Latest news with #PPPP
The Hindu
6 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Pakistan-India intelligence collaboration can reduce terrorism: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) chairman and former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said that 'cooperation between Pakistan and India's intelligence agencies could significantly reduce terrorism in South Asia.' The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman, who is currently leading a high-powered delegation to the U.S. as part of a global diplomatic push to seek support following its recent conflict with India, was speaking at a press conference at the U.N. Headquarters on Tuesday (June 3, 2025), the Dawn newspaper reported. 'I am completely confident that if ISI and RAW were ready to sit down and work together to fight these forces, we would see a significant decrease in terrorism in both India and Pakistan,' Mr. Bhutto-Zardari was quoted as saying by the newspaper on Wednesday (June 4, 2025). He also urged the global community to remain engaged in South Asia, warning that the risk of conflict between nuclear-armed neighbours had grown, not diminished, after the recent ceasefire. 'With the intervention of the international community — and I would like to mention particularly the role played by the U.S. President Donald Trump and his team led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio — we did manage to achieve a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. This is a welcome first step, but it's only a first step,' Mr. Bhutto-Zardari said. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, with India carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of May 7. Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10. The Indian side responded strongly to the Pakistani actions. The on-ground hostilities ended with an understanding of stopping the military actions following talks between the directors general of military operations of both sides on May 10. Mr. Trump claims that the US has stopped India and Pakistan from fighting. However, India has been consistently maintaining that the understanding on cessation of hostilities with Pakistan was reached following direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two militaries. Mr. Bhutto-Zardari emphasised that diplomacy and dialogue were the only 'viable path to peace,' and reiterated Pakistan's willingness to engage in a broad dialogue with India — including cooperation on counterterrorism. 'Pakistan would still like to cooperate with India to combat terrorism. We can't leave the fate of 1.5 billion, 1.7 billion people in the hands of non-state actors and terrorists... For them to decide, at a whim, that (when these) two nuclear-armed powers will go to war,' he said. Referring to India, the PPP leader said "linking any terrorist attack in the region to the threat of war with Pakistan" is "untenable". 'You can't have no dispute resolution mechanisms between two nuclear-armed countries,' he said. He proposed the establishment of a mutually agreed platform where both sides could raise complaints, investigate terrorist incidents jointly, and work together to ensure accountability. Reiterating Pakistan's stance on India's move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), Mr. Bhutto-Zardari said, 'it is an attempt to weaponise water.' Following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, New Delhi, among other punitive actions, announced the suspension of the 1960 IWT accord, which governs water sharing between India and Pakistan. 'The mere threat to cut off the water supply of 200 million people is a violation of the U.N. Charter. Acting on this threat will be seen as an act of war by Pakistan,' Mr. Bhutto-Zardari said. Earlier, the Pakistani delegation met with the U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the President of the U.N. Security Council, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana, in New York, the Dawn reported.
Express Tribune
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PPPP protests Rs50m grant to Lahore Bar
The Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) has strongly protested the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister's decision to allocate a grant of Rs50 million to the Lahore High Court Bar Association. In response, the party has submitted a formal 'Call Attention Notice' in the K-P provincial assembly. The notice was submitted to the Assembly Secretariat by PPPP Parliamentary Leader, Ahmad Karim Kundi. It states that the provincial government, in its upcoming cabinet meeting, has placed the proposed grant for the Lahore High Court Bar Association as the last item on the agenda. The notice raises serious concerns, questioning the government's priorities in light of the current challenges faced by K-P. The province is grappling with deteriorating law and order conditions as well as a worsening economic crisis. Under such circumstances, the notice argues, it is unjustifiable for the provincial leadership to approve such a large sum from K-P's resources for an institution based in another province. "The Chief Executive of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has no justification for allocating provincial funds to political bodies or institutions outside the province," Kundi stated. The PPPP has demanded a clear explanation from the provincial government regarding its stance and the rationale behind this financial decision. On the other hand, Senator Wali Khan condemned the move, accusing the K-P government of misusing taxpayers' money by distributing it among 'political friends of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).'
