Latest news with #Nishan-i-Pakistan
Express Tribune
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Bhutto's death
The writer is an educationist based in Larkana, dedicated to advocating for women's rights and empowering them through education. She can be contacted at sairasamo88@ Listen to article Nearly five decades ago, on 4th April 1979, Pakistan witnessed a grave injustice - the execution of a politically victimised leader. He was none other than Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the democratically elected leader of Pakistan, who gave the country its Constitution, which remains in use to this day. Recognising his merit on this March 23, 2025, former Prime Minister and founder of Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was posthumously awarded the Nishan-i-Pakistan, the nation's highest civilian honour. The award, received by his daughter Sanam Bhutto, recognised his contributions to the country, democracy and the people. ZAB was executed on April 4, 1979, following a conviction in a highly controversial murder case, widely condemned for lacking due process. His execution was later regarded as a judicial murder in the country's history. Nearly a year ago, Supreme Court judges reviewed the case and concluded that Bhutto's trial had been unfair, denying him due process at both the trial and appellate levels - an acknowledgment seen as a correction of a historic miscarriage of justice. The Bhutto family's political legacy in Pakistan is marred by a series of tragic events, each paying a price for their unflinching sincerity and standing tall against oppression and injustice. From ZAB's judicially contested execution to Benazir Bhutto's assassination, Shahnawaz Bhutto's mysterious death in South Africa and Murtaza Bhutto's controversial police encounter, the family has faced unpredictable deaths, all seemingly in service of protecting the rights of the people at the stake of their lives. ZAB, a visionary leader, faced grave injustice when he was judicially convicted and sentenced to death in 1979. His execution, later remembered as a judicial murder, sent shockwaves through Pakistan. Bhutto's commitment to a democratic and progressive Pakistan was abruptly cut short, and the repercussions of his unjust death were felt across the nation. Benazir Bhutto, his daughter and political successor, emerged only as a hope for democratic ideals. Her tenure as the first woman to lead a Muslim-majority country faced tumult, culminating in her tragic assassination on December 7, 2007 at Rawalpindi. The consequences were irreparable, impacting not only the Bhutto family but also the stability of Pakistan's political institutions. The death of Benazir Bhutto, the first female prime minister in the Muslim world, left a void in the PPP leadership, prompting questions about the future of democratic governance. Shahnawaz Bhutto's mysterious sudden death in Nice, France in 1985 is yet another layer to the family's narrative of untimely deaths. The circumstances surrounding his demise remain shrouded in mystery, contributing to the perception that the Bhutto family, committed to the well-being of the people, was beset by unpredictable tragedies. Murtaza Bhutto, Benazir's brother, met a tragic end during her tenure as PM. His killing in a controversial police encounter in Karachi in 1996 added another layer of complexity to the Bhutto family's political narrative. His outspoken nature and willingness to challenge the status quo led to his untimely death, which remains an unresolved case. All the casualties within the Bhutto family occurred under circumstances far from natural. They remain the only family in Pakistan's political history to have fallen victim to consequences they did not deserve. From ZAB's judicial execution to his elder son Shahnawaz's mysterious death by poisoning, from Murtaza's controversial police encounter to Benazir's assassination during a public gathering, each loss inflicted deep wounds that have never fully healed till today. Rarely does an entire family dedicate itself to service of people, at the stake of personal well-being for the greater good. As Martin Luther King Jr said, "Once you become dedicated to a cause, personal security is not the goal. What will happen to you personally does not matter. My cause, my race, is worth dying for." Such is the nature of sacrifice for a noble cause.
Express Tribune
26-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM hails $1.3 billion IMF deal as major economic milestone
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday hailed the successful staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a new $1.3 billion arrangement, calling it a major milestone in Pakistan's path toward economic stability. Chairing a Cabinet Committee meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister applauded the efforts of the deputy prime minister, finance minister, planning minister, commerce minister, economic affairs minister, FBR chairman, and other senior officials for securing the deal. 'Despite scepticism and predictions of a mini-budget, we secured this agreement without imposing new taxes,' Shehbaz Sharif said. He also acknowledged the burden placed on the public during this phase, paying tribute to salaried individuals for their key role in tax contributions. The agreement will bring $1.3 billion in IMF funding, raising Pakistan's foreign reserves to $8.3 billion, which the prime minister termed a 'big achievement.' Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that tax collection had exceeded IMF expectations, achieving a 10.6% tax-to-GDP ratio, the highest in four years, with a 26% year-on-year increase in tax revenue. He also outlined how Pakistan retained a Rs12.3 trillion tax target for FY2024-25, after resisting IMF recommendations to lower it. The prime minister said reforms in the sugar sector led to an additional Rs12 billion in tax collection, with the model soon to be applied to the cement, tobacco, and textile sectors. He added that Rs34 billion had been recovered from pending tax cases after fast-tracking tribunal processes. To support low-income families, he noted that the Ramadan package this year used a digital wallet system for transparent disbursement. Shehbaz also stressed the link between peace and economic progress, vowing to continue efforts to eliminate terrorism and ensure security across the country. He welcomed the Nishan-i-Pakistan award conferred on Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto by President Asif Ali Zardari, calling it a fitting tribute to a 'national icon.' The meeting concluded with condolences on the death of the mother of Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, and a prayer (Fateha) offered in her memory.
