Tag: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

  • Bilawal visits Tokyo, says Pakistan needs ‘trade, not aid’

    Bilawal visits Tokyo, says Pakistan needs ‘trade, not aid’

    Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, on his maiden visit to Japan, has declared his intention to boost trade and promote diplomatic ties between the two countries on Sunday. He stated that Pakistan needed trade and not aid.

    Giving an address at an event organised by the Pakistani diaspora living in Tokyo, Bilawal maintained that the two countries have agreed to further deepen and enhance their mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation in multiple areas. These include trade, investment, human resource development and exchange, IT, tourism and agriculture sectors.

    “We have also jointly agreed to explore the possibility of working together on targeted programs with higher impact in the domains of solarisation, desalination, and water purification and housing and infrastructure rebuilding in the floods affected areas in Pakistan,” Bilawal said in a joint press stakeout along with his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi, as reported by The News.

    Empowering our workforce

    In addition, the two sides have agreed to conduct language skill assessment tests for the Japanese language in Pakistan to facilitate the movement of skilled workers. The Nation reported that Bilawal underscored the importance of Pakistanis living abroad, stating: “The overseas Paki­stanis are our assets, who are play­ing vital role to promote bilateral ties between Pakistan and Japan. Our population consists of 65 per­cent youth and we want Pakistani youth to get employment in Japan.”

    Potential for growth

    The Foreign Minister met with repre­sentatives of the Japan Interna­tional Development Agency (JICA) and the Japan External Trade Orga­nization (JETRO) to discuss poten­tial for trade and investment. He also stated that Pakistan’s incumbent government was working on economic diplomacy in order to bring prosperity to the country.

    Bilawal also went on to praise Japan’s advancement in IT and other fields, saying Pakistan could learn from them. Both sides have seen a new vigour in their relationship through continued high-level exchanges.

  • What is happening in Dubai? Zardari, Bilawal meet Maryam Nawaz

    What is happening in Dubai? Zardari, Bilawal meet Maryam Nawaz

    The Co-Chairman and Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Asif Ali Zardari and Bilwal Butto-Zardari have met Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Chief Organiser, Maryam Nawaz, on Monday in Dubai.


    The agenda of the meeting was economic and political issues in the country. According to the sources of Geo News, Maryam Nawaz took the two PPP heads in confidence over the ongoing political situation in the country.


    Another meeting will likely be held tonight between PML-N and PPP to further discuss solutions for the economic and political crisis.
    This meeting is important as PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan is expected after a law passed by National Assembly to limit the lifetime disqualification to five years.


    PML-N sources have revealed that a meeting held on Sunday afternoon had the longest discussion, but the attendees have not been disclosed as of now.

  • HumSabKiBenazir: Twitter remembers Benazir Bhutto Shaheed on her 70th Birthday

    HumSabKiBenazir: Twitter remembers Benazir Bhutto Shaheed on her 70th Birthday

    Former Prime Minister and Chairperson of Pakistan Peoples Party Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto is being remembered today on her 70th birth anniversary.
    She was born on June 21, 1953 and passed away on December 27, 2007, at the age of 54.

    Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, the daughter of Benzair Bhutto, wrote in a tweet, “Shaheed Mohatarma Benazir Bhutto led Pakistan through its darkest hours, and her legacy can guide us out of darkness today.”

    PPP leaders, members and Twitter users are remembering the trailblazer on her on her 70th Birthday:

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  • Bilawal Bhutto Zardari pays tribute to UN peacekeeping forces

    Bilawal Bhutto Zardari pays tribute to UN peacekeeping forces

    Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday paid tribute to United Nation (UN) peacekeeping forces.
    “On the occasion of International Day of UN Peacekeepers, we pay tribute to the 75 years long history of UN Peacekeeping. As a top troop contributor since 1960, over 200,000 Pakistani men & women have served with valour in 46 UN Peacekeeping Missions in all parts of the world 168 of our bravest have sacrificed their lives in this noble cause,” Bilawal wrote in his tweet.

    “Over 4,300 peacekeepers including female officers are serving with distinction under UN flag today. We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that peacekeeping remains an effective mechanism for int’l peace & security,” the foreign minister added.

    The International Day of UN Peacekeepers is being observed today to highlight the role of the force in world peace.


    Over the past 75 years, United Nations Peacekeepers have saved countless precious lives for global peace and security.


    This day commemorates the efforts of the United Nations to eliminate human suffering, establish a situation of lasting peace and order in countries with wars and internal conflicts.

  • Fact Check: Did Bilawal visit graves of Indian soldiers who died in Kargil war?

    Fact Check: Did Bilawal visit graves of Indian soldiers who died in Kargil war?

    Claim: A tweet is being circulated on social media, stating that Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari visited the graves of Indian soldiers who died in Kargil war against Pakistan. Along with the tweet is a photo of the Foreign Minister wearing a heavy black coat as he stands before a wreath placed at a memorial.

    The tweet has been shared more than 4093 times.

    https://twitter.com/p4pakipower1/status/1654573262955839488

    Fact: The picture is from foreign minister’s visit to Lithuania earlier this year. During the visit, Bilawal laid a wreath at the monument of Lithuanian martyred freedom fighters.

    Verdict: The claim is false.

    Verdict: The claim is false

  • ‘Of course’: Bilawal confirms he shook hands with Indian FM but no bilateral engagement held

    ‘Of course’: Bilawal confirms he shook hands with Indian FM but no bilateral engagement held

    Pakistani Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who just wrapped up his visit to Goa, said that he did shake hands with his Indian counter partner S. Jaishankar at a dinner that was held in an unofficial capacity.

