during Pakistan visit, ARY News reported on Tuesday.
 
Is he back in Pakistan?
I thought he along with Hina Khar & Gangster Patel were still enjoying Switzerland on our expense.
 
Has the authority and the ability of a one legged man, in a backside kicking contest.
 
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday advocated the case for trade and engagement with other countries, especially India and the United States, and noted that Pakistan was isolated on the world stage due to past policies.

In his first major foreign policy speech since taking office at the end of April, he touched upon the country’s major relationships and questioned the conduct of foreign policy in the past.

Speaking at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, a government-funded think tank, the minister said the coalition government had inherited an “internationally isolated and internationally disengaged” country.

He identified India and the United States as countries with which Pakistan’s relations were problematic.

The already strained ties between Islamabad and Washington hit rock bottom earlier this year when the now-ousted Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government (PTI) accused the United States of collaborating with the opposition parties to remove it from office.

PTI chief and former prime minister Imran Khan ran an aggressive campaign after being deposed by a no-confidence vote in parliament, calling for freedom from the “slaves of foreign powers”. This heightened anti-Americanism in the country.

However, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reached out to Mr Bhutto-Zardari soon after he took the foreign minister’s office and invited him to a food security conference. The two also met in New York on the sidelines of the forum.

The “regime change” allegations, however, continue to cast long shadows on the bilateral relationship.

The PTI government also lowered diplomatic ties with New Delhi after the BJP government revoked the autonomous status of occupied Kashmir in 2019.

Subsequent events in Kashmir and Hindu supremacists’ actions against Muslims in India prevented re-engagement. Islamabad’s position has been that it wants normalisation, but it is for India to provide a conducive environment for that to happen.

In his speech on Thursday, the foreign minister put greater emphasis on engaging India, saying it was time for pivoting to economic diplomacy and focusing on engagement.

His argument was that despite a “long history of war and conflict” and the Indian government’s actions in occupied Kashmir and its anti-Muslim agenda, it was not in Pakistan’s interest to remain disengaged.

Referring to the Kashmir dispute and the marginalisation of Muslims in India, he said these issues remained the “cornerstone” of Pakistan’s narrative and the government was taking them up “in the most serious and most aggressive manner”.

At the same time, he questioned if disengagement with India served the country’s interests. “Do we achieve our objectives, whatever they may be; be it Kashmir, be it the rising Islamophobia, be it the Hindutva sort of supremacist nature of the government in India. Does it serve our objective?”

“We have practically cut off all engagement” with India, he said.

The foreign minister contended that if Pakistan had achieved economic engagement with India in the past, it would have been in a better position to influence Delhi’s policy and prevented both countries from taking extreme positions.

As for China, the foreign minister said the government was committed to economic engagement. However, he cautioned against falling victim to a great power contest, apparently referring to the US-China competition.

Published in Dawn,June 17th, 2022
 
Our intern seems to have spoken out of turn.

==

The Foreign Office (FO) on Friday issued a clarification on Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's comments from a day ago in which he had seemingly advocated re-engagement with India, saying that there was no change in Pakistan's policy towards its eastern neighbour and there was a "national consensus" on this.

Speaking at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, a government-funded think tank, in his first major foreign policy speech since taking office at the end of April, Bilawal had identified India and the United States as countries with which Pakistan’s relations were problematic.

The foreign minister had put greater emphasis on engaging India, saying it was time for pivoting to economic diplomacy and focusing on engagement. His argument was that despite a “long history of war and conflict” and the Indian government’s actions in occupied Kashmir and its anti-Muslim agenda, it was not in Pakistan’s interest to remain disengaged.

In its statement today, the FO said these comments by the foreign minister were "being interpreted out of context and portrayed incorrectly". "The foreign minister’s remarks are better understood in the overall context of his key message of conflict resolution that he emphasised in his address at the think tank event," the FO added.

It said Pakistan had "always desired" cooperative relations with all its neighbours, including India, and had "consistently advocated" constructive engagement and result-oriented dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues, including the Kashmir dispute.

"However, India’s unabated hostility and retrogressive steps have vitiated the environment and impeded the prospects of peace and cooperation. The onus, therefore, remains on India to take the necessary steps to create an enabling environment conducive for meaningful and result-oriented dialogue."

The FO statement said that Bilawal had "clearly articulated" the above perspective in his speech.

FM Bilawal's comments had attracted strong criticism from former FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

"Giving statements on the need to build bonds with India, all while the fascist Indian state persecutes our brothers and sisters in [occupied] Kashmir is irresponsible.

"I urge our imported FM to please stop treating the Foreign Office like his first professional internship," Qureshi had lashed out.

Former federal minister and PTI leader Shireen Mazari had also taken exception to FM Bilawal's comments, saying that "it seemed the foreign minister is trying to get close to [Indian Prime Minister Narendra] Modi at a time when Muslims in India are being harassed and targeted and the occupying Indian forces are exceeding all limits of oppression and exploitation in IoK."

DAWN
 
MenInG said:
Our intern seems to have spoken out of turn.

==

The Foreign Office (FO) on Friday issued a clarification on Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's comments from a day ago in which he had seemingly advocated re-engagement with India, saying that there was no change in Pakistan's policy towards its eastern neighbour and there was a "national consensus" on this.

Speaking at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, a government-funded think tank, in his first major foreign policy speech since taking office at the end of April, Bilawal had identified India and the United States as countries with which Pakistan’s relations were problematic.

The foreign minister had put greater emphasis on engaging India, saying it was time for pivoting to economic diplomacy and focusing on engagement. His argument was that despite a “long history of war and conflict” and the Indian government’s actions in occupied Kashmir and its anti-Muslim agenda, it was not in Pakistan’s interest to remain disengaged.

In its statement today, the FO said these comments by the foreign minister were "being interpreted out of context and portrayed incorrectly". "The foreign minister’s remarks are better understood in the overall context of his key message of conflict resolution that he emphasised in his address at the think tank event," the FO added.

It said Pakistan had "always desired" cooperative relations with all its neighbours, including India, and had "consistently advocated" constructive engagement and result-oriented dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues, including the Kashmir dispute.

"However, India’s unabated hostility and retrogressive steps have vitiated the environment and impeded the prospects of peace and cooperation. The onus, therefore, remains on India to take the necessary steps to create an enabling environment conducive for meaningful and result-oriented dialogue."

The FO statement said that Bilawal had "clearly articulated" the above perspective in his speech.

FM Bilawal's comments had attracted strong criticism from former FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

"Giving statements on the need to build bonds with India, all while the fascist Indian state persecutes our brothers and sisters in [occupied] Kashmir is irresponsible.

"I urge our imported FM to please stop treating the Foreign Office like his first professional internship," Qureshi had lashed out.

Former federal minister and PTI leader Shireen Mazari had also taken exception to FM Bilawal's comments, saying that "it seemed the foreign minister is trying to get close to [Indian Prime Minister Narendra] Modi at a time when Muslims in India are being harassed and targeted and the occupying Indian forces are exceeding all limits of oppression and exploitation in IoK."

DAWN
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Sorry state of affairs.
Looks like I am watching Animal House sans the great Belushi.
 
Our fm got us off the grey list of fatf. Good stuff by him on this tuff assignment
 
What a hilarious thread. The only thing that pti fans have to hate on Bilawal is him travelling or isolating during covid.

Atleast bring something original to critisize
 
Major said:
Our fm got us off the grey list of fatf. Good stuff by him on this tuff assignment
Click to expand...

I can do a better job than him.

Handed a position on a platter without any qualifications and asked to learn on the job whilst representing us.

FATF has nothing to do with him and you know that too.
 
MenInG said:
I can do a better job than him.

Handed a position on a platter without any qualifications and asked to learn on the job whilst representing us.

FATF has nothing to do with him and you know that too.
Click to expand...

That sentence can be used for every politician that exists including imran khan.

Anyways, he was an elected mna
 
Days after Pakistan received "good news" from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reiterated Pakistan's "high-level" commitment to continue aligning the country's anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terror financing (CFT) regime with global standards.

His remarks come after the FATF acknowledged on Friday that Pakistan had met all 34 items on two separate action plans.

The next step entails a visit to the country to verify the implementation and sustainability of the country's money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures before removing it from its increased monitoring list, also known as the "grey list".

The watchdog had included Pakistan among its increased monitoring jurisdiction in June 2018.

"The government of Pakistan is committed to continue this positive trajectory of reforming the financial sector as part of its larger strategic objective of strengthening Pakistan’s economy," the foreign minister said in a statement released by the Foreign Office on Sunday.

"I am certain that this good news from FATF will restore confidence in Pakistan’s economy and act as a catalyst for sustained growth and development."

