The President of Pakistan

MESSAGE FROM BIBI ASIFA BHUTTO ZARDARI, FIRST LADY OF PAKISTAN, ON POLIO VACCINATION CAMPAIGN As Pakistan begins its Sub-National Polio Vaccination Campaign from 2 to 8 November, I urge all parents and caregivers to ensure that every child under five receives polio drops during the campaign. The campaign aims to vaccinate approximately 24 million children in 97 selected districts, with more than 200,000 frontline polio workers taking part. Their efforts are essential to reaching children in every targeted community. Pakistan has made significant progress in reducing polio cases by 99.8 per cent since the launch of its national eradication programme in 1994. However, with seven cases reported so far in 2026, the continued presence of the virus remains a serious concern. Our goal is to make Pakistan polio-free by June 2027, and this requires sustained efforts to reach every eligible child. Polio has no cure and can cause lifelong paralysis, but it is preventable through vaccination. Every child under five must receive two drops during each campaign, regardless of how many doses they have received previously. Parents must also ensure that their children complete their routine immunisation on time. For families, this means making sure that children receive their drops when vaccination teams visit their homes and that no child misses a dose. Parents and caregivers should cooperate with frontline workers and facilitate their access to children. I pay tribute to the frontline polio workers who continue to serve communities across the country. Their work, often involving visits to households and communities that are difficult to reach, is central to protecting children. I urge all parents, community representatives and relevant stakeholders to support the November campaign. We must continue these efforts until Pakistan is free of polio and every child is protected from this preventable disease. ——-

Pakistan and Algeria share a longstanding bond of friendship, brotherhood and mutual respect. A relationship built on shared values, solidarity and a common vision for a stronger future. #Pakistan #Algeria #PakistanAlgeriaFriendship #algerianationalday

صدر مملکت آصف علی زرداری کا پاکستان کی جانب سے جی 24 کی صدارت سنبھالنے کا خیرمقدم۔ صدر مملکت کی وزیر خزانہ سینیٹر محمد اورنگزیب اور متعلقہ ٹیم کو مبارکباد۔ پاکستان کی جی 24 کی صدارت عالمی اقتصادی امور میں ترقی پذیر ممالک کی مؤثر نمائندگی کے لیے اہم موقع ہے: صدر زرداری پاکستان جی 24 کے پلیٹ فارم کو ترقی پذیر معیشتوں کے مشترکہ مفادات کے فروغ کے لیے مؤثر انداز میں استعمال کرے سکے گا: صدر مملکت یہ موقع پاکستان کو ترقیاتی فنانسنگ، موسمیاتی چیلنجز اور عالمی مالیاتی تعاون کے فروغ میں کردار ادا کرنے کا موقع فراہم کرے گا: صدر زرداری

Message from First Lady Asifa Bhutto Zardari on the 79th Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan On the occasion of Gilgit-Baltistan’s 79th Independence Day, I extend my warmest greetings to its people, especially its young people, girls and women. We honour the courage and sacrifices of those who freed their homeland from Dogra rule and helped shape a future linked with Pakistan. The legacy of that struggle belongs to the generations growing up in Gilgit-Baltistan today. We must honour it by ensuring that every child can learn, every young person can pursue a meaningful livelihood and every woman can participate fully in the decisions that affect her life. To the girls of Gilgit-Baltistan, I want to say: your dreams matter. Whether you wish to become a teacher, doctor, scientist, entrepreneur, athlete or public representative, you deserve the opportunity and support to pursue your ambitions. No girl should have to abandon her education because her school is too far away, her family cannot afford it or she is told that her aspirations do not matter. Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s reforms, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s commitment to democratic rights and the PPP government’s introduction of self-governance in 2009 reflect an enduring belief that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan deserve dignity, representation and a greater say in their future. We must carry that commitment forward by opening more doors for its young people and women. My mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, taught us through her life that women can lead with courage, serve with compassion and challenge barriers that once seemed impossible to overcome. I hope the girls of Gilgit-Baltistan draw strength from her example and from the determination of the women in their own families and communities. For women and girls, opportunity must begin with practical support: good schools, trained teachers, scholarships, safe transport, digital access and quality healthcare. Mothers must be able to receive timely care during pregnancy and childbirth, including in remote mountain communities. Women’s health, nutrition and wellbeing must be central to development. Gilgit-Baltistan’s young people have much to contribute through tourism, technology, agriculture, sport and enterprise. They need skills, reliable internet and access to finance and markets. Women who produce handicrafts, run small businesses or work on farms deserve recognition, fair returns and greater economic independence. We must also listen to young people and women as partners in protecting the region’s mountains, glaciers, rivers and cultural heritage. Their knowledge and participation are essential to building safer communities and preserving this precious environment for future generations. On this proud day, let us renew our commitment to a Gilgit-Baltistan where girls grow up with confidence, women live with dignity and independence, and young people can look to the future with hope. I wish the people of Gilgit-Baltistan peace, happiness and lasting prosperity.

Message from the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, on the 79th Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan Seventy Nine years ago on this day, the heroic people of Gilgit Baltistan overthrew the colonial yoke of Dogra rule, declared independence and soon after, sent the letter to Quaid-e-Azam for accession to Pakistan. The flame for freedom has never extinguished and their loyalty with Pakistan has never been questioned all those decades and years. On the occasion of Gilgit-Baltistan’s 79th Independence Day, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to you, the people of GB and pay tribute to those who took part in the historic struggle against Dogra rule. Their courage, sacrifices and decision to join Pakistan remain an important part of our shared history. Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto initiated a series of landmark reforms in Gilgit-Baltistan in 1972, as President of Pakistan. Following his visit to the region in August that year, the Frontier Crimes Regulation and Jagirdari system were abolished, the old Agency system was dismantled and a new administrative and judicial framework was introduced. The reform process continued in 1974 with the abolition of the remaining princely states, including Hunza and Nagar, bringing the region under a more unified system of administration. Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto advanced this process through the Legal Framework Order of 1994, which established the Northern Areas Legislative Council. This progress continued in 2009 under the PPP government led by President Asif Ali Zardari, which introduced the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order, gave the region its present name and established a Legislative Assembly, an elected Chief Minister and a Governor. The people of Gilgit-Baltistan have made valuable contributions to Pakistan’s defence and development. Its strategic location, natural resources and a direct border with China also give the region considerable importance. Our priority must be to ensure that its people benefit from these opportunities through better roads, schools, healthcare, reliable energy and employment. For ordinary families, development means access to good schools and hospitals, better opportunities for young people and improved access to markets for farmers and small businesses. These practical needs must remain central to our priorities, including in remote areas. Gilgit-Baltistan’s mountains, glaciers, rivers and cultural heritage are among Pakistan’s greatest assets. Tourism can provide livelihoods and support local economies, while its natural environment must be protected for future generations. I extend my best wishes to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and hope that the region continues to make progress in peace and prosperity. ——

Message by President Asif Ali Zardari on the National Day of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria On behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan, and on my own behalf, I extend warm congratulations to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and the brotherly people of Algeria on their National Day, marking the 72nd anniversary of the beginning of their historic liberation revolution. The courage and sacrifices of the Algerian people remain an inspiration to all who cherish freedom, dignity and independence. Pakistan stood firmly beside Algeria during its struggle against colonial rule. Our recognition of Algeria’s provisional government in 1958, before independence, reflected the deep solidarity between our people. For me, this friendship also carries a cherished political and personal legacy. Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s friendship with Algeria’s leaders, including Ahmed Ben Bella and Houari Boumediene, helped strengthen the bonds between our countries. Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto carried this friendship forward. Her visit to Algeria in July 1990 and meeting with President Chadli Bendjedid continued a relationship rooted in solidarity and mutual respect. For me, these ties are both a national inheritance and a cherished family legacy. This legacy continues to guide our cooperation at the United Nations and other international forums. Pakistan and Algeria uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, the sovereign equality of states, the right of peoples to self-determination and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Our cooperation during our overlapping membership of the UN Security Council in 2025 demonstrated the value of working together for these shared objectives. We stand united in supporting the Palestinian people’s right to freedom and an independent state, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. We also share a commitment to dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts, protect civilians and secure lasting peace in the West Asia. I look forward to working with President Tebboune to deepen our friendship and expand cooperation in trade, investment, energy, education and culture. We owe it to the generations who built this relationship to translate their solidarity into greater opportunities for our peoples. I wish President Tebboune good health and happiness, and the brotherly people of Algeria continued peace, progress and prosperity.

صدرِ مملکت آصف علی زرداری کی تین ملکی ون ڈے سیریز جیتنے پر قومی کرکٹ ٹیم کو مبارکباد۔ قومی ٹیم کے کھلاڑیوں نے بہترین کھیل، محنت اور ٹیم ورک سے کامیابی حاصل کی: صدر زرداری صدر مملکت کی تین ملکی ون ڈے سیریز میں شریک تمام کھلاڑیوں اور ٹیم مینجمنٹ کو بھی مبارکباد۔ صدر کی چیئرمین پاکستان کرکٹ بورڈ محسن نقوی کو تین ملکی سیریز کے کامیاب انعقاد اور قومی ٹیم کی فتح پر مبارکباد۔ پاکستان کرکٹ بورڈ اور ٹیم مینجمنٹ کی کاوشیں قابلِ تحسین ہیں: صدر قومی کرکٹ ٹیم کی کامیابی پوری قوم کے لیے باعثِ مسرت ہے: صدر مملکت

خانیوال: اسلامی جمہوریہ پاکستان کی خاتون اول بی بی آصفہ بھٹو زرداری کی مرحوم مخدوم پیر عارف زمان قریشی کے انتقال پر خانوادہ غوث پور قریشیہ سے تعزیت کیلئے عارف آباد آمد خانیوال: رکن قومی اسمبلی بی بی آصفہ بھٹو زرداری نے مرحوم مخدوم پیر عارف زمان قریشی کے انتقال پر شیخ صدر الدین عارف سہروردی ملتانی کی درگاہ کے سجادہ نشین مخدوم پیر حیدر زمان قریشی سے اظہار افسوس کیا خانیوال: بی بی آصفہ بھٹو زرداری کے ہمراہ وزیراعلی سندھ سید مراد علی شاہ اور سندھ کے وزیر بلدیات سید ناصر شاہ نے بھی سوگوار خاندان اور عقیدت مندوں سے تعزیت کی خانیوال: بی بی آصفہ بھٹو زرداری کی شیخ بہاؤالدین زکریا ملتانی کے بڑے صاحبزادے شیخ صدر الدین عارف سہروردی ملتانی کی درگاہ کے مخدوم مرحوم پیر عارف زمان قریشی کے بلندی درجات کیلئے فاتحہ خوانی خانیوال: بی بی آصفہ بھٹو زرداری کی حضرت شاہ رکن عالم کے والد شیخ صدر الدین عارف سہروردی ملتانی کی درگاہ کے مخدوم مرحوم عارف زمان قریشی کے لواحقین اور عقیدت مندوں کے لئے صبر جمیل کی دعا خانیوال: بی بی آصفہ بھٹو زرداری نے شبر زمان قریشی، پیر اقبال حسین قریشی، محمد حسین بنگش، ملک خادم حسین بنگش سمیت غوث پور قریشیاں، میاں چنوں اور خانیوال کی دیگر نمایاں شخصیات سے رنج و غم کا اظہار کیا خانیوال: بی بی آصفہ بھٹو زرداری نے مخدوم مرحوم پیر عارف زمان قریشی کے انتقال پر محسن عباس قریشی، طیب طلال قریشی، محمد حسین قریشی، اسداللہ قریشی، پیر ارشاد حسین قریشی، حسین حیدر قریشی ودیگر سے بھی تعزیت کی خانیوال: بی بی آصفہ بھٹو زرداری نے حیدر امام قریشی، پیر لیاقت حسین قریشی، پیر برکت جاوید قریشی، ڈاکٹر نذیر ہراج، عبداللہ شاہ قریشی، پیر اللہ داد شاہ قریشی، پیر عون محمد قریشی ودیگر سے بھی افسوس کا اظہار کیا خانیوال: بی بی آصفہ بھٹو زرداری کے ہمراہ پی پی پی جنوبی پنجاب کے رہنما خواجہ رضوان عالم، عبدالقادر شاہین، رانا خالد محمود، چوہدری شاہد بشیر نے بھی سوگواران سے تعزیت کی خانیوال: بی بی آصفہ بھٹو زرداری کے ہمراہ پی پی پی رہنما آصف خان دستی، راؤ ساجد علی خان، رانا عبدالرحمان، چوہدری ارشد آرائیں، چوہدری اقبال آرائیں، میر واثق ترمذی، سید کرار حیدر شاہ، اکرم خان نیازی ویگر نے بھی خانوادہ غوث پور قریشیہ سے تعزیت کی

2/2 She was also briefed on beneficiary recertification, support for persons with disabilities, the inclusion of previously underserved groups, education incentives and family well-being initiatives. The removal of the ever-married condition was highlighted as an important step towards extending support to previously excluded women. Senator Rubina Khalid mentioned President Asif Ali Zardari’s vision in establishing BISP and advancing women’s inclusion in the national identity system. She recalled that, in 2008, President Zardari directed that women seeking to become BISP beneficiaries should possess Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs). This initiative helped bring millions of previously undocumented women into the national identity system and strengthened their access to social protection and public services. She also highlighted the expansion of digital payments as a major step towards financial inclusion and underscored the role of skills development in creating sustainable livelihoods and pathways to economic independence for beneficiary families. During her visit, the First Lady interacted with BISP beneficiaries and listened to their experiences. She reiterated the importance of strengthening awareness, transparency and accountability to ensure that assistance reaches deserving families effectively. The meeting was attended by MNA Shazia Marri, Senator Sardar Al Haj Muhammad Umer Gorgaij, Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, and other senior officials. ——

1/2 First Lady Lauds BISP’s Role in Women’s Empowerment, Assures Full Support for Its Initiatives First Lady Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari visited the headquarters of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) in Islamabad and chaired a meeting to review its initiatives for poverty alleviation, women’s empowerment, financial inclusion and skills development. Chairperson BISP Senator Rubina Khalid and Secretary BISP Amer Ali Ahmad briefed her on the programme’s achievements and ongoing initiatives. The First Lady appreciated BISP’s role in supporting vulnerable families and advancing women’s empowerment. She emphasised financial literacy and public awareness to help beneficiaries make informed financial decisions and access their entitled assistance with dignity and transparency. She called for stronger grievance redressal mechanisms, exploring collaboration with Lady Health Workers to expand community outreach, and greater use of social and digital media to raise awareness about BISP’s programmes and services. She assured BISP of her full support in advancing its initiatives. Senator Rubina Khalid highlighted BISP’s economic impact, citing a World Bank study indicating that every rupee spent through the programme generates an estimated PKR 2.34 in real income. BISP supports approximately 1.66 million full-time equivalent jobs, two-thirds in rural areas, while economic activity generated through the programme is estimated to contribute PKR 174 billion annually to the national exchequer. The First Lady was briefed on the Benazir Hunarmand Program, under which more than 50,000 people have registered for market-relevant skills training linked to employment and self-employment. Training covers information technology, healthcare, hospitality and construction, with support from development partners, including the Asian Development Bank and GIZ. She also reviewed skills training delivered through the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Human Resource Research and Development Board in collaboration with the Government of Sindh. More than 5,000 individuals have received training, with over 1,200 securing employment. Secretary BISP briefed the First Lady on the Social Protection Wallet initiative, under which 9.7 million SIMs had been activated and 9.3 million beneficiaries had conducted transactions through CNIC-linked digital wallets. He highlighted biometric authentication and a two-tier verification system to strengthen payment transparency and financial inclusion. He also briefed the First Lady on BISP’s expanding media outreach. Between September 2024 and October 2026, the programme’s Facebook following grew from approximately 501,000 to 1.4 million, alongside increased engagement on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. The First Lady inspected a BISP Mobile Registration Van and was shown its various sections and facilities. She was briefed on the van’s functioning, including its registration process, equipment and services designed to facilitate beneficiaries in accessing BISP services, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

صدرِ مملکت آصف علی زرداری کا بلوچستان کے ضلع کیچ کے علاقے میناز میں دہشت گردوں کے خلاف کامیاب کارروائی پر سیکیورٹی فورسز کو خراجِ تحسین۔ صدرِ مملکت نے کارروائی کے دوران فتنہ الہندوستان کے ایک دہشت گرد کو ہلاک کرنے پر سیکیورٹی فورسز کی پیشہ ورانہ صلاحیتوں کو سراہا۔ صدرِ مملکت کا دہشت گردوں کی جانب سے دو خواتین کو ہمراہ لے جانے کی کوشش ناکام بنانے پر سیکیورٹی فورسز کی کارروائی کو خراج تحسین۔ بلوچستان میں دہشت گردی کے مکمل خاتمے تک سیکیورٹی فورسز کی کارروائیاں جاری رہیں گی: صدرِ مملکت

صدرِ مملکت آصف علی زرداری کا تھرپارکر میں ایمبولینس میں آکسیجن سلنڈر پھٹنے کے افسوسناک واقعے میں قیمتی انسانی جانوں کے ضیاع پر اظہارِ افسوس۔ صدر زرداری کا حادثے میں جاں بحق ہونے والے افراد کے اہلِ خانہ سے تعزیت اور زخمی ہونے والے افراد کی جلد صحت یابی کے لیے نیک تمناؤں کا اظہار۔ واقعے کی وجوہات کا فوری تعین کرنے کے لیے شفاف تحقیقات کروائی جائیں: صدر مستقبل میں ایسے افسوسناک واقعات کی روک تھام کے لیے حفاظتی اقدامات مؤثر بنائے جائیں: صدرِ مملکت

President Zardari Highlights Pakistan-Türkiye Brotherhood and Defence Cooperation on Republic Day President Asif Ali Zardari has emphasised the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s historic partnership with Türkiye through closer cooperation in trade, investment, defence, education, culture and other areas of mutual interest. In his letter to the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, on the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, President Zardari highlighted the exceptional bond of brotherhood between the two countries, rooted in common history, faith, shared values and enduring ties between their peoples. He said Türkiye had made significant progress over the past century, strengthening its institutions, advancing its economic development and enhancing its standing and contributions in regional and international affairs. The President said Pakistan deeply values the solidarity and generous support extended by the Turkish leadership and people during challenging times. He expressed confidence that the historic partnership between the two countries would continue to flourish through enhanced political engagement and closer cooperation across areas of mutual interest. Referring to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, the President expressed confidence that the agreement would further strengthen bilateral and trilateral relations, deepen strategic cooperation among Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia and contribute to lasting peace, security and stability in the region and beyond. @RTErdogan @HakanFidan ——

President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic train accident in Spain, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and sympathies to the injured. He expressed solidarity with the leadership and people of Spain in this difficult time and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. @sanchezcastejon @desdelamoncloa

صدرِ مملکت آصف علی زرداری کا بلوچستان کے اضلاع کچھی اور وڈھ میں بھارتی سرپرستی میں سرگرم دہشت گردوں کو ہلاک کرنے پر سیکیورٹی فورسز کو خراجِ تحسین۔ صدرِ مملکت نے دہشت گردوں کے ٹھکانے تباہ کرنے اور ان کو ہلاک کرنے پر سیکیورٹی فورسز کی پیشہ ورانہ صلاحیتوں کو سراہا۔ دہشتگردوں کے غیر ملکی سرپرستوں اور ان کے مقامی سہولت کاروں کی سازشوں کو ناکام بنایا جائے گا: صدر قوم اپنی سیکیورٹی فورسز اور قانون نافذ کرنے والے اداروں کے شانہ بشانہ کھڑی ہے: صدر آصف علی زرداری

President Zardari Expresses Confidence in Further Strengthening Pakistan-Czech Republic Relations President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed confidence that Pakistan and the Czech Republic will continue to strengthen their longstanding and cordial relations and explore new avenues of mutually beneficial cooperation in diverse fields. In his letter to the President of the Czech Republic, Mr Petr Pavel, on the occasion of the country’s National Day, President Zardari said that relations between the two countries were based on mutual respect, friendship and close cooperation. The President expressed confidence that Pakistan and the Czech Republic would continue to strengthen their friendly ties and explore new avenues of mutually beneficial cooperation. @prezidentpavel ——-

MESSAGE FROM FIRST LADY BIBI ASIFA BHUTTO ZARDARI ON KASHMIR BLACK DAY On Kashmir Black Day, my thoughts are especially with Kashmiri women and children, who continue to bear the human cost of this unresolved dispute. 27 October 1947 was the day when Indian forces landed in Srinagar, marking the beginning of a prolonged period of suffering for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmiri women have endured profound loss and hardship. Many have been left to raise their children alone after the disappearance or death of their husbands and other family members. Mothers who have lost their sons, daughters growing up without their fathers and women who continue to seek answers and justice deserve to have their voices heard. Despite these hardships, Kashmiri women continue to care for their families, support their communities and work to secure a better future for their children. The impact on children is equally painful. Too many have grown up amid uncertainty, fear and disruption to their education and everyday lives. Every child has the right to attend school, receive proper healthcare, play safely and grow up with the confidence that tomorrow holds opportunities rather than fear. The emotional and psychological effects of prolonged conflict on children must not be overlooked. Their experiences deserve serious attention from the international community, human rights organisations and the UN. As First Lady, I stand in solidarity with every Kashmiri mother, daughter and child whose life has been affected by this conflict. The suffering of women and children must remain central to international efforts to address the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Their rights, safety and future cannot be separated from the search for a just and lasting resolution. Nearly eight decades after the events of 27 October 1947, the right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination, recognised in relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, remains unfulfilled. A lasting peace in South Asia requires a resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people in the light of relevant UNSC resolutions. Pakistan will continue to extend its moral, diplomatic and political support to them in their pursuit of their legitimate rights. On this day, I particularly remember the mothers who continue to wait for their loved ones, the women who carry the responsibilities of entire families and the children whose futures remain uncertain. Their sacrifices must not be forgotten. I hope for the day when Kashmiri mothers can raise their children in peace, when girls can pursue their education without fear and when every Kashmiri child can look towards the future with hope and confidence. The women and children of Pakistan stand in solidarity with their Kashmiri counterparts, with the shared wish that they may live with freedom, security and the opportunity to shape their own future. ——-

"Since 27 October 1947, the people of IIOJK have endured decades of conflict, restrictions and denial of their fundamental rights. The continuing restrictions on fundamental freedoms, heightened militarisation, arrests and reports of human rights violations remain a matter of serious concern and underscore the need for sustained international attention." ~President Asif Ali Zardari Message On Jammu and Kashmir Black Day

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT ASIF ALI ZARDARI ON JAMMU AND KASHMIR BLACK DAY — 27 OCTOBER 2026 On Jammu and Kashmir Black Day, we solemnly remember 27 October 1947, when Indian forces landed in Srinagar, marking the beginning of a prolonged and tragic chapter in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. This day reaffirms our recognition of the longstanding aspirations of the Kashmiri people and the continued pursuit of the fundamental and inalienable right to self-determination. For the past eight decades, the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have endured profound sufferings, marked by violence, repression and serious violations of fundamental rights. Generations of Kashmiris have made immense sacrifices in their pursuit of justice, dignity and freedom. Their resilience and determination in the face of adversity remain a testament to the enduring strength of their cause. Since 27 October 1947, the people of IIOJK have endured decades of conflict, restrictions and denial of their fundamental rights. The continuing restrictions on fundamental freedoms, heightened militarisation, arrests and reports of human rights violations remain a matter of serious concern and underscore the need for sustained international attention. The situation has further deteriorated since August 5, 2019, when India unilaterally attempted to alter the constitutional and legal status of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir Black Day is, therefore, not merely a day of remembrance. It is also an occasion to reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful and just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Lasting peace, stability and prosperity in South Asia remain closely linked to the resolution of this longstanding dispute, in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. On this solemn occasion, I call upon the international community, particularly the United Nations and international human rights organisations, to take due cognisance of the human rights situation in IIOJK, support efforts for the protection of the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people and contribute meaningfully towards a just, peaceful and lasting resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Pakistan will continue to extend its unwavering moral, diplomatic and political support to the people of IIOJK. We will continue to raise their voice at every appropriate international forum and to advocate the realisation of their legitimate aspirations. Today, we pay tribute to the countless sacrifices of the Kashmiri people and reaffirm our solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters. Pakistan stands with them in the pursuit of justice, peace, dignity and the realisation of the legitimate right to self-determination. The day is not far off when the people of Jammu and Kashmir will be able to determine their own future in accordance with their aspirations and the Jammu and Kashmir dispute will move towards a just and peaceful resolution. ——

صدرِ مملکت آصف علی زرداری کا سابق چیف آف آرمی اسٹاف جنرل (ر) عبدالوحید کاکڑ کے انتقال پر اظہارِ افسوس۔ صدرِ مملکت کا جنرل (ر) عبدالوحید کاکڑ کے انتقال پر اہلِ خانہ سے دلی تعزیت اور ہمدردی کا اظہار۔ صدر زرداری کی مرحوم جنرل (ر) عبدالوحید کاکڑ کے لیے دعائے مغفرت۔ اللّہ تعالیٰ مرحوم کو جوارِ رحمت میں جگہ عطا فرمائے: صدر صدرِ پاکستان کی سوگوار خاندان کے لیے صبرِ جمیل کی دعا۔