Express Tribune
27-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, UAE reaffirm resolve to boost ties
Pakistan and the UAE have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in the areas of business, infrastructure development, culture and people-to-people contacts. This understanding was reached during a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Thursday. Chairman Pakistan People's Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, First Lady/MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Foreign Minister, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, and senior government officials attended the meeting. Welcoming the Crown Prince, the President said that Pakistan and UAE enjoyed long-standing people-to-people and cultural ties spanning over three generations, and emphasised the need to pass on this legacy to future generations to further cement the historic bond. The President appreciated the remarkable development achieved by the UAE under its dynamic leadership. He expressed Pakistan's appreciation for the UAE's unwavering support to Pakistan and cooperation in various sectors. He emphasized the importance of fostering closer economic and trade relations and invited UAE investors to explore new opportunities in Pakistan's emerging sectors. His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed reiterated the UAE's commitment to enhancing its cooperation with Pakistan. He said that the MoUs signed during his visit reflected the trust and enduring relations between the two countries. Later, the President conferred the award of Nishan-i-Pakistan upon Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in recognition of his services and unwavering support to Pakistan during a special investiture ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed had been instrumental in promoting economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Pakistan and the UAE, besides playing a pivotal role in strengthening the long-standing and fraternal relations. His leadership facilitated the announcement of significant investment initiatives in Pakistan's economy, aimed at boosting key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, healthcare, and technology, contributing to Pakistan's socio-economic progress.
Express Tribune
05-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Prince Rahim named 50th Imam of Ismailis after Aga Khan IV's passing
Listen to article Rahim al-Hussaini, the eldest son of the late Mawlana Shah Karim Aga Khan IV, has been named the 50th hereditary Imam following the unsealing of his father's will, according to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The announcement was made on Wednesday, just one day after the passing of Prince Karim, the spiritual leader and philanthropist, who died on Tuesday in Lisbon, Portugal at the age of 88. The late Aga Khan IV's passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from leaders around the world, who have praised his humanitarian efforts and his role in fostering global development. The Aga Khan IV, known for his philanthropy and vast wealth, significantly shaped the Ismaili community's welfare and global influence. Under his leadership, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) funded numerous humanitarian efforts and educational programs in some of the world's most impoverished regions. The Aga Khan's business ventures, ranging from airlines to race horses and newspapers, further augmented his legacy, positioning him as one of the world's wealthiest hereditary leaders. In his role as Imam, Prince Rahim is expected to continue his father's philanthropic work, focusing on improving the lives of the most vulnerable communities as he has been closely involved in the work of AKDN, serving on various boards and overseeing the organization's efforts to promote education, health, and sustainable development. A legacy of leadership Born on October 12, 1971, Prince Rahim's journey to spiritual leadership has been shaped by a strong educational foundation. After attending Phillips Academy Andover, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Literature from Brown University in 1995. Throughout his career, Prince Rahim has dedicated himself to the well-being of Ismaili communities and the broader global population. His notable contributions include a deep focus on environmental conservation and addressing the effects of climate change. As the chair of AKDN's Environmental and Climate Change Committee, he has spearheaded initiatives aimed at combating environmental degradation and supporting sustainable development. Prince Rahim's work extends beyond environmental advocacy. He has also been a key figure in supporting the governance institutions of the Ismaili community, working closely with both governmental and international leaders. His efforts aim to further the mission of AKDN by enhancing the quality of life for marginalized populations through education, economic empowerment, and poverty alleviation. Prince Rahim's personal life also reflects his commitment to public service and global engagement. In 2022, he was conferred the Nishan-i-Pakistan, the nation's highest civilian award, by President Asif Ali Zardari during his visit to Pakistan. Prince Rahim now inherits the mantle of leadership at a time when the Ismaili community faces both new challenges and opportunities for growth and transformation. The Ismaili Muslim community, estimated to number between 12 to 15 million, resides in over 35 countries, including regions in Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan
