After Pakistan’s tumultuous elections concluded with PML-N and PPP claiming top positions, the cash-strapped country is now all set to get a new cabinet. The newly crowned Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif will take oath on Tuesday (Mar 12) after 19 ministers of his cabinet were sworn in on Monday.

Meanwhile, Asif Ali Zardari from PPP, who became the president for the second time, is making strides towards setting a new precedent by naming his daughter Aseefa Bhutto Zardari as the First Lady of Pakistan.&nbsp;

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This will be a new first for Pakistan,&nbsp;weeks after Maryam Nawaz Sharif became the first-ever female Chief Minister of a Pakistan&nbsp;state (Punjab).

Though there has been no official announcement on Aseefa yet, local media is speculating about it, and the official X account of PPP has already started referring to Aseefa using the title.

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First lady with the President<a href="https://twitter.com/AAliZardari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AAliZardari</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AseefaBZ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AseefaBZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/YgcoLaRdSH">pic.twitter.com/YgcoLaRdSH</a>
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Before it is made official, here is everything you need to know about the probable First Lady of Pakistan, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari.&nbsp;

<h2>Who is Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, the youngest in family set to take&nbsp;charge as first lady?</h2>

Aseefa Bhutto Zardari is the daughter of Pakistan&nbsp;President Asif Ali Zardari and the late former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated in 2007.

Born in February 1993, Aseefa is the youngest child of Asif Ali Zardari.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Aseefa pursued her education at prestigious institutions, just like any other son and daughter of an influential Pakistani political leader. She studied at Oxford Brookes University, University College of London and the University of Edinburgh.

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She was first seen in the public eye when she made a debut speech at a Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) rally. Previously, she also served as Pakistan’s Ambassador for polio eradication.&nbsp;

Generally, the first lady is the wife of the president or the leader of the state, but as per Merriam-Webster, first lady is an umbrella term for someone who is not the wife or female partner of a state’s chief executive but someone who fulfils the public duties of a First Lady.

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Asif Ali Zardari, also the co-chairperson of PPP, was sworn in as the 14th President of Pakistan on Sunday. He is the only civilian candidate&nbsp;to have been elected as head of state for a second time, excluding the military heads. Before this, he served as Pakistan's President from 2008 to 2013.

In the absence of Asif’s wife, the position of the first lady in Pakistan has been vacant until now, and local media is speculating that Aseefa might take up this role.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

After Pakistan’s tumultuous elections concluded with PML-N and PPP claiming top positions, the cash-strapped country is now all set to get a new cabinet. The newly crowned Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif will take oath on Tuesday (Mar 12) after 19 ministers of his cabinet were sworn in on Monday.

After Pakistan’s tumultuous elections concluded with PML-N and PPP claiming top positions, the cash-strapped country is now all set to get a new cabinet. The newly crowned Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif will take oath on Tuesday (Mar 12) after 19 ministers of his cabinet were sworn in on Monday. Meanwhile, Asif Ali Zardari from PPP, who became the president for the second time, is making strides towards setting a new precedent by naming his daughter Aseefa Bhutto Zardari as the First Lady of Pakistan. Also Read | US delegation on religious freedom forced to leave Saudi Arabia over kippah row This will be a new first for Pakistan, weeks after Maryam Nawaz Sharif became the first-ever female Chief Minister of a Pakistan state (Punjab). Though there has been no official announcement on Aseefa yet, local media is speculating about it, and the official X account of PPP has already started referring to Aseefa using the title. First lady with the President@AAliZardari @AseefaBZ pic.twitter.com/YgcoLaRdSH — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) March 10, 2024 × Before it is made official, here is everything you need to know about the probable First Lady of Pakistan, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari. Who is Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, the youngest in family set to take charge as first lady? Aseefa Bhutto Zardari is the daughter of Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and the late former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated in 2007. Born in February 1993, Aseefa is the youngest child of Asif Ali Zardari. Aseefa pursued her education at prestigious institutions, just like any other son and daughter of an influential Pakistani political leader. She studied at Oxford Brookes University, University College of London and the University of Edinburgh. Also Read | Houthi rebels target US ship 'Pinocchio' in Red Sea as 11 killed in US-British airstrikes She was first seen in the public eye when she made a debut speech at a Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) rally. Previously, she also served as Pakistan’s Ambassador for polio eradication. Generally, the first lady is the wife of the president or the leader of the state, but as per Merriam-Webster, first lady is an umbrella term for someone who is not the wife or female partner of a state’s chief executive but someone who fulfils the public duties of a First Lady. Also Read | Embattled Haiti PM Ariel Henry has resigned, confirms CARICOM President Irfaan Ali Asif Ali Zardari, also the co-chairperson of PPP, was sworn in as the 14th President of Pakistan on Sunday. He is the only civilian candidate to have been elected as head of state for a second time, excluding the military heads. Before this, he served as Pakistan's President from 2008 to 2013. In the absence of Asif’s wife, the position of the first lady in Pakistan has been vacant until now, and local media is speculating that Aseefa might take up this role. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Aseefa Bhutto Zardari? Will Pak president's daughter become the first lady? Here's what we know

The consulting panel appointed by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is all set to meet on Thursday, August 3 as they will discuss the team’s participation in the upcoming ODI World Cup. The panel headed by Foreign Affairs Minister Bilawal Bhutto will decide on the team’s involvement in the showpiece event with little over two months to go. While there are no clear indications on whether they will give the green light to the team, it is anticipated that the Pakistan cricket team will travel to India for the World Cup that kick starts on October 5.

<h2>Pakistan committee to meet on Thursday</h2>

"A high-profile meeting will decide on the World Cup participation," a top PCB official told Cricbuzz on Tuesday evening without divulging the details.

The committee includes Sports Minister Ahsan Mazari, Maryam Aurangzeb, Asad Mahmood, Amin ul Haq, Qamar Zaman Kaira, and Tariq Fatmi, a former diplomat.

According to the report, Pakistan’s interim committee will ask the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) to pay a visit to all the venues their team is scheduled&nbsp;to play at. Pakistan has security concerns for its cricket team and is yet to decide on the team’s participation in the tournament.

Interestingly, Pakistan’s Football team was in India in June and July for the SAFF Championships while their Hockey team traveled to India on Tuesday. No security issues were flagged for the two teams, despite this the interim committee has been delaying giving the green signal to the team’s participation in the tournament. Currently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is non-functional as the elections have been postponed multiple times, which led to the foundation of the committee.

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<h2>BCCI, ICC work on rescheduling</h2>

Meanwhile, the BCCI and the ICC are working on rescheduling the India vs Pakistan contest in Ahmedabad. The contest could face a lack of security measures as it coincides with the Hindu festival of Navratri. The BCCI wants to avoid any potential security&nbsp;risk and could soon announce a new date for the fixture with other possible changes to the tournament schedule.

Earlier, Pakistan’s demands of switching the venue for the clashes against Australia and Afghanistan were turned down by the BCCI and the ICC. They will start their World Cup campaign against Qualifiers Netherlands on October 6 and then Sri Lanka before they face India.

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The consulting panel appointed by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is all set to meet on Thursday, August 3 as they will discuss the team’s participation in the upcoming ODI World Cup.

The consulting panel appointed by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is all set to meet on Thursday, August 3 as they will discuss the team’s participation in the upcoming ODI World Cup. The panel headed by Foreign Affairs Minister Bilawal Bhutto will decide on the team’s involvement in the showpiece event with little over two months to go. While there are no clear indications on whether they will give the green light to the team, it is anticipated that the Pakistan cricket team will travel to India for the World Cup that kick starts on October 5. Pakistan committee to meet on Thursday "A high-profile meeting will decide on the World Cup participation," a top PCB official told Cricbuzz on Tuesday evening without divulging the details. The committee includes Sports Minister Ahsan Mazari, Maryam Aurangzeb, Asad Mahmood, Amin ul Haq, Qamar Zaman Kaira, and Tariq Fatmi, a former diplomat. According to the report, Pakistan’s interim committee will ask the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) to pay a visit to all the venues their team is scheduled to play at. Pakistan has security concerns for its cricket team and is yet to decide on the team’s participation in the tournament. Interestingly, Pakistan’s Football team was in India in June and July for the SAFF Championships while their Hockey team traveled to India on Tuesday. No security issues were flagged for the two teams, despite this the interim committee has been delaying giving the green signal to the team’s participation in the tournament. Currently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is non-functional as the elections have been postponed multiple times, which led to the foundation of the committee. ALSO READ | IN PICS | Top Moments from Ashes 2023 featuring Jonny Bairstow runout, Stuart Broad's retirement BCCI, ICC work on rescheduling Meanwhile, the BCCI and the ICC are working on rescheduling the India vs Pakistan contest in Ahmedabad. The contest could face a lack of security measures as it coincides with the Hindu festival of Navratri. The BCCI wants to avoid any potential security risk and could soon announce a new date for the fixture with other possible changes to the tournament schedule. Earlier, Pakistan’s demands of switching the venue for the clashes against Australia and Afghanistan were turned down by the BCCI and the ICC. They will start their World Cup campaign against Qualifiers Netherlands on October 6 and then Sri Lanka before they face India. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

ODI World Cup 2023: Bilawal Bhutto-headed panel to meet on Thursday to decide Pakistan's participation

Raking up India’s decision to abrogate Article 370 revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan's foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that it is New Delhi's call to restart peace talks.&nbsp; 
 
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad after his return from Goa where he attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting, Bhutto Zardari said that Pakistan was clear that India should create a conducive environment for talks by restoring the pre-August 5, 2019 status of Kashmir.

The Pakistani minister said revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir still remains an unresolved issue&nbsp;between the two nations.