Express Tribune
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Bilawal's dual party roles challenged in LHC
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday directed its Registrar's Office to reconsider a petition challenging Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's eligibility as a Member of the National Assembly, after objections to the filing are addressed. Justice Khalid Ishaq issued the directive during the preliminary hearing of a constitutional petition filed by Ashba Kamran. The petitioner contended that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's simultaneous association with two distinct political entities — PPP and Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) — constitutes a violation of Section 203(3) of the Elections Act, 2017. According to the petition, Bilawal serves as chairman of the PPP, which uses the electoral symbol "sword," while he was elected MNA in the 2018 and 2024 general elections from PPPP, which uses the symbol "arrow." Kamran argued that both entities are separately registered with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and that dual membership in both contravenes election laws and constitutional obligations. "The ECP, despite being the constitutional guardian of the electoral process, failed to enforce Section 203(3) and its own pre-election guidelines issued to returning officers on June 13, 2024," the petitioner stated. She maintained that Bilawal's dual role leading one party while contesting elections under another violates not only the Elections Act but also Article 5 of the Constitution, which mandates loyalty to the state and adherence to the Constitution. Furthermore, she claimed the practice deceived voters and violated Article 4, which ensures equal protection and fairness under the law. Kamran further requested that the court summon the secretary generals and information secretaries of both PPP and PPP-P to produce documentation from the ECP specifically certificates under Section 209 that clarify Bilawal's official designation. She argued that Bilawal's continued leadership of PPP, despite being an elected representative under the PPPP banner, is misleading and legally untenable. Highlighting that Bilawal was elected unopposed as PPP chairman in intra-party elections held in January 2021 and again in April 2025, Kamran alleged that such dual roles were not only illegal but compromised the credibility of the democratic process.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
CM sets target of poverty-free AP by 2029
Vijayawada: Chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday reiterated that he is determined to take up comprehensive development of the state along with eradication of poverty by creation of wealth. "I want to achieve the goal of making Andhra Pradesh free from poverty within four years. Vision 2047 and P4 have been designed to take the state into the big league with transformative measures," he said, during his keynote address at the state level bankers' committee (SLBC) meeting. Urging the bankers to be proactive in extending their support to the govt, he said many big-ticket projects are expected to land in the state in the next few years. The chief minister commended their performance for exceeding the targets in 2024-25, while unveiling the 'AP annual credit plan' for 2025-26. He emphasized on the need for targeted financial support to Dwacra women, tenant farmers, SC, ST, BC, and minority communities to ensure inclusive growth. Highlighting the state's frequent SLBC meetings to secure banking support for improving living standards and fostering development, Naidu noted that post-bifurcation, Andhra Pradesh has prioritized agriculture, given its role as the livelihood source for most residents. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas In Dubai | Search Ads View Deals Undo "The state is implementing programs to strengthen agriculture-allied sectors, with banks playing a critical role in providing financial backing for progress across various sectors. Visakhapatnam is emerging as an industrial and economic hub, while capital Amaravati has positioned itself as a platform for future opportunities. Rayalaseema will be developed as a horticulture and electronics manufacturing hub," the CM said. He also outlined plans to establish MSMEs and Ratan Tata innovation hubs in every constituency to promote entrepreneurship. He emphasized the govt's P4 initiative which aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequalities by 2029, alongside widespread adoption of the PPPP policy for wealth creation and infrastructure development. The bankers assured the CM of their commitment to exceed the 2025-26 credit plan targets, with a focus on women entrepreneurs, self-help groups, education, and housing. In 2024-25, the state surpassed its Rs 5.4 lakh crore credit plan target, disbursing Rs 6.83 lakh crore (127% achievement). Out of this, Rs 4.14 lakh crore went to priority sectors and Rs 2.68 lakh crore to non-priority sectors. SLBC convenor and Union Bank of India MD, A Manimekhalai, explained that they have disbursed Rs 3.07 lakh crore (116% achievement) against the target of Rs 2.64 lakh crore to the agriculture sector. She said they have disbursed loans to the tune of Rs 1.69 lakh crore during Kharif and Rs 1.37 lakh crore during Rabi season. Finance minister Payyavula Keshav raised concerns about the declining growth rate in credit plan implementation, noting a drop from 163% in 2022-23 to 127% in 2024-25, and sought explanations from bankers. Chief secretary K Vijayanand, ministers, and senior officials were present. KEY TARGETS AP's annual credit plan for 2025-26 has been set at Rs 6.6 lakh crore, a 22% increase from 2024-25 Agriculture | Rs 3.06 lakh crore MSMEs | Rs 1.28 lakh crore Priority sector | Rs 4.58 lakh crore Non-priority sector | Rs 2.02 lakh crore
Express Tribune
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Will PPP burn the bridge with PML-N over canal dispute?