The foreign minister reiterated the government's "high-level commitment to continue aligning our AML/CFT regime with global standards".

He added that the country was looking forward to the on-site visit and "a successful and early culmination of the process leading to Pakistan’s exit from the grey list".

Welcoming FATF’s unanimous acknowledgement of completion by Pakistan of its 2018 and 2021 action plans, the minister commended the "hard work and dedicated efforts" of Pakistan’s FATF team that he said led to the successful completion of all technical requirements of both plans.

"This was the result of concerted national efforts and complete harmony of interests by all stakeholders," he added.

"The announcement by the FATF plenary of granting an on-site visit to Pakistan is a welcome development. It reflects the remarkable progress made by Pakistan to enhance the effectiveness of its AML/CFT regime," he said.

Pakistan qualifies for on-site visit
While announcing the watchdog's decision on Friday, FATF President Dr Marcus Pleyer acknowledged the reforms implemented by the country, saying "they are good for the stability and security of the country".

At the conclusion of the four-day plenary in Berlin, he, however, added that "Pakistan is not being removed from the grey list today. The country will be removed from the list if it successfully passes the on-site visit".

Pleyer had said Pakistan would have to ensure [during the visit] that it effectively tackled money laundering and funding of terrorist groups.

The following day, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar cautioned against premature celebration, but nonetheless termed the country's progress so far nothing short of a "herculean effort".

On the planned on-site visit, she said it was a necessary procedural requirement before the FATF deems the country worthy for removal from its grey list.

However, she did voice optimism that Pakistan was "one step away" from exiting the said list that it had been on for four years.

While talking about the lessons that Pakistan had learnt, Khar said the message for the country was "never again".

"Never again will we want to be part of any list that will require us to divert our attention from our national requirements to [international] reporting requirements. We never want to slip into this again. This is the biggest lesson."
 
MenInG said:
Days after Pakistan received "good news" from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reiterated Pakistan's "high-level" commitment to continue aligning the country's anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terror financing (CFT) regime with global standards.

His remarks come after the FATF acknowledged on Friday that Pakistan had met all 34 items on two separate action plans.

The next step entails a visit to the country to verify the implementation and sustainability of the country's money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures before removing it from its increased monitoring list, also known as the "grey list".

The watchdog had included Pakistan among its increased monitoring jurisdiction in June 2018.

"The government of Pakistan is committed to continue this positive trajectory of reforming the financial sector as part of its larger strategic objective of strengthening Pakistan’s economy," the foreign minister said in a statement released by the Foreign Office on Sunday.

"I am certain that this good news from FATF will restore confidence in Pakistan’s economy and act as a catalyst for sustained growth and development."

The foreign minister reiterated the government's "high-level commitment to continue aligning our AML/CFT regime with global standards".

He added that the country was looking forward to the on-site visit and "a successful and early culmination of the process leading to Pakistan’s exit from the grey list".

Welcoming FATF’s unanimous acknowledgement of completion by Pakistan of its 2018 and 2021 action plans, the minister commended the "hard work and dedicated efforts" of Pakistan’s FATF team that he said led to the successful completion of all technical requirements of both plans.

"This was the result of concerted national efforts and complete harmony of interests by all stakeholders," he added.

"The announcement by the FATF plenary of granting an on-site visit to Pakistan is a welcome development. It reflects the remarkable progress made by Pakistan to enhance the effectiveness of its AML/CFT regime," he said.

Pakistan qualifies for on-site visit
While announcing the watchdog's decision on Friday, FATF President Dr Marcus Pleyer acknowledged the reforms implemented by the country, saying "they are good for the stability and security of the country".

At the conclusion of the four-day plenary in Berlin, he, however, added that "Pakistan is not being removed from the grey list today. The country will be removed from the list if it successfully passes the on-site visit".

Pleyer had said Pakistan would have to ensure [during the visit] that it effectively tackled money laundering and funding of terrorist groups.

The following day, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar cautioned against premature celebration, but nonetheless termed the country's progress so far nothing short of a "herculean effort".

On the planned on-site visit, she said it was a necessary procedural requirement before the FATF deems the country worthy for removal from its grey list.

However, she did voice optimism that Pakistan was "one step away" from exiting the said list that it had been on for four years.

While talking about the lessons that Pakistan had learnt, Khar said the message for the country was "never again".

"Never again will we want to be part of any list that will require us to divert our attention from our national requirements to [international] reporting requirements. We never want to slip into this again. This is the biggest lesson."
Click to expand...

These traitors are not fooling anyone, it is well documented that they never enacted any legislation for FATF,in fact they openly posed it as a way to blackmail for an NRO, videos of their walkout when PTI tried to pass the legislation are viral.

Also, they did not even allow the mutual agreements needed with other countries for FATF, as these PDM looters were themselves money launderers and corrupt and wanted to continue their theft unabated.
 
Seems to have very little to say - looks like the internship going well.
 
MenInG said:
Seems to have very little to say - looks like the internship going well.
Click to expand...

Even interns do more work. The guy has spent millions of tax payers money by going on holiday and when he speaks, its like a clown that has had his wig nicked by the kids
 
MenInG said:
Seems to have very little to say - looks like the internship going well.
Click to expand...

Right on cue and as directed:

==

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday has said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has proven to be the "biggest thief" in the country's history.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman's comment comes a day after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)'s decision in the PTI prohibited funding case, wherein the party was declared guilty of receiving 'prohibited funds'.

Expressing his reaction to the verdict, Bilawal said "Imran Khan's narrative against corruption was false and PTI was founded on corruption."

Read: Legal minds all aflutter on Imran’s political fate

He noted that the ousted premier, who he claimed adopted sophisticated tactics to prevent the ECP from investigating, has now been exposed in front of the nation.

"It was hypocritical for [the] PTI to raise the slogan of foreign conspiracy while taking foreign funds and concealing it," he maintained.

The minister further stated that someone who gives a false affidavit to the electoral watchdog "is not an honest and trustworthy person".

"Imran Khan’s anti-corruption was a facade to hide his corruption," said Bilawal, adding that "Imran Khan, who pollutes the country's politics by taking foreign funding, is a criminal."

Express Tribune
 
MenInG said:
Right on cue and as directed:

==

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday has said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has proven to be the "biggest thief" in the country's history.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman's comment comes a day after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)'s decision in the PTI prohibited funding case, wherein the party was declared guilty of receiving 'prohibited funds'.

Expressing his reaction to the verdict, Bilawal said "Imran Khan's narrative against corruption was false and PTI was founded on corruption."

Read: Legal minds all aflutter on Imran’s political fate

He noted that the ousted premier, who he claimed adopted sophisticated tactics to prevent the ECP from investigating, has now been exposed in front of the nation.

"It was hypocritical for [the] PTI to raise the slogan of foreign conspiracy while taking foreign funds and concealing it," he maintained.

The minister further stated that someone who gives a false affidavit to the electoral watchdog "is not an honest and trustworthy person".

"Imran Khan’s anti-corruption was a facade to hide his corruption," said Bilawal, adding that "Imran Khan, who pollutes the country's politics by taking foreign funding, is a criminal."

Express Tribune
Click to expand...

The clown should tell us why the certificates from the PPP are not signed by him or his father but someone else. He should ask why his Party’s funding hasn't been completed at the same time as PTIs as per the SC directive.
 
Airspace handed over to US thank you Bilawal you have no future in politics whatever high hopes anybody had from you completely vanished through this fiasco of being FM
You are clueless timid meak and lacking stature heck you are not even worthy of being counselor let alone the FM
 
Kianig89 said:
Airspace handed over to US thank you Bilawal you have no future in politics whatever high hopes anybody had from you completely vanished through this fiasco of being FM
You are clueless timid meak and lacking stature heck you are not even worthy of being counselor let alone the FM
Click to expand...

Place share evidence.

This is same as me saying that army men man handled imran khan at bani gala....
 
This child is being propped up by the Americans so that they can have a pliable puppet in Pakistan for the next thirty years..his father and him should be tried for treason. But alas that will not happen until judgement day..
 
Bewal Express said:
Did they go through Iran? How did they go to PK. The ECP ruling and this attack are linked.
Click to expand...

Tbf they have the ability to launch from Qatar or Oman. And then loiter for extended periods. For a one off strike its entirely possible. What they want our space for is a sustainable campaign to further destabilise our region so it can benefit India.
 
Spotlight on economic ties during Bilawal’s Euro-trip

ISLAMABAD: In a move to strengthen bilateral cooperation and economic ties, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari will visit four European countries in his maiden trip to the continent from Aug 22 to 26.

During the five-day trip, the foreign minister will visit Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway.

According to Foreign Office Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar, besides the political aspect of relations with these countries, trade and economic ties will be a ‘strong focus’ of the foreign minister’s agenda for the trip.

The four countries were significant for Pakistan’s ties with Europe because of the strong presence of Pakistani diaspora in these countries and their investments in Pakistan, he added.

In his interactions with his counterparts and other high ranking officials during the trip, the foreign minister would emphasise on further deepening bilateral economic engagement, in addition to exploring opportunities for Pakistanis in those countries.

With regards to Germany, several high-level engagements have taken place between the two countries, both at political and military level, suggesting the importance the two countries were attaching to their ties. Moreover, German firms have also demonstrated interest in investing in Pakistan.

“Pakistan has long-standing and multi-dimensional relations with Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway,” the spokesperson said, adding that these countries are home to a sizable Pakistani community and preferred destinations for Pakistani students to pursue higher education.

These countries also have significant investment ties with Pakistan, Mr Iftikhar added.

“The foreign minister’s visits will impart further impetus to Pakistan’s multi-faceted engagement with these countries.”

Mr Bhutto-Zardari’s trip was being seen as an opportunity to consolidate and expand bilateral cooperation with European partners and strengthen engagement with the continent in general, said the spokesperson.

The foreign minister was also scheduled to sign a “Green Framework Engagement” agreement with Denmark, focusing on climate change cooperation.

The foreign minister would also share Pakistan’s perspective on regional and global issues, the FO spokesperson said about the visit.

DAWN
 
Bilawal cancels foreign visit, to be with rain-hit people
My countrymen are suffering and I cannot go abroad in these circumstances, says Bilawal

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: Foreign Minister and Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Sunday cancelled his foreign visit in view of the countrywide rains and floods.

“My countrymen are suffering and I cannot go abroad in these circumstances. I will live among the people in this difficult situation,” Bilawal said in a statement. He instructed the elected representatives of PPP to stay among the people in their constituencies. Bilawal assured availability of all possible assistance to the rain victims.

The News PK
 
in this current turmoil where is this clown statesman is he even relevant making TLP his allies at complete crossroads
 
Lashing out at former prime minister Imran Khan for holding political gatherings despite devastation due to unprecedented floods in the country, Foreign Minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said that the PTI chief is busy in "political point-scoring".

In an interview with BBC on Saturday, Bilawal said that there will be time for doing other activities including politics but at the moment it is time to assist the flood victims. "Our rivals whether in the government or in the opposition, always lacked interest in such matters."

He said that the rain-related floods have wreaked havoc in Pakistan and the devastations are spread from one corner of the country to the other.

"Rain-related floods have ruined peoples’ shelters, crops and everything. Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit and Sindh provinces have been hit very badly. The Sindh province has undergone the worst of all-time high catastrophe," he said.

The foreign minister said that every district of Sindh has been badly affected and the Sindh government has marked them as the worst calamity-hit zones.

Bilawal said the rain-related floods have so far rendered above 80,000 homeless in district Larkana alone. The PPP chairman was of the view that amid this escalating catastrophe, the resources are very limited to cater to the needs of those affected. "There is an immediate need for tents, raw and cooked foods and medicine to help the affectees."

He said that the rains that started in June continued till the end of August, and still the relief and rescue process is on the go. He said that a large-scale migration has already set in as the people are shifting from flood-affected areas to safer dry areas.

"The government will provide all necessities such as tents and food and arrangements have been made at schools, colleges and government buildings for their temporary shelters."

Bilawal said that the next process will be the rehabilitation of the affected areas, the houses of the victims and the infrastructure of flood-hit areas will have to be rebuilt.

Counting on the high numbers of casualties and damages, the PPP leader feared an increase in human casualties.

Also read: Won’t rest until each one of flood affected is rehabilitated: COAS

Talking about the politics of the opposition, Bilawal said that it is sad that amid this huge devastation politicking is being intensely done. He said that wherever there is a flood or an earthquake in the world, the whole country unites and helps the victims. He said what could be said if the opposition wants to keep busy in political point scoring.

"It is our priority to lessen the agonies of the flood victims. Wherever the victims can get relief, including the federal and provincial governments, let us deliver that relief," he added.

The foreign minister said that this time it rained so heavily that he had to postpone his visit to the European Union because it was the call of the duty to stay among those affected.

Bilawal pointed out that the current opposition was in the government in 2020, but it did not support the flood victims of Sindh province.

"Imran Khan’s own province [K-P] has been affected but sadly he is busy in political point scoring. He is holding political gatherings," he added.

Bilawal said that there is no government in the world, which is capable of dealing with a natural calamity on this huge scale, but they spare nothing and try their best to make redressal. "It is our top priority to provide tents to the victims for temporary shelters."

He said that the Sindh government had 90,000 tents available which do not suffice the needs, adding that at least one million tents are required.

He said that the government and society are working together to provide food and assistance to the affectees.

The PPP chairman said that during the 2020 floods, the victims did not get anything, but today the victims are expected to receive assistance through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).

He admired the secure system of the BISP, through which people are being helped out.

He said that before the BISP, there was no victim assistance system available in the country, through which we would have helped people in difficult times.

Express Tribune
 
MenInG said:
Lashing out at former prime minister Imran Khan for holding political gatherings despite devastation due to unprecedented floods in the country, Foreign Minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said that the PTI chief is busy in "political point-scoring".

In an interview with BBC on Saturday, Bilawal said that there will be time for doing other activities including politics but at the moment it is time to assist the flood victims. "Our rivals whether in the government or in the opposition, always lacked interest in such matters."

He said that the rain-related floods have wreaked havoc in Pakistan and the devastations are spread from one corner of the country to the other.

"Rain-related floods have ruined peoples’ shelters, crops and everything. Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit and Sindh provinces have been hit very badly. The Sindh province has undergone the worst of all-time high catastrophe," he said.

The foreign minister said that every district of Sindh has been badly affected and the Sindh government has marked them as the worst calamity-hit zones.

Bilawal said the rain-related floods have so far rendered above 80,000 homeless in district Larkana alone. The PPP chairman was of the view that amid this escalating catastrophe, the resources are very limited to cater to the needs of those affected. "There is an immediate need for tents, raw and cooked foods and medicine to help the affectees."

He said that the rains that started in June continued till the end of August, and still the relief and rescue process is on the go. He said that a large-scale migration has already set in as the people are shifting from flood-affected areas to safer dry areas.

"The government will provide all necessities such as tents and food and arrangements have been made at schools, colleges and government buildings for their temporary shelters."

Bilawal said that the next process will be the rehabilitation of the affected areas, the houses of the victims and the infrastructure of flood-hit areas will have to be rebuilt.

Counting on the high numbers of casualties and damages, the PPP leader feared an increase in human casualties.

Also read: Won’t rest until each one of flood affected is rehabilitated: COAS

Talking about the politics of the opposition, Bilawal said that it is sad that amid this huge devastation politicking is being intensely done. He said that wherever there is a flood or an earthquake in the world, the whole country unites and helps the victims. He said what could be said if the opposition wants to keep busy in political point scoring.

"It is our priority to lessen the agonies of the flood victims. Wherever the victims can get relief, including the federal and provincial governments, let us deliver that relief," he added.

The foreign minister said that this time it rained so heavily that he had to postpone his visit to the European Union because it was the call of the duty to stay among those affected.

Bilawal pointed out that the current opposition was in the government in 2020, but it did not support the flood victims of Sindh province.

"Imran Khan’s own province [K-P] has been affected but sadly he is busy in political point scoring. He is holding political gatherings," he added.

Bilawal said that there is no government in the world, which is capable of dealing with a natural calamity on this huge scale, but they spare nothing and try their best to make redressal. "It is our top priority to provide tents to the victims for temporary shelters."

He said that the Sindh government had 90,000 tents available which do not suffice the needs, adding that at least one million tents are required.

He said that the government and society are working together to provide food and assistance to the affectees.

The PPP chairman said that during the 2020 floods, the victims did not get anything, but today the victims are expected to receive assistance through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).

He admired the secure system of the BISP, through which people are being helped out.

He said that before the BISP, there was no victim assistance system available in the country, through which we would have helped people in difficult times.

Express Tribune
Click to expand...

His jalas are the the barrier between him and a fascist govt beating him and his workers. So the hypocritical loser needs stop the fake cases against him, hold the election and then criticise him.
 
'Haven't seen destruction of this scale': Bilawal says help needed after overwhelming floods
FM hopes financial institutions such as the IMF would take the economic fallout into account

Pakistan needs financial help to deal with "overwhelming" floods, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Sunday, adding that he hoped financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund would take the economic fallout into account.

Unusually heavy monsoon rains have caused devastating floods in both the north and south of the country, affecting more than 30 million people and killing more than 1,000.

