Latest news with #AseefaBhuttoZardari
Express Tribune
27-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir holds key security talks in Tehran
Listen to article The Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, met senior Iranian military officials in Tehran on Tuesday to discuss deepening defence cooperation and improving border security mechanisms. During his visit to the General Staff Headquarters, the army chief held talks with Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces. Both officials exchanged views on the evolving regional security environment and agreed to boost military-to-military coordination. Discussions also covered joint efforts to transform the shared border into a hub for trade and economic activity, with both nations underscoring the need to promote regional peace and prosperity. The army chief was received with full military honours, including a ceremonial guard of honour by a contingent of the Iranian Armed Forces. The Field Marshal also accompanied the Prime Minister of Pakistan during meetings with Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. The visit is part of an ongoing official tour to Türkiye, Iran and Azerbaijan by Pakistan's high-level delegation. Previously, Pakistan's First Lady, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, met a senior Iranian delegation at Bilawal House on Monday, reaffirming Islamabad's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting regional cooperation with Tehran. The visiting delegation was led by Dr Reyhaneh Sadat Raeisi, daughter of the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. She was accompanied by senior Iranian officials, including Dr Vahed Asghari, chargé d'affaires at the Iranian Consulate General; Dr Saeid Talebi Nia, director general and cultural attaché at Khana-e-Farhang Iran; and others. Pakistani dignitaries including Senator Saleem Mandviwalla and Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho also attended the meeting. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in healthcare, cultural exchange, and diplomatic engagement. The First Lady emphasised the historic and cultural bonds shared by the two nations and appreciated Iran's longstanding support for Pakistan. 'We have always valued Iran's unwavering support,' Aseefa Bhutto Zardari said. 'Our countries share a deep-rooted relationship grounded in mutual respect and shared aspirations.' She also lauded Iran's achievements in healthcare, noting consistent praise from Minister Pechuho after visits to Iranian institutions. Dr Raeisi expressed gratitude for Pakistan's solidarity after the passing of her father and conveyed a message of thanks to President Asif Ali Zardari. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Azerbaijan as part of a four-nation regional tour aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties. The visit follows earlier stops in Turkiye and Iran, where the prime minister held high-level discussions on bilateral cooperation, regional connectivity, and mutual development goals. The tour will conclude in Tajikistan, where the prime minister is slated to attend the International Conference on Glaciers on May 29–30.
India Today
24-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Convoy of Pak President's daughter blocked amid canal project protests in Sindh
Pakistan's Member of the National Assembly Aseefa Bhutto Zardari faced violent protests while her convoy was passing through the Jamshoro toll plaza in Sindh province on Friday, local media reported. Several protesters have been arrested in connection with the cavalcade of Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, the daughter of President Asif Ali Zardari, was blocked and attacked by Sindh nationalists while she was en route from Kotri to Nawabshah in Sindh. Aseefa, along with a World Bank delegation, visited different areas affected by recent their way back, a bunch of angry demonstrators blocked Aseefa's convoy and raised slogans against a controversial canal project and corporate farming initiatives in the state, Pakistani media reported, quoting sources. In a video of the incident, protestors could be seen striking the vehicles in Aseefa Zardari's convoy with their hands and batons, prompting local security agencies to swiftly swing into action and keep the MNA out of harm's convoy was halted for less than a minute as Aseefa Zardari managed to escape unhurt, SSP Jamshoro Zafar Siddiq said, and promised stern action against the incident came against the backdrop of the ongoing protests in Sindh against corporate farming and the construction of canals in Punjab, as protesters allege that this is an attempt to divert the river two people were killed as police opened fire on protesters, angering the people, which resulted in violent protests, the report came as Sindh protesters attacked the house of a minister belonging to the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), blaming Punjab's domination for their water and Punjab are two of Pakistan's four provinces. Inhabitants of Sindh have held Punjab, which is the power centre of both the civilian and military establishments, responsible for putting it lower on the priority list.
