Latest news with #Bilawal
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Monsoon rains: Bilawal grieved over losses in China
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and property in China caused by heavy monsoon rains, flooding, and landslides. The PPP chairman conveyed heartfelt condolences to the people and government of China, stating that the thoughts and prayers of every Pakistani, including those of the Pakistan People's Party, are with the affected families during this difficult time. Bilawal, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said that Pakistan and China are not merely neighbouring countries, but nations whose peoples' hearts beat in unison. He said the Pakistan-China relationship is a time-tested bond between two steadfast friends and brothers, founded on unwavering trust and unmatched affection. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
India.com
21-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Asim Munir For President? Why India Should Be Watching Pakistan's Power Shuffle Closely
From Lahore to Karachi, political circles and common citizens alike are abuzz with speculation: is Pakistan's powerful Army Chief, General Asim Munir, planning to become the country's next President? Reports in some Pakistani media suggest that Munir is exploring constitutional changes to remove current President Asif Ali Zardari — father of PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto — and potentially install himself in the top civilian post. Why Is Munir Eyeing Presidency? While military interference in Pakistan's civilian affairs is hardly new, Munir's move raises deeper questions. Analysts believe the army wants tighter control over the political narrative, especially after recent friction with Bilawal Bhutto, who openly criticised Munir's war-mongering statements following India's Operation Sindoor. The army reportedly expected Bilawal to amplify anti-India rhetoric during his foreign visits, but instead, he diplomatically stuck to the Indus Waters Treaty — defying the military's agenda. Rising Tensions Between PPP-Military This defiance has widened the rift between the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the military. Zardari's position as President has become a pressure point, with speculation that removing him would also weaken Bilawal's political standing. The friction intensified after Bilawal gave a controversial interview stating that if India provides intelligence on Masood Azhar's whereabouts, Pakistan would consider arresting him — a statement that upset both the military and terror networks with known ties to the army. Extradition Dilemma Although there's no formal extradition treaty between India and Pakistan, international law includes a principle called "Double Criminality" — which allows extradition if the accused is wanted in both countries for the same crime. Hafiz Saeed, for instance, faces trial in Pakistan for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and has also been convicted in the U.S. for related terrorism charges. Similarly, Masood Azhar is accused in Pakistan of plotting ex-dictator Pervez Musharraf's assassination. These overlapping legal cases mean that extradition isn't impossible — and recent signals from the Pakistani government have made terror-linked factions and Munir's circle uneasy. Munir - De Facto Leader? Despite PM Shehbaz Sharif dismissing the speculation about Munir's presidential ambitions, history paints a different picture. Munir was recently elevated to Field Marshal, a rare honour last conferred on Ayub Khan, who also transitioned from military chief to President-dictator. Munir, too, holds a resume filled with powerful postings — from DG ISI to Army Chief — and his high-profile solo visits to key nations such as Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Iran suggest a man positioning himself at the global forefront, with or without civilian endorsement. What This Means for India A Pakistan led by Field Marshal Munir — either officially or from behind the scenes — would be deeply militarised, potentially escalating tensions with New Delhi. India already sees Munir as the architect of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, a staunch supporter of the two-nation theory, and someone who has publicly referred to Kashmir as Pakistan's 'jugular vein.' His rise could mean tougher rhetoric, aggressive posturing on Kashmir, and tighter coordination between the military and terror proxies. The Bottom Line Whether or not Munir becomes President, his growing dominance in Pakistan's power structure is undeniable. And for India, a military-first Pakistan under Munir's shadow is a clear red flag — both diplomatically and on the security front.
Express Tribune
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Young leadership — fresher ideas
It is said that adversities and tragedies can either make people or break them. For those with a greater goal in life, tragedies offer necessary life lessons, enabling them to build the resilience needed to prevent history from repeating itself. Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, is one such leader who has emerged as a beacon of hope and pragmatism in Pakistani politics, despite its tumultuous history. Having lost his mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, at the young age of 19, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has made a name for himself by promoting political stability and avoiding conflict with adversaries-while ensuring that national space is not conceded. In December 2021, Chairman Bilawal galvanized the then opposition parties against the government of Imran Khan, initiated a No-Confidence Motion, and successfully replaced the government through constitutional means in April 2022. He subsequently joined the coalition government as Foreign Minister. As a young Foreign Minister, he worked tirelessly to defuse the diplomatic and economic crises inherited from the previous administration. Under his leadership, Pakistan avoided economic and diplomatic minefields-benefits that are evident three years later. During his tenure, Pakistan bore the brunt of climate change, and Bilawal became the country's voice on the global stage, advocating for climate justice and highlighting how Pakistanis are victims of the developed world's carbon footprint. This culminated in the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan in Geneva, co-hosted by UN Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres. Mr. Guterres, acknowledging our plight, stated: 'No country deserves to endure what happened to Pakistan.' At this significant event, Pakistan successfully secured international funding, with Bilawal committing to transform the challenge of recovery and reconstruction into an opportunity to build a more resilient Pakistan. Through tangible actions, Bilawal has shown that he walks the talk-his government in the province of Sindh is constructing 2.1 million homes for flood-affected people, of which 600,000 have already been built. Since his parliamentary debut in 2018, his clarity-driven, statesmanlike approach has not only defined his political persona but also paved the way for unity, progress, and democratic resilience. With the PPP leading the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan and playing a conscientious role in Parliament, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has helped stabilize and strengthen the democratic system. The passage of the 26th Amendment in October 2024 stands as a shining example of his visionary leadership, ensuring optimal give-and-take (within legal bounds) to maintain continuity and longevity in democratic governance. I am personally witness to his patience, perseverance, and foresight in building political consensus for the amendment's passage. Bilawal has consistently demonstrated that age is merely a number when it comes to political sagacity. His remarkable maturity and nuanced understanding of Pakistan's complex challenges set him apart. His leadership style reflects a deep commitment to democratic principles and inclusive governance, which distinguishes him in a polarized and often hostile political landscape. During the recent war-like situation with India, Bilawal once again stepped forward to articulate Pakistan's position internationally, exposing Indian propaganda. His diplomatic engagement helped improve Pakistan's global image and underscored his vision of a more connected and cooperative Pakistan. At the United Nations, Bilawal called on the international community to press India for a comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan. He warned that recent military escalations had heightened the risk of conflict and emphasized the urgency of addressing the unresolved Kashmir issue, which lies at the heart of Indo-Pak tensions. Despite rising hostilities, Bilawal reiterated Pakistan's readiness to cooperate with India in combating terrorism. As Foreign Minister, during his visit to India in May 2023 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, he again emphasized resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions. He also addressed regional threats of extremism and terrorism, calling for collective action free of political bias. It is often said that history repeats itself. Just as Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto presented Pakistan's case to the world even when they held no official office, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari now follows in their footsteps. His statesmanlike approach is precisely what Pakistan-and the wider region-needs: to diffuse tensions and present a united, dignified, and constructive image of Pakistan, paving the way for long-term economic and political stability. The writer is mayor of Karach
Business Recorder
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PARTLY FACETIOUS: Let it be with Caesar