"I haven't seen destruction of this scale, I find it very difficult to put into words ... it is overwhelming," said Bilawal in an interview with Reuters, adding many crops that provided much of the population's livelihoods had been wiped out.

"Obviously this will have an effect on the overall economic situation," he said.

Read more: PM announces Rs10bn grant for flood-hit Balochistan

The South Asian nation was already in an economic crisis, facing high inflation, a depreciating currency and a current account deficit.

The IMF board will decide this week on whether to release $1.2 billion as part of the seventh and eighth tranches of Pakistan's bailout programme, which it entered in 2019.

The foreign minister said that the board was expected to approve the release given an agreement between Pakistani officials and IMF staff had already been reached and he hoped in coming months the IMF would recognise the impact of the floods.

"Going forward, I would expect not only the IMF, but the international community and international agencies to truly grasp the level of devastation," he said.

Climate change

Bilawal, the son of assassinated former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, said the economic impact was still being assessed, but that some estimates had put it at $4 billion. Given the impact on infrastructure and people's livelihoods, he said he expected the total figure would be much higher.

Pakistan's central bank had already flagged the record monsoon rainfall as a threat to economic output given its impact on agriculture.

Pakistan would this week launch an appeal asking United Nations member states to contribute to relief efforts, Bilawal said, and the country needed to look at how it would handle the longer term impacts of climate change.

"In the next phase, when we look towards rehabilitation and reconstruction, we will have conversations not only with the IMF, but with the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank,” the foreign minister said.

Bilawal said that after relief efforts, the country would have to look at how to develop infrastructure that was more resistant to both floods and droughts and address the huge changes faced by the agriculture sector.

"Despite the fact that Pakistan contributes negligible amounts to the overall carbon footprint ... we are devastated by climate disasters such as these time and time again, and we have to adapt within our limited resources, however we can, to live in this new environment," he said.

Express Tribune
 
Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Co-chairman and former president Asif Zardari has said that Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari will not leave the flood-affected people alone.

In a statement, Zardari said that the situation is very painful due to floods and rains. "If my health allowed, I would have been with the victims," he added.

He demanded that the government of Pakistan should help the poor by mobilising Baitul Mal and the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) should be expanded to help the poor in every possible way.

The former president directed the ministers and members of the assembly of the PPP to stay with the people of the constituencies. He said that the government will take responsibility for the rehabilitation of the victims. This is the time to serve the public, he added.

A day ago, during his interview with BBC, the foreign minister lashed out at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for holding political gatherings despite devastation due to unprecedented floods in the country.

He added that the former prime minister was busy in "political point-scoring".

The PPP chairman said that there would be time for doing other activities, including politics, but it was time to assist the flood victims.

"Our rivals whether in the government or in the opposition, always lacked interest in such matters," he remarked.

He further said that the government would provide all necessities such as tents and food and arrangements have been made at schools, colleges and government buildings for their temporary shelters.

Bilawal said that the next process would be the rehabilitation of the affected areas, the houses of the victims and the infrastructure of flood-hit areas will have to be rebuilt.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2373694/bilawal-wont-leave-flood-victims-alone-says-zardari
 
A joke of a minister..every death in this flood his on his hands..in sindh.
 
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UNGA: FM BILAWAL BHUTTO MISSES FLIGHT FOR NEW YORK

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will reach Washinton on Sunday to participate in 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) beginning September 20th, ARY News reported on Saturday quoting diplomatic sources.

The foreign minister had to depart for New York today (Saturday) from Samarkand – where the latter was staying for SCO summit – but missed his flight.

FM Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will now land in Washington tomorrow (Sunday) in the afternoon.

During his stay, Foreign Minister Bilawal would meet his US counterpart Antony Blinken in New York on the sidelines of the UN general Assembly session.

Diplomatic sources told ARY News that the meeting has been scheduled through diplomatic channels and this would be the third ministerial level contact between Pakistan and the United States since the change of the government in *****stan in April this year.

Foreign Minister Bilawal would be part of PM Shehbaz Sharif’s delegation to 77th UNGA session.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif left for the United States via London to participate in the 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) beginning September 20th.

The PM would first land in London to attend the funeral of deceased British monarch Queen Elizabeth II at the British government’s invitation.

The PM is also expected to meet his elder brother Nawaz Sharif before leaving for the UNGA session.

ARY
 
daytrader said:
UNGA: FM BILAWAL BHUTTO MISSES FLIGHT FOR NEW YORK

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will reach Washinton on Sunday to participate in 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) beginning September 20th, ARY News reported on Saturday quoting diplomatic sources.

The foreign minister had to depart for New York today (Saturday) from Samarkand – where the latter was staying for SCO summit – but missed his flight.

FM Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will now land in Washington tomorrow (Sunday) in the afternoon.

During his stay, Foreign Minister Bilawal would meet his US counterpart Antony Blinken in New York on the sidelines of the UN general Assembly session.

Diplomatic sources told ARY News that the meeting has been scheduled through diplomatic channels and this would be the third ministerial level contact between Pakistan and the United States since the change of the government in *****stan in April this year.

Foreign Minister Bilawal would be part of PM Shehbaz Sharif’s delegation to 77th UNGA session.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif left for the United States via London to participate in the 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) beginning September 20th.

The PM would first land in London to attend the funeral of deceased British monarch Queen Elizabeth II at the British government’s invitation.

The PM is also expected to meet his elder brother Nawaz Sharif before leaving for the UNGA session.

ARY
Click to expand...

Billo doing the tourist trail while Sindh is hit with flooding, starvation and disease. This useless clown from a criminal family is to waste tax payers money on holidays
 
daytrader said:
UNGA: FM BILAWAL BHUTTO MISSES FLIGHT FOR NEW YORK

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will reach Washinton on Sunday to participate in 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) beginning September 20th, ARY News reported on Saturday quoting diplomatic sources.

The foreign minister had to depart for New York today (Saturday) from Samarkand – where the latter was staying for SCO summit – but missed his flight.

FM Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will now land in Washington tomorrow (Sunday) in the afternoon.

During his stay, Foreign Minister Bilawal would meet his US counterpart Antony Blinken in New York on the sidelines of the UN general Assembly session.

Diplomatic sources told ARY News that the meeting has been scheduled through diplomatic channels and this would be the third ministerial level contact between Pakistan and the United States since the change of the government in *****stan in April this year.

Foreign Minister Bilawal would be part of PM Shehbaz Sharif’s delegation to 77th UNGA session.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif left for the United States via London to participate in the 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) beginning September 20th.

The PM would first land in London to attend the funeral of deceased British monarch Queen Elizabeth II at the British government’s invitation.

The PM is also expected to meet his elder brother Nawaz Sharif before leaving for the UNGA session.

ARY
Click to expand...

How does an FM with an entourage miss a flight? Unless he had a rough night making merry with what knows what...
 
Seems a rum do.

Or whisky for ZAB and Mushy. Sherry for BB. And blood, tears and the future of Pakistan and it's people for the other corrupt politicians.
 
Bilawal’s detour causes speculations

WASHINGTON: Foreign Minister and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari landed in the US capital on Sunday morning, boarded a car and hit the road to New York, the Pakistan Embassy said.

Embassy officials said this detour happened because the foreign minister, who was coming from Samarkand, missed his direct flight to New York.

But PPP workers in New York, and Washington, received an email from their local leaders three days ago, saying that “because of some last-minute changes in his plans, the party chairman will now go directly to Washington, before coming to New York”.

The email caused wild speculations among PPP supporters, and in the Pakistani American community in general, some of whom claimed that the foreign minister met “someone important” in Washington. Who, they do not say, but most of them insist that he indeed met someone.

But diplomats at the Pakistan Embassy and the country’s Permanent Mission at the United Nations rejected such speculations as “nothing more than political gossip”. One diplomat pointed out that the foreign minister is already coming to Washington on Sept 25 on a three-day visit and would hold a series of meetings with senior US officials.

“So, it does not make much of a sense for him to stopover in Washington for a brief meeting before moving on to New York,” one of the diplomats said.

But those who insist on seeing more than what meets the eye, claim that this meeting was “part of an effort to arrange a face-to-face meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and US President Joe Biden”.

Pakistan has been trying for such a meeting since 2019, when former prime minister Imran Khan met the then US president Donald Trump at the White House and again at the United Nations.

Pakistani diplomats, however, say that there’s no summit meeting on the card and that schedules are made at a lower level, by the embassies.

The prime minister, who was in London on Sunday, is expected in New York on Sept 19 to attend the 77th session of the UN General Assembly.

DAWN
 
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday said that Pakistan had received no assistance from India in wake of the devastating floods that wreaked havoc in the country.