Listen to article Ever since the controversy over constructing six canals on the Indus River erupted, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)'s key ally, the Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), has drawn a clear line in the sand: shelve the project, or risk the collapse of the federal government. As political tensions rise between the two major parliamentary forces, where the PPPP helped PML-N cobble together a government at the Centre, the pressing question remains: is the PPP's threat mere political posturing, or is it truly prepared to pull the plug? Experts, for now, remain divided With the PPPP and PML-N locking horns over water rights, analysts argue that the survival of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's administration now hinges on backchannel negotiations – initiated on April 20 — and the influence of powerful, behind-the-scenes stakeholders. The PPP has voiced strong reservations about the canal project, which aims to meet the irrigation needs of the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI) in the Cholistan desert. These concerns have persisted since Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir inaugurated the project on February 15. Since the coalition's formation, both parties have frequently engaged in what many describe as "fixed fights", political theatrics intended more for public optics than actual outcomes. However, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's latest ultimatum in Hyderabad marked a notable departure from the script. He explicitly called on the government to halt the project or risk losing PPP support – an explicit threat that could bring the already fragile federal setup to its knees. The warning worked as PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and PM Shehbaz swiftly instructed party functionaries to initiate dialogue before the situation spun out of control. Talks were formally opened. The first meeting between both sides remains pending. Experts, however, see the PPP's defiance as more about self-preservation than coalition dynamics. With its national footprint drastically reduced, Sindh remains the party's final bastion, a redoubt it cannot afford to lose. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, president of the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), and Raza Ahmad Rumi, a policy analyst and journalist, both believe that betrayal on water rights could cripple PPP in its heartland and that they can't afford. Mehboob noted that a party which once ruled the federation and all four provinces now finds itself cornered in Sindh. The province is the party's power base, and any threat to it is a red line for PPP, he noted. He noted that PPP may or may not have initially signalled its acceptance of the Cholistan canals project. However, the tide has since turned. The emergence of a fervent anti-canals movement in Sindh has tied the party's hands, making it difficult for it to provide a window of opportunity to its opponents in Sindh to capture its last base. "PPP will go to any extent to convince PMLN and the establishment to do away with or at least defer the canals project," Mehboob said, adding "but if it can't succeed, it may have to dissociate from the support to the federal government". Rumi seconded Mehboob to the extent that the party initially green-lighted the project, noting that while it initially gave the green light to the canals project, a U-turn was inevitable once it snowballed into a matter of Sindhi national identity. The party backtracked on its initial position and joined the bandwagon of public activism on the issue. That said, Rumi added a caveat: despite the noise, it's unlikely PPP would actually quit the coalition in Islamabad, given its current comfort level in terms of power-sharing with both the establishment and PML-N. The PPP certainly holds the key to toppling this government, he said, pointing out that the government needs its key ally's votes to survive. "But it should be emphasised that the federal coalition was put together by the establishment". "And any change would be directed by them," the analyst stressed.