'So is everyone on the same page or not?' 'Talal Chaudhary, rewarded for his loyalty to the Heir Apparent…' 'Who is the heir apparent? The Prime Minister?' 'No the Prime Minister is the regent and the Heir Apparent is the Chief Minister of Punjab, the former is a proxy and the latter is the one who will inherit.' 'Inherit what? Wisdom?' 'You being facetious?' 'No, I want to know. One can inherit looks, physical assets or wisdom.' 'The first two have already been doled out. The last is not a prized commodity. What remains is political inheritance.' 'Right.' 'Anyway, Talal Chaudhary says that as per the agreement PML-N and the PPPP are partners and will remain partners.' 'Junior partners or senior partners?' 'You are being facetious, aren't you? Partners means partners and while the percentage ownership of each partner is agreed but not released for the likes of us I would assume that at most it is 33 percent each and at least it is around 4 to 5 percent…' 'That's why the rumour mills are so active.' 'On the percentage ownership…' 'No, they may not have inherited wisdom, but they are not blind – they can understand ground realities. No, what I meant was that there are rumours that Nawaz Sharif and Zardari sahib's agreement was like the Blair-Brown agreement – each would rule for the same amount of years and…' 'Right; so Bilawal versus Maryam Nawaz…' 'Nope, Bilawal versus the regent.' 'That's not fair – I mean, one is the undisputed heir and the other…' 'Life isn't fair - what of the two sons of the Man Who Must Remain Nameless and Faceless…' 'They are neither regents nor Heir Apparent…' 'But…' 'It took Maryam Nawaz over a decade to get where she is today, and this in spite of daddy as the only decision maker.' 'Hmmm and Bilawal took a decade to be groomed…' 'Yep, and as Brutus said about Caesar in Shakespeare's play: let it be with Caesar.' 'Riiiiight.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
India-Pakistan conflict: FO rejects Indian NSA's remarks
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly reacted to the recent remarks made by the Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval regarding Pakistan-India stalemate, terming it distorted and tainted. Speaking at a Weekly Media Briefing on Friday, Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan said, 'Doval's remarks not only reflect a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, but also violate the norms of a responsible statecraft.' 'Military aggression against a sovereign nation is a grave breach of the United Nations Charter and established principles of the international law,' he added. It is a matter of public record that India has targeted civilian infrastructure rather than militant or terrorist hideouts. Rather than resorting to false narrative, the spokesperson remarked India should accept the downing of six fighter jets by Pakistan Air Force in self-defence and inflicting severe damages to other military targets. Furthermore, Ambassador Khan strongly condemned the ongoing human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The occupying Indian forces continue to kill innocent civilians with impunity. This grave situation remains a matter of deep concern for Pakistan and the international community must take not of it. Referring to former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's comments in an interview to a foreign media outlet, the FO spokesperson clarified that no individual was personally named. Bilawal's remarks pertained to concerns regarding the conduct of certain state actors, not individuals. It is to mention here that Bilawal had suggested that certain individuals of 'particular concern' should be extradited for CBMs with India. To a query, Ambassador Khan said Pakistan remains in active communication with Afghan authorities at multiple levels. Discussions are ongoing to address cross-border terrorism emanating from sanctuaries in Afghanistan, which continue to pose a serious threat to Pakistan's security and territorial integrity. These dialogues follow the Deputy Prime Minister's visit to Afghanistan on April 19 and are aimed at identifying common grounds for cooperation. 'TTP poses a serious threat to Pakistan's security. Pakistan hopes that Afghan authorities will acknowledge the gravity of this threat and take decisive action against terrorist groups and sanctuaries operating from Afghan soil.' Responding to another question he pointed out that Indian state-sponsored terrorism within Pakistan is a matter of global concern. India's destabilising role in the region, through support for terror elements, has been exposed repeatedly. Pakistan maintains strategic ties with China, its 'iron brother,' and continues to pursue cordial relations with both the United States and China, he said, adding Pakistan values its partnerships and seeks balanced engagement based on mutual respect. Pakistan will participate in the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The FO spokesperson said the Deputy Prime Minister Dar is scheduled to attend, although there are currently no plans for a bilateral meeting or handshake with India's External Affairs Minister (EAM). In addition, he said the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) affects over 250 million people. The recent decision by the Court of Arbitration further weakens India's already de-legitimise position on the sensitive matter. The revival of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), the spokesperson was of the view that it is a symbol of Pakistan-Russia friendship. He added that Pakistan remains in contact with Washington to address trade tariffs and is hopeful for a positive outcome that benefits both sides. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