In an interview with France 24 in New York, Bilawal was asked if the neighbouring country had offered any help and whether Pakistan asked for any. He replied in the negative to both the queries.

On the current state of relations with India, he said: “We have a long and complicated history … unfortunately the India today is a changed India and is no longer the secular India promised by its founding fathers for all its citizens.

“It is increasingly becoming a Hindu-supremacist India at the expense of its Christian and Muslim minorities … not only within India but unfortunately in the disputed region of Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.”
 
India's joint secretary of the UN Economic and Social Srinivas Gotru said at the United Nations on Wednesday at a high-level meeting on the rights of minorities.

It is ironic, India's joint secretary said, that Pakistan is raising the issue of minority rights when it is a country that committed the gravest violations of minority rights. Minority girls are being subjected to abductions, forced marriages and conversions within Pakistan, while India has a special ministry for minority welfare that looks after religious and linguistic minorities, the secretary said adding that Pakistan even bringing up the issue is 'amazing'.

Singling out Pakistan's comments, the joint secretary said, "I am constrained to respond to one delegation that has chosen yet again to misuse this forum to raise false allegations against my country."

"It is ironic that Pakistan is speaking of the rights of minorities. For a country that has even stopped publishing its data to hide its shameful record, it is amazing that they have even brought up the subject. It has a long history of having committed the gravest violations of minority rights that the world has ever seen. We know what Pakistan has done to its minorities. It has decimated them. Some of these minorities have become extinct in Pakistan. Even today, Pakistan continues to commit grave violations of the rights of the Sikhs, Hindus, Christiana and the Ahmadis," he said.

"Thousand of women and children, particularly girls from minority communities have been subjected to abductions, forced marriages and conversions in Pakistan," he said.

"The entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were, our and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India, irrespective of what the representative of Pakistan believes or covets. We call on Pakistan to stop cross-border terrorism so that our citizens can exercise their right to life, and liberty. We hope that they will desist from attempts to abuse and politicize such meetings," he added.

The charge was against Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto who at the UN claimed that India is transforming into a Hindu State. "Today, one of the worst manifestations of such Islamophobia is in Hindutva-inspired India. Driven by the ideology of hate against Muslims, the (ruling) BJP-RSS regime is executing its century-old plan to obliterate India’s Islamic legacy and to transform India into an exclusive Hindu state,” Bilawal said.

As India's joint secretary began his speech about the rights of the minorities, he said, "Minorities live in every country and in every region of the world often being subject to exclusion, exploitation and discrimination Ensuring their equality, their inclusive development while preserving their distinctive identity are essential to sustainable peace, economic prosperity within a society and indeed to realising the universal value of leaving no one behind."

"India is a multi-lingual, multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. The Constitution of India guarantees the protection and promotion of the rights of all minority communities. It is a fundamental right given to citizens to conserve his or her distinct language, script or culture. Every minority community has the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice and provide instruction to their children in their own mother tongue," he added.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/Indi...sedgntp&cvid=df6e088913f24bd5b33a82521d60b962
 
Pakistan seeks climate justice, not damages, says Bilawal

NEW YORK: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Friday Pakistan was looking for realistic justice for the climate-induced disasters it is facing, not reparations.

“We are not actively seeking climate reparations,” he told journalists at a news conference at UN headquarters in New York. “No one has thus far been successful in getting reparations. It’s a tall ask. We are seeking realistic climate justice.”

The foreign minister also referred to the UN secretary general’s recent suggestion of a climate-swap, countries trading their debt for climate-friendly policies.

As a UNDP report circulated by the media on Friday suggested that cash-strapped Pakistan needs to restructure its debt to avoid a default, Mr Bhutto-Zardari explained that Pakistan was not seeking restructuring of its debts as it could cause some to speculate that the country was going to default. “Let me make it clear. We’re nowhere near a default,” he said.

Says Imran removed from office through democratic process

Explaining the fine difference between reparations and justice, his own address to the 77th UNGA focused on underlining the sufferings of his nation.

The foreign minister, while addressing a gathering of US scholars and experts at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) on Thursday, also sought world’s support for flood victims in Pakistan. “The scale and magnitude of flood losses in Pakistan is huge and the international community’s support is vital to complement rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts,” he said. “More than financial assistance, Pakistan needs climate justice and a green plan to rebuild its infrastructure and economy.”

Responding to a question about the removal of the PTI government, Mr Bhutto-Zardari said: “For the first time in our history, a prime minister was not hanged or removed from office and sent in exile, [rather] he was removed through the democratic, constitutional process of a vote of no confidence.”

The PDM government, he said, has created a balance, setting up a democratic and peaceful system in the country. “But unfortunately the powers, which have never wanted democracy in Pakistan and never wanted this transition to take succeed, are consistently trying to undermine and reverse this progress,” he said.

He said Mr Khan wanted to bring the army, intelligence agencies and the judiciary under his personal control.

About the recent floods, he said Pakistan was the eighth most vulnerable country to climate change, with initial estimates pointed to losses in excess of $30 billion. He also highlighted the government’s measures in dealing with this calamity, despite challenges.

Appreciating the solidarity and support extended by the US for the flood survivors, the minister reiterated the importance Pakistan attached to its longstanding ties with the US and its commitment to reinforce this bilateral relationship. He also said Pakistan would continue to work with the international community to achieve peace, development, and stability in Afghanistan.

While reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to peace, he said rampant discrimination and persecution of Muslims in India, driven by the violent extremist ideology of Hindutva, was a matter of great concern.

He said in the occupied Kashmir, India was making demographic changes and disenfranchising the Muslims by redrawing the electoral constituencies.

He called on India to reverse the illegal and unilateral steps of Aug 5, 2019 and hoped that enabling conditions would be created for peace and stability in the region.

DAWN
 
Journalist who asked Bilawal a question has been fired

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ur" dir="rtl">شکریہ، سوال تو ہوگا! <a href="https://t.co/VRLCEZhsQ2">https://t.co/VRLCEZhsQ2</a></p>— Yasir Feroz Silat (@yasirsilat) <a href="https://twitter.com/yasirsilat/status/1573453689347506176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you guys :) I am no longer associated with samaa tv <a href="https://t.co/0CbPNqgdPY">https://t.co/0CbPNqgdPY</a></p>— Yasir Feroz Silat (@yasirsilat) <a href="https://twitter.com/yasirsilat/status/1574106371758465024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A week back Bilawal was giving lectures on free speech and free journalism, now the intern could not answer a simple question.
 
Well, well, well. There's a surprise.

Fair play to the reporter for asking Captain Urdu Dictionary Nepotism, the question.
 
Beijing lauds Bilawal’s appreciation of China’s help during floods
FM’s comments on China’s assistance to Pakistan for flood relief efforts testament of mutual trust, says Chinese spox

BEIJING:
The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday that Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s comments on China’s assistance to Pakistan for flood relief efforts attested to mutual trust and friendship between the two countries.
The statement came days after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Islamabad to seek debt relief from its close partner, Beijing.

FM Bilawal’s comments attest to mutual trust and friendship between our two countries, Mao Ning said in response to a question during her regular briefing today.

According to reports, Foreign Minister Bilawal gave an interview to Foreign Policy. In response to comment that China had not come to Pakistan’s aid in a big way this year when flood hit, he said it was absolutely incorrect.

The spokesperson said that China and Pakistan were linked by mountain and rivers and both the countries shared the same future.

From the major floods in 2010 in Pakistan, 2021 locust disaster, Wenchuan earthquake 2008, and Luding earthquake, the two countries have always stood together in dealing with natural disasters and in overcoming economic and financial difficulties, she added.

Mao Ning said that China had always been among the first to help. Since the flood hit Pakistan this time, China had acted promptly to offer strong assistance.
The Chinese government has decided to provide 400 million RMB of humanitarian assistance to Pakistan. We lost no time in bringing together all the reserve supplies under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) social welfare cooperation framework, she added.

To help Pakistan, she said that China offered emergency cash assistance and shared real time weather forecast with it. By air, land and sea, we sent tents, vegetables and other supplies to Pakistan.

Mao Ning said that that the Chinese government and the entire society worked together to help. Chinese enterprises and charitable people and sub-national organisations and governments raised more than 125 million RMB donation and supplies to help Pakistan and civil rescue teams also went to Pakistan to help.

Even primary school students donated their pocket money to help.
All this show that the two countries are a community of shared future sharing will and woe and our friendship is deeply rooted in our people’s heart and has strong vitality, she added.

The spokesperson informed that currently the two sides were working in close coordination to implement follow-up work and reconstruction.
“We stand ready to further enhance our cooperation, deepen our iron-clad friendship,” she added.