    During an interview with India Today, Bilawal said, “In all our unofficial engagements we always shake hands and we had dinner conversations amongst other foreign ministers but we did not hold a bilateral engagement.”

    Earlier, when both ministers greeted each other in front of the media they didn’t shake hands and this created headlines in India.

    Clearing up the confusion, Bilawal said that his aim to visit India was to attend Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). “Unless India reviews the action it took on August 5, 2019 (abrogation of Article 370), Pakistan is not in a position to engage bilaterally with India.”

    When pointed out by a journalist that “Pakistan can’t sponsor terror directed against India”, the minister, taking a jibe at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said “This wolf whistling around the word terrorism which is ultimately an Islamophobic wolf whistle not only to whip up Hindu sentiment in India but also to brow beat Pakistan, that might be election strategy for some but not effective terrorism strategy”

    The Pakistani foreign minister said the country wishes to quell terrorism “not because India said it or the Indian government said so, but because we want to end this menace”. He said terrorism has caused the “largest number of casualties” in Pakistan among any of the other SCO countries.

    “India will have to explain what Kulbhushan Jadhav, a state actor, a navy commander, was doing in Pakistan carrying out terrorist attacks on Pakistani soil. Does that not come under cross-border terrorism?” he asked.

    Bilawal also reminded Indian Journalist Rajdeep Sardesai that Pakistan is the only country on Earth that has completed two Financial Action Task Force (FATF) objectives.

    He said that it is not productive for India to continue accusing Pakistan of sponsoring terror activities.

    Pointing out that India violated bilateral agreements and international agreements on Aug 5, 2019, by revoking the special status of Jammu Kashmir, Bilawal Bhutto also mentioned the 2007 Samjhauta Express bombing where around 70 people, mostly Pakistanis, were killed. “We are yet to see any justice,” he reminded Sardesai.

    He repeatedly said that both India and Pakistan have different perspectives on terrorism, adding that Pakistan is “willing to engage with any concerns that India might have but India will also have to address our concerns.”

  • Here is what Bilawal Bhutto said in his address at SCO Foreign Ministers meeting in India

    Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Minis­ters (CFM) in India, Goa on Friday.


    During his address, the young minister who is leading Pakistan’s delegation, talked about climate change, importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, poverty alleviation and Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism among other things.

    Bhutto started his address by reiterating Pakistan’s strong commitment to SCO saying,“There couldn’t be a more powerful indication of the importance that Pakistan attaches to the SCO than my presence here in Goa for this CFM”.

    Bilawal also talked about eradicating the menace of terrorism. “Let’s not get caught up in weaponising terrorism for diplomatic point scoring.”

    Bilawal reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism for maintaining international peace and harmony.

    “A peaceful and stable Afghanistan is a key not only to regional integration and economic cooperation but also to global peace and stability,” said Bilawal while talking about the importance of peaceful and stable Afghanistan.

  • Bilawal leaving for India today to attend SCO Foreign Ministers meeting

    Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is leaving for India today to attend a moot of the Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) being held in Goa today (Thursday).

    The foreign minister shared a video message on Twitter in which he said that his attendance in the meeting will give a clear message on how much importance Pakistan gives to SCO.


    He added that he is looking forward to engaging bilaterally with the member countries.

    Alongside the CFM meeting, the Foreign Minister will also hold meetings with counterparts from friendly nations. Pakistan became a member of SCO after joining the body in 2017.

  • BBZ is going to India next month for the Shanghai Cooperation Org

    BBZ is going to India next month for the Shanghai Cooperation Org

    In a major diplomatic development, Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari will be visiting India to attend Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) which is set to take place on May 4-5 in Goa, India, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch has confirmed.

    The minister is going to India at the invitation of the country’s External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

    Pakistan is currently preparing for the meeting.

    It is pertinent to mention that Bilawal’s visit to India will be the first by a Pakistani foreign minister in nearly 12 years. In 2011, the then-top Pakistani diplomat, Hina Rabbani Khar, now Bhutto-Zardari’s deputy in the foreign ministry, visited India.

    If Bilawal’s visit goes as per plan, it is likely that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit India too for the summit, reports Express Tribune.

    ​Bilawal also attended the last meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers held in July last year in Tashkent.

    The SCO is a regional political and security bloc whose members include Russia, China, India and Pakistan.

  • Shehbaz, Bilawal heap glowing praises on golden jubilee of the 1973 Constitution

    Shehbaz, Bilawal heap glowing praises on golden jubilee of the 1973 Constitution

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on the occasion of golden jubilee of the 1973 Constitution, took to Twitter and said that the ‘sacred document had weathered many storms over the past 50 years and held the federation together.’

    “The nation today commemorates the Golden Jubilee of the 1973 Constitution, a sacred document that has weathered many storms over the past 50 years & held the federation together. We pay our rich tribute to the framers of the Constitution for their political foresight,” tweeted the PM.

    “Constitution of Pakistan continues to be central to shaping our national character, identity & future trajectory. Time has come to place Parliament at the core of national life both in letter & spirit. Rules of the game framed in light of the Constitution show us the way forward.”

    Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that April 10 has always been a historic day for Pakistan.

    “It is the day in 1973 when we got our constitution. In 1986 SMBB received her historic welcome in Lahore. It is the day in 2022 when for the first time VONC was successful; selected was rejected & ejected by parliament,” tweeted Bilawal.

    The National Assembly (NA), under the leadership of Speaker Raja Pervez Asharf, is all set to celebrate 50 years of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973.

    The month-long celebrations are set to commemorate the country’s charter with a series of events that will commence on April 10. The celebrations will be followed by a joint session of the Parliament, scheduled for 2pm.