Express Tribune
24-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
WB team, first lady visit houses for flood victims
A delegation of the World Bank's top officials, accompanied by the First Lady MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah visited a health facility and interacted with the beneficiaries of the government housing project for flood victims in Benazirabad on Friday. WB Managing Director Operations Anna Bjerde and the Country Director for Pakistan Najy Benhassine also interacted with the people at the hospital and in the government built houses. The delegation was also taken to stalls displaying locally manufactured handicrafts. The delegation toured the Basic Health Unit (BHU) in Jam Sahib and engaged with the health workers and patients to gain firsthand insight into the healthcare services being provided at the facility. Sindh Health Minister Azra Fazal Pechuho and other health officers briefed the delegation, telling them that the BHU received more than 20,000 patients every month including a record 5,471 Outpatient Department (OPD) service. They apprised that in terms of the family planning services the BHU has surpassed its goal by 125% and its contraceptive services department has achieved 71% of its monthly target. They claimed quality maternity services and antenatal care, which included trimester check-ups, are also being provided at the BHU. WB MD Anna Bejerde, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, CM Murad Ali Shah, Health Minister Pechuho and WB Country Director Najy Benhassine visited the flood rehabilitation housing project in village Nazr Muhammad Laghari Goth, Shaheed Benazirabad district. The delegation later met female members of the Village Reconstruction Committee (VRC), formed under the Sindh Peoples Housing Project, who displayed their handicrafts. They also visited houses in Nazar Mohammad Leghari village, where they handed over ownership documents to the beneficiaries. Bejerde reaffirmed the World Bank's commitment to supporting the Sindh government in flood recovery efforts, praising the resilience of the local people and the leadership's dedication. Aseefa highlighted that granting women ownership rights under the SPHF project is a historic socio-economic empowerment initiative by the Sindh government, significantly benefiting rural women.
Business Recorder
24-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Flood rehabilitation housing project: Aseefa, World Bank MD distribute ownership rights certificates to women homeowners
HYDERABAD: Anna Bejerde, Managing Director of the World Bank, accompanied by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, and World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine, visited the flood rehabilitation housing project in village Nazar Muhammad Laghari, Shaheed Benazirabad district. This project, under the Sindh Peoples Housing for Flood Affected (SPHF) programme, aims at rebuilding homes destroyed by the 2022 devastating floods. During the visit, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto and MD Anna Bejerde distributed ownership rights certificates to women homeowners and met with female members of the Village Reconstruction Committee (VRC), who showcased their handicraft work. The committee briefed that 32 homes were destroyed in the village, all of which have now been rebuilt. Anna Bejerde reaffirmed the World Bank's commitment to supporting the Sindh government in flood recovery efforts, praising the resilience of the local people and the leadership's dedication. She emphasised that sustainable community-level rehabilitation is achievable despite climate change challenges. First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari highlighted that granting women ownership rights under the SPHF project is a historic socio-economic empowerment initiative by the Sindh government, significantly benefiting rural women. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah noted that over 2.4 million homes were destroyed in the 2022 floods. The WB initially provided $500 million to kick-start the recovery, later increasing funding by $450 million over two years. This support has helped construct 778,000 homes and allocated $54.92 million for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) benefiting 66,691 families in 1,000 villages. SPHF CEO Khalid Mahmood Sheikh briefed that in Shaheed Benazirabad alone, 104,822 homes were destroyed; about 60,000 are under construction while nearly 40,000 are completed. Across Sindh, over 111,000 disabled persons are receiving accessible homes, and more than 800,000 women have opened bank accounts for the first time, promoting financial inclusion. The programme has provided safe shelter to over 6 million people and created more than one million new jobs. This visit underscores the ongoing collaboration between the WB and Sindh government to restore livelihoods and empower vulnerable communities affected by climate-induced disasters. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
19-04-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Heatwave to hit Karachi on Monday
The Meteorological Department has forecast a heatwave in Karachi from April 21 to 23. Due to the cessation of sea breezes and increased humidity, temperatures are expected to rise four to six degrees above normal. However, a reduction in the heatwave is expected in rural districts of Sindh starting today (Saturday). According to the heatwave alert issued by the Meteorological Department, a severe heatwave is expected in the city from Monday to Wednesday (April 21 to 23). During this period, sea breezes may be present only briefly, while hot northwesterly desert winds from Balochistan are likely to affect the city. The department said that during the heatwave, maximum temperatures may exceed 40 degrees Celsius, rising four to six degrees above normal. Due to increased humidity, the heat may feel more intense than the actual temperature. The Meteorological Department has advised the public, especially children, women, and the elderly to take precautionary measures during the heatwave. It is recommended to avoid direct exposure to sunlight during the day and increase water intake. A reduction in the ongoing heatwave is expected from today in the central and upper districts of the province. According to the department, Karachi's maximum temperature on Friday was recorded at 34.3 degrees Celsius, with 58 per cent humidity. In rural Sindh, temperatures of 46.5 degrees Celsius were recorded in Shaheed Benazirabad and Dadu. Mercury hits high in Nawabshah The city is experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 49 degrees Celsius on Friday. The intense heat has caused air conditioners to malfunction, and residents are struggling to cope with prolonged power outages. Despite the extreme weather, HESCO (Hyderabad Electric Supply Company) continues to implement 16-hour load shedding, further exacerbating the situation. The heatwave has led to an increased demand for ice and cold water. Citizens are finding it challenging to manage their daily lives due to the prolonged power outages. In light of the situation, residents have appealed to President Asif Ali Zardari and Aseefa Bhutto Zardari to reduce the load-shedding duration to four hours, citing the unbearable heat and difficulties faced by the public.