Mao Ning believed that Pakistani government and people would prevail over the disaster and rebuild their homes soon.

Express Tribune
 
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday called for putting politics aside and prioritising collective efforts to address the flood catastrophe that has befallen the country.

Without naming PTI chairman Imran Khan, the minister criticised the politicking in “the other half of the country” — referring to his preparations for a long march redux — and said there “cannot be two Pakistans where one part is submerged while the other has someone playing politics”.

Latest data and estimates show nearly 1,700 people have been killed in the floods and their aftermath caused by heavy monsoon rains and melting glaciers. The floods have affected more than 33 million people — half of them children, the minister said.

Thousands more have been displaced and the United Nations has sounded the alarm on the rise of water-borne diseases in the country, particularly among the flood-hit population.


The government estimates the cost of the damage at $30 billion, and both the government and UN have blamed the catastrophe on climate change.

Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Bilawal said that water was still entering Sindh from the mountains of Balochistan.

He said that the country had come together in the aftermath of the 2010 floods and tackled the crisis collectively. “Politics will continue but this calamity has to be dealt with collectively.”

He also appealed to all political parties to “hit the pause button” and devote their time and energy to helping flood victims.

‘Reconstruction, rehabilitation next phase’
Talking about the relief work, the foreign minister said that the next phase was reconstruction and rehabilitation. “We are awaiting damage assessment” for that to start, he added.

He stated that Pakistan was demanding “justice” from the world and was not “begging”. He also highlighted the recent visit of UN chief Antonio Guterres, saying that Pakistan was thankful for his help.

“He (Guterres) admitted he had never before seen such devastation,” he said, adding that the UN chief urged other countries to come to Pakistan’s aid.

Bilawal said the government would invest in infrastructure as it rebuilt damaged homes.

“As far as damages to agricultural crops are concerned, we resolve that we will help our farmers. By the end of November, we will be in a state to plant new crops,” he vowed.

During his press conference, the minister stressed that climate change was a “reality”.

“We have to change our development model […] we need to build homes at par with climate requirements.”

He called out PTI chief Imran Khan for allegedly “doing politics even on natural disasters”, saying it was a false narrative [from some quarters] that Pakistan had drowned.

“Climate change is a reality. We have to change our development model and we also need to switch to climate-friendly infrastructure in energy, irrigation and other areas,” he added.

Bilawal said it was tantamount to a joke if any political party called for holding elections during floods.

“However, I can ask my workers to contest [local government] elections, but we have to help flood affectees, because they are the first priority for us,” he added.

Regarding by-elections, the PPP co-chairperson said nobody should expect the Sindh chief minister to transfer officers from flood-hit areas to a polling station.

He, however, insisted that the PPP had not demanded a delay in elections, adding “it will now be our demand that polls should be held on time instead of holding them early.”

Bilawal said the decision would help the provincial government and federal administration in undertaking flood relief activities effectively.
 
FM Bilawal leaves for Germany
Earlier in August, the foreign minister had cancelled his tour of four European countries

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has flown to Germany on Thursday night for a two-day visit on the invitation of his German counterpart.

“Besides helping to consolidate and expand bilateral relations with Germany, the visit will provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen Pakistan’s engagement with an important member of the European Union and share our perspective on climate induced floods in Pakistan and regional and global issues”, announced the Foreign Office.

Earlier in August, the foreign minister had cancelled his tour of four European countries, including Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway, in view of countrywide damages by the floods.

“In addition to meeting Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, he would hold meetings with other dignitaries and interact with the media. Focus of the visit would be on further deepening Pakistan’s economic engagement with Germany, a key export destination for Pakistan, and identifying new opportunities for mutually-beneficial cooperation”, said the FO.

Pakistan has longstanding, multidimensional ties with Germany, home to a sizeable Pakistani community, an attractive destination for Pakistani students to pursue higher education and a major investment partner.

“The foreign minister’s visit will provide further impetus to our relations with Germany”, it added. Meanwhile, a debate was held in European Parliament’s plenary sessions in Strasbourg regarding the humanitarian situation following the climate induced devastating floods in Pakistan, stated Pakistan Embassy in Brussels,

“The debate was aimed at discussing the EU response to the situation in Pakistan and finding ways to mitigate the extreme weather consequences of the climate induced crisis,” said the Embassy.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg Dr Asad Majeed Khan, who attended the special debate, focused on the need to scale up assistance, particularly with winter setting in at a time when millions are under the open skies.

Expressing solidarity with the people of Pakistan, the Members of European parliament underscored the need for scaling up assistance and support for Pakistan given the unprecedented scale of the disaster.

The News PK
 
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Sunday termed the ouster of former prime minister Imran Khan through a no-confidence motion as progress for Pakistan’s democracy.

The minister made the remarks while addressing the closing ceremony of the Asma Jahangir Conference in Lahore.

The foreign minister’s speech was interrupted at times by sloganeering from the audience. In one instance, a group of participants stood up and chanted slogans demanding the release of incarcerated MNA Ali Wazir.

At the outset of his speech, Bilawal talked about how Imran was ousted through a no-confidence motion. He stated that “false equivalence” was being given to the end of the PTI government and previous governments.

He termed Imran’s ouster a “big victory” for the progress of Pakistan’s democracy and parliament. “Imran is the first premier to be sent packing in the form of a no-confidence motion […] there is only one legitimate and democratic way to remove a prime minister and bring in another, through a no-confidence motion.”

He lamented that in the past premiers were exiled, hanged or killed in bomb blasts. “So this is progress for our democratic system that we sent a premier packing through parliament.”

The minister hoped that this precedent would continue in the future.

In his speech, FM Bilawal also criticised Imran for his governance, saying that the PTI chief deliberately endangered the economy on his way out. Imran thought that if he endangered the economy, the people would blame his successor, he said, adding that the country was in danger of defaulting.

“To play with the health of a country’s economy, to play Russian roulette with the country’s economy […] was an injustice with the people of Pakistan.”

Flood catastrophe
FM Bilawal also talked about the devastating floods in the country, terming it to be a “climate catastrophe, the likes of which we’ve never seen”.

“The cameras have gone. There are no more viral videos on social media. But our brothers and sisters are still [suffering],” he said, adding that some parts of Sindh and Balochistan were still under water.

“Thirty three million is such a big number, I find it hard to quantify. It means one out of seven Pakistanis have been affected.”

This is a historic climate catastrophe, he said, adding that this should be the main issue for all citizens and politicians. He added that the world should be informed that Pakistan was not fault for the devastation it was facing.

“Pakistan contributes 0.8 per cent to the global carbon footprint as far as climate change is concerned. We are the eighth most climate stressed country on the planet,” he said, adding that Pakistan was paying the price of industrialisation of rich countries.

Bilawal said that in the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase, Pakistan would build back better, greener and in a more resilient manner. He called for all political parties to formulate a joint strategy on climate catastrophes.

DAWN
 
MenInG said:
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Sunday termed the ouster of former prime minister Imran Khan through a no-confidence motion as progress for Pakistan’s democracy.

The minister made the remarks while addressing the closing ceremony of the Asma Jahangir Conference in Lahore.

The foreign minister’s speech was interrupted at times by sloganeering from the audience. In one instance, a group of participants stood up and chanted slogans demanding the release of incarcerated MNA Ali Wazir.

At the outset of his speech, Bilawal talked about how Imran was ousted through a no-confidence motion. He stated that “false equivalence” was being given to the end of the PTI government and previous governments.

He termed Imran’s ouster a “big victory” for the progress of Pakistan’s democracy and parliament. “Imran is the first premier to be sent packing in the form of a no-confidence motion […] there is only one legitimate and democratic way to remove a prime minister and bring in another, through a no-confidence motion.”

He lamented that in the past premiers were exiled, hanged or killed in bomb blasts. “So this is progress for our democratic system that we sent a premier packing through parliament.”

The minister hoped that this precedent would continue in the future.

In his speech, FM Bilawal also criticised Imran for his governance, saying that the PTI chief deliberately endangered the economy on his way out. Imran thought that if he endangered the economy, the people would blame his successor, he said, adding that the country was in danger of defaulting.

“To play with the health of a country’s economy, to play Russian roulette with the country’s economy […] was an injustice with the people of Pakistan.”

Flood catastrophe
FM Bilawal also talked about the devastating floods in the country, terming it to be a “climate catastrophe, the likes of which we’ve never seen”.

“The cameras have gone. There are no more viral videos on social media. But our brothers and sisters are still [suffering],” he said, adding that some parts of Sindh and Balochistan were still under water.

“Thirty three million is such a big number, I find it hard to quantify. It means one out of seven Pakistanis have been affected.”

This is a historic climate catastrophe, he said, adding that this should be the main issue for all citizens and politicians. He added that the world should be informed that Pakistan was not fault for the devastation it was facing.

“Pakistan contributes 0.8 per cent to the global carbon footprint as far as climate change is concerned. We are the eighth most climate stressed country on the planet,” he said, adding that Pakistan was paying the price of industrialisation of rich countries.

Bilawal said that in the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase, Pakistan would build back better, greener and in a more resilient manner. He called for all political parties to formulate a joint strategy on climate catastrophes.

DAWN
Click to expand...

Billo needs to remember that not even the dogs of Sindh would vote for such a corrupt loser like him and his father. And hence they murder and intimidate the voters and journalists.
 
Bewal Express said:
Billo needs to remember that not even the dogs of Sindh would vote for such a corrupt loser like him and his father. And hence they murder and intimidate the voters and journalists.
Click to expand...

Agree i can not believe this clown is foreign minister who's rubbish party done nothing in Sindh and Karachi.
 
According to a journo on twitter..neutral baba and his minions presented a plan to install this imbecile as PM after a rigged election to please them. But capital hill, alarmed at the increase in anti Americanism and downright hate towards the US rejected the idea..allegedly..

He is their minion..they want him in charge..matk my words..this whole drama is to get him into the PM seat..
 
Last edited by a moderator:
the Great Khan said:
According to a journo on twitter..neutral baba and his minions presented a plan to install this imbecile as PM after a rigged election to please them. But capital hill, alarmed at the increase in anti Americanism and downright hate towards the US rejected the idea..allegedly..

He is their minion..they want him in charge..matk my words..this whole drama is to get him into the PM seat..
Click to expand...

This pathetic excuse for man, has been the chosen one for the last 2 years. But he has no support and to win the elections would have to have each constituency stuffed with so many ballots that even they would have to laugh. The clown has no support and never will
 
the Great Khan said:
According to a journo on twitter..neutral baba and his minions presented a plan to install this imbecile as PM after a rigged election to please them. But capital hill, alarmed at the increase in anti Americanism and downright hate towards the US rejected the idea..allegedly..

He is their minion..they want him in charge..matk my words..this whole drama is to get him into the PM seat..
Click to expand...

This pathetic excuse for man, has been the chosen one for the last 2 years. But he has no support and to win the elections would have to have each constituency stuffed with so many ballots that even they would have to laugh. The clown has no support and never will
 
‘Protest in front of those who can free him,’ Bilawal after the audience told him to free Ali Wazir.

He is a total muppet!
 
For a moment on Sunday, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari forgot that he was the foreign minister and the chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) when he casually responded to some protesters shouting slogans for the release of a legislator at a conference by saying that they should demand his release from those who have the power to release him.

A day after briefly losing cool, the scion of the Bhutto family regretted that his statement and comments made at the Asma Jahangir Conference were inappropriate when he told the protestors that they were knocking at the wrong door.

The foreign minister also regretted the anti-army sloganeering in his and other key ministers’ and speakers’ presence, saying they were “highly inappropriate”.

The regret from the foreign minister has come after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned slogans shouted against the Pakistan Army at the conference. The views of Bilawal’s father, former president Asif Ali Zardari, were not much different from the prime minister as he has strongly condemned sloganeering against institutions at the Lahore event, saying no platform should be used against the institutions as the survival of the country depends on them.

During the foreign minister’s speech at the conference on Sunday, several people from the audience stood up and chanted slogans for the release of the incarcerated member National Assembly (MNA) from South Waziristan, Ali Wazir, who has long been behind bars over his controversial speeches.

When his speech was interrupted several times, Bilawal told the protestors to demand his release from those who have the power to release him – a tacit reference to the establishment or the army.

“You should go and protest in front of those who have the power to release him [MNA Ali Wazir],” Bilawal said.

In what appeared to be a turn towards damage control-mode, the foreign minister said that this government fully believes in human rights and freedom of expression but the slogans raised at the conference in Lahore were highly inappropriate.

“We, as a nation, have faced and fought terrorism. The army has combatted the terrorists valiantly,” Bilawal told reporters in parliament on Monday, saying that the army was on the target of terrorists and fighting them courageously while offering supreme sacrifices.

Referring to his comments “dangerous duffers”, the PPP chairman said that he was quoting the late Asma Jahangir but admitted that repeating what Asma had said was also not appropriate for him as a federal minister.

Bilawal said that “he does not want to create any misunderstanding at a time when institutions are transitioning from a controversial role into a constitutional role”. He reiterated that “we want to encourage this kind of transition and do not want to create any misunderstanding”.

Despite admitting that his views expressed at the conference were not appropriate, Bilawal felt that his views were not clearly presented in the media, saying that workers belonging to different parties were also shouting slogans at the conference.

He, however, conceded that he could have responded in a better way and with better selection of words. Political commentators believe that the anti-army slogans at a platform where political parties, judiciary and human rights activists were present have raised some eyebrows and pushed the premier and ex-president to issue statements condemning it.

“It is unfortunate that such forums are being used to target state institutions, especially the armed forces, for partisan political interests,” PM Shehbaz said.

In his statement, the ex-president, without naming anyone, said that it was a pity that one person has given nothing but abuse and hatred to this country.

Zardari said that “we all know where this person is coming from and at whose request he is spreading hatred against institutions”.

He also said that the soldiers and officers were sacrificing their lives in their uniforms and slogans against them were “highly condemnable".

Meanwhile, Bilawal, while speaking on the floor of the NA, condemning the killing of senior journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya, said that it is being investigated and the acting foreign secretary was in touch with the Kenyan authorities and the High Commissioner in Pakistan.

“We all sympathise with the family of Arshad Sharif,” he said.

Talking to media persons, the PPP chairman said that he condoles with the family members, friends and colleagues of the journalist, saying that the Pakistani High Commission in Kenya was looking into this matter and PM Shehbaz has also spoken to the President of Kenya on the issue.

He said that Pakistan was waiting for the outcome of the investigation in Kenya for future course.

In addition, Bilawal welcomed the two newly-elected members of the NA, Ali Musa Gillani and Hakeem Baloch from Multan and Malir, respectively. He said that “we have fought the false propaganda and defeated the person who hurls baseless accusations towards every opposition party and its leaders”.

He also felicitated the Hindu community all over the world and especially in Pakistan on Diwali.

Express Tribune
 
MenInG said:
For a moment on Sunday, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari forgot that he was the foreign minister and the chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) when he casually responded to some protesters shouting slogans for the release of a legislator at a conference by saying that they should demand his release from those who have the power to release him.

A day after briefly losing cool, the scion of the Bhutto family regretted that his statement and comments made at the Asma Jahangir Conference were inappropriate when he told the protestors that they were knocking at the wrong door.

The foreign minister also regretted the anti-army sloganeering in his and other key ministers’ and speakers’ presence, saying they were “highly inappropriate”.

The regret from the foreign minister has come after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned slogans shouted against the Pakistan Army at the conference. The views of Bilawal’s father, former president Asif Ali Zardari, were not much different from the prime minister as he has strongly condemned sloganeering against institutions at the Lahore event, saying no platform should be used against the institutions as the survival of the country depends on them.

During the foreign minister’s speech at the conference on Sunday, several people from the audience stood up and chanted slogans for the release of the incarcerated member National Assembly (MNA) from South Waziristan, Ali Wazir, who has long been behind bars over his controversial speeches.

When his speech was interrupted several times, Bilawal told the protestors to demand his release from those who have the power to release him – a tacit reference to the establishment or the army.

“You should go and protest in front of those who have the power to release him [MNA Ali Wazir],” Bilawal said.

In what appeared to be a turn towards damage control-mode, the foreign minister said that this government fully believes in human rights and freedom of expression but the slogans raised at the conference in Lahore were highly inappropriate.

“We, as a nation, have faced and fought terrorism. The army has combatted the terrorists valiantly,” Bilawal told reporters in parliament on Monday, saying that the army was on the target of terrorists and fighting them courageously while offering supreme sacrifices.

Referring to his comments “dangerous duffers”, the PPP chairman said that he was quoting the late Asma Jahangir but admitted that repeating what Asma had said was also not appropriate for him as a federal minister.

Bilawal said that “he does not want to create any misunderstanding at a time when institutions are transitioning from a controversial role into a constitutional role”. He reiterated that “we want to encourage this kind of transition and do not want to create any misunderstanding”.

Despite admitting that his views expressed at the conference were not appropriate, Bilawal felt that his views were not clearly presented in the media, saying that workers belonging to different parties were also shouting slogans at the conference.

He, however, conceded that he could have responded in a better way and with better selection of words. Political commentators believe that the anti-army slogans at a platform where political parties, judiciary and human rights activists were present have raised some eyebrows and pushed the premier and ex-president to issue statements condemning it.

“It is unfortunate that such forums are being used to target state institutions, especially the armed forces, for partisan political interests,” PM Shehbaz said.

In his statement, the ex-president, without naming anyone, said that it was a pity that one person has given nothing but abuse and hatred to this country.

Zardari said that “we all know where this person is coming from and at whose request he is spreading hatred against institutions”.

He also said that the soldiers and officers were sacrificing their lives in their uniforms and slogans against them were “highly condemnable".

Meanwhile, Bilawal, while speaking on the floor of the NA, condemning the killing of senior journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya, said that it is being investigated and the acting foreign secretary was in touch with the Kenyan authorities and the High Commissioner in Pakistan.

“We all sympathise with the family of Arshad Sharif,” he said.

Talking to media persons, the PPP chairman said that he condoles with the family members, friends and colleagues of the journalist, saying that the Pakistani High Commission in Kenya was looking into this matter and PM Shehbaz has also spoken to the President of Kenya on the issue.

He said that Pakistan was waiting for the outcome of the investigation in Kenya for future course.

In addition, Bilawal welcomed the two newly-elected members of the NA, Ali Musa Gillani and Hakeem Baloch from Multan and Malir, respectively. He said that “we have fought the false propaganda and defeated the person who hurls baseless accusations towards every opposition party and its leaders”.

He also felicitated the Hindu community all over the world and especially in Pakistan on Diwali.

Express Tribune
Click to expand...
[MENTION=147314]topspin[/MENTION] [MENTION=135038]Major[/MENTION]
We were told that this a democracy. So tell me more about who who has the power. Surely its SS and Billo
 
[MENTION=135038]Major[/MENTION]
Why are you running. Is he the Foreign Minister or just an idiot being used.
 
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stressed the need on Friday for a review of the country’s anti-terrorism approach to eliminate the factors that gave rise to militancy, as he repeated the country’s call on Afghanistan to take measures not to let its soil be used for attacks on its neighbour.

Bilawal held a press conference in Islamabad, the foreign minister emphasised that Pakistan would not take a solo flight to recognise the interim government of Afghanistan.

However, he underscored the importance of engaging with the Afghan Taliban to avert a humanitarian crisis there.

Bilawal said the residents of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa had always supported peace and confronted terrorism. “Obviously if they feel, right or wrong, that terrorists are returning, they are protesting which is their right. Our responsibility as the government and the state is to ensure peace, rule of law and the state’s writ,” he said.

“I suggested to one of the questions before you that perhaps it is time for an in-camera internal review on decisions regarding terrorism and internal security,” he said. “There is nothing wrong with re-examining the approach on counter-terrorism viz-a-viz developments in the region,” he added.

Bilawal said that peace in Afghanistan was crucial for Pakistan and the region, and urged the international community to get engaged with the interim government of Afghanistan to avert a humanitarian crisis. He also called on the Afghan authorities to fulfil their pledges, especially the human rights and women’s education.

“When we came to power, we decided to engage with Afghan authorities regardless of our differences for greater national interest [but] we won’t take a solo flight on the matter of recognition of the Afghan government,” he added.

When asked if peace in Afghanistan meant countering the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), he said it was important to internally review the policy. He said: “I never think it [TTP] is as easy as black and white – either war or negotiations with them.”

He mentioned that the nation’s support helped ending terrorism from the tribal areas. Speaking about the closure of Chaman border point, he said terrorist attacks on Pakistan’s security forces from the Afghan side led to closure of the border and urged Afghanistan not to let its soil used against its neighbour.

Foreign policy objectives

Bilawal said the coalition government had put in good efforts to restore the foreign policy objectives by holding ‘meaningful’ high-level diplomatic engagements. He stressed the country’s foreign policy was on positive trajectory.

He hoped that the policy adopted by the coalition government would help achieve the goals of development by addressing important issues, including counter-terrorism and security and economic cooperation. “The government’s focus is on prioritising the national interest.

Pak-US ties de-hyphenated

The minister underscored the importance of maintaining a balanced relationship and a positive outreach with all countries, including the United States and China. He added that Pakistan’s relations with the United States had been “de-hyphenated”.

He added that problems emerged whenever there appeared a lack of coordination between the two countries. However, “now we have very positive and productive engagements with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and a positive direction with regard to Pakistan-US relations has become visible.

Similarly, Bilawal told reporters, soon after assuming office of the foreign minister, he made his first visit to China and engaged with the Chinese leadership to further strengthen economic and political ties between the two neighbours.

He added that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, return of Pakistani students to the Chinese universities and educational institutions besides the bilateral cooperation in the fight against the menace of terrorism were the focus of his engagements with Beijing.

GSP-Plus status

The foreign minister said that a persistent implementation of both action plans mainly countering money-laundering and terror-financing would remain high on the government’s agenda. He noted the EU’s GSP-Plus helped the country’s export outlook witness an exponential 80% growth in recent times.

He also mentioned Pakistan’s active participation in international blocs and organisations, including the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Conference of Parties (COP27) and the Group of 77.

However, when asked specifically about former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan about “leaving the American conspiracy behind”, the foreign minister said: “We welcome the latest U-turn of Mr. Khan.”

“There had never been a conspiracy by the US as stated by Imran Khan earlier. Pakistan and the US enjoy historic relationship in the interest of their peoples,” he said. He termed the current political climate in the country ‘a storm in the teacup’ and regretted the apathy of Imran amid several challenges facing the country.

The minister emphasised focusing on ‘trade instead of aid’ with other countries to achieve economic stability. He regretted that the wrongdoings of the past resulted in agricultural and educational crisis in the country. He also urged continued support at national and international level to minimise the impact of climate change.

Bilawal said Pakistan wanted a peaceful engagement with all its neighbours to ensure regional development and prosperity. However, he pointed out the involvement of a neighbouring country in carrying out nefarious activities of terrorism in Balochistan.

On the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline, the foreign minister called for resolution of issues and hurdles through the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) so as to get maximum benefit from the development project. He called for dialogue and diplomacy to address the common challenges of the world.

Terming the killing of senior journalist Arshad Sharif a ‘traumatic incident’, he said that serious efforts were being made with regard to proper conclusion of the case. He said that the Pakistan Peoples Party always prioritised the issues pertaining to the Pakistani citizens rising above politics.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2387092/bilawal-seeks-review-of-national-anti-terror-approach
 
PPP Chairman and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday said that former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan's long march was aimed at making the appointment of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) controversial.

"Why did you choose Rawalpindi when your goal is real freedom? Khan sahib let this decision (appointment of COAS) happen. Let it happen this week," he said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad.

Bilawal said that Imran Khan wanted to link his own politics with the appointment of the army chief. "He only thinks about himself but the entire country suffers from the consequences," he added.

He said that Pakistan Peoples Party had made such conspiracies unsuccessful in the past and will do the same this time as well. "Khan sahib wants to stop institutions to play their democratic role. He wants to play undemocratic games but we will stop him," he said.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the then opposition only used democratic means to oust the government of Imran Khan.

The foreign minister said Imran Khan's election hurt Pakistan as the country's foreign policy suffered during PTI's tenure.

Bilawal urged Imran Khan to at least stop the "spectacle" till the appointment of the new army chief. "A watch thief is talking about real freedom... his long march has no democratic purpose," he added.

The foreign minister said that Imran Khan had always carried out his politics on the shoulders of undemocratic forces and even offered COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa a lifelong extension but he refused.

"The future of a politician such as Imran Khan is linked with making institutions controversial. They want new elections in the country or want the army to impose martial law," he added.

"If Imran Khan wants real freedom, then why did he wait for this week? He wants to use the appointment of army chief for his own political benefits."

The appointment of the army chief is an administrative decision and its completion would end the politics of many including Imran Khan. "That is why he is making last-ditch efforts. Imran Khan should postpone his long march till the appointment of the army chief," he added.

Responding to a question regarding the role of President Dr Arif Alvi, Bilawal said that at the time of the no-confidence motion against Imran, the president committed an "unconstitutional act" by trying to dissolve the assembly but hoped that he would do everything as per law and the Constitution this time.

"This is his last chance. If he tries to do something wrong and unlawful, he will have to suffer the consequences. It is his test whether he wants to support Imran Khan or the Constitution," he said.

To another question, he said that he has heard that Imran Khan will announce that he will go to Rawalpindi. "He is coming to repeat an old threat but we will foil his scheme this time as well," he added.

Bilawal said he won't advise the government to stop Imran Khan's long march. However, he added, the PTI chief should not force the government to take such a step.
 
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