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Pakistan claims tensions have been simmering since New Delhi abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution on August 5, 2019 and had downgraded diplomatic ties in a reaction to India's decision. On the other hand, India told the international community that the decision to repeal Article 370 is an internal matter of the country.&nbsp;

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It also urged Pakistan to cease spreading false information against India and to accept the truth. India has expressed its wish for&nbsp;neighbourly ties with Islamabad but only in an atmosphere that is devoid of terrorism.

India held a foreign ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on 5 May in Goa which saw the participation of the Pakistani minister as well.

The meeting laid out the groundwork for the upcoming SCO Summit in July in New Delhi. During a press briefing after the SCO summit, India's External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar made comments over Bhutto Zardari's mention of India's constitutional changes to reverse the semi-autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir with abrogation of Article 370.

Watch | Srinagar gears up to host G20 summit | Inside South Asia: part 2

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Jaishankar said, "I would like to use the phrase “Wake up and smell the coffee”, similarly 370 is history sooner people realise it's better."

Jaishankar, during the meeting, called out Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism, "The victims of terrorism do not sit down with perpetrators of terrorism to talk about terrorism."

"On terrorism, Pakistan's credibility is depleting faster than their forex reserves," Jaishankar said. "There is only one issue to discuss on Kashmir which is when will Pakistan give back Pakistan Occupied Kashmir," he added. 
 
Bilawal Zardari returned from India on a special Pakistan Air Force plane and landed in Karachi where he was received by Sindh chief minister, Murad Ali Shah, and other cabinet members.

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Raking up India’s decision to abrogate Article 370 revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan's foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that it is New Delhi's call to restart peace talks.

Raking up India’s decision to abrogate Article 370 revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan's foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that it is New Delhi's call to restart peace talks. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad after his return from Goa where he attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting, Bhutto Zardari said that Pakistan was clear that India should create a conducive environment for talks by restoring the pre-August 5, 2019 status of Kashmir. The Pakistani minister said revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir still remains an unresolved issue between the two nations. Also Read | Prosecutors grant immunity to at least eight 'fake electors' in Georgia Trump probe Pakistan claims tensions have been simmering since New Delhi abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution on August 5, 2019 and had downgraded diplomatic ties in a reaction to India's decision. On the other hand, India told the international community that the decision to repeal Article 370 is an internal matter of the country. Also Read | Neo-Nazi symbols, fight in schoolyard: What we know about Serbia’s second mass shooting It also urged Pakistan to cease spreading false information against India and to accept the truth. India has expressed its wish for neighbourly ties with Islamabad but only in an atmosphere that is devoid of terrorism. India held a foreign ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on 5 May in Goa which saw the participation of the Pakistani minister as well. The meeting laid out the groundwork for the upcoming SCO Summit in July in New Delhi. During a press briefing after the SCO summit, India's External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar made comments over Bhutto Zardari's mention of India's constitutional changes to reverse the semi-autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir with abrogation of Article 370. Watch | Srinagar gears up to host G20 summit | Inside South Asia: part 2 × Jaishankar said, "I would like to use the phrase “Wake up and smell the coffee”, similarly 370 is history sooner people realise it's better." Jaishankar, during the meeting, called out Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism, "The victims of terrorism do not sit down with perpetrators of terrorism to talk about terrorism." "On terrorism, Pakistan's credibility is depleting faster than their forex reserves," Jaishankar said. "There is only one issue to discuss on Kashmir which is when will Pakistan give back Pakistan Occupied Kashmir," he added. Bilawal Zardari returned from India on a special Pakistan Air Force plane and landed in Karachi where he was received by Sindh chief minister, Murad Ali Shah, and other cabinet members. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Onus to restart peace talks on India, says Pakistan FM Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, urged Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA)&nbsp;to lift its restrictions on women and girls in the nation. Bhutto Zardari said that the IEA's treatment of women and girls is not typical in the Muslim world.&nbsp;

Taliban banned women, including students and female professors, from colleges. This came over a year after the Taliban forbade girls from attending secondary schools.

Bhutto Zardari was&nbsp;speaking at a&nbsp;conference on the outcome of the Women in Islam Conference this week in New York.

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“There is no other country on the planet, Muslim or otherwise, that condones depriving women and girls from the right to education,” he said, adding “There is no space for groups such as those in Afghanistan or anywhere else to claim that Islam justifies their actions."

Bhutto Zardari also said that the IEA was not living up to its commitment, which makes it tough for Pakistan to advocate for Afghanistan.

“It puts us in a very difficult situation to advocate for some of the things that the people of Afghanistan need in the form of humanitarian aid, the unfreezing of their funds, the functioning of their economy, etc.” he said.

In addition, Bhutto Zardari said that the IEA was not upholding its obligations, which made it difficult for Pakistan to support Kabul. The conference&nbsp;at the UN was presided over by Zardari, who earlier in the week told delegates that he disagrees with the widespread belief that Islam oppresses women.

“Islam was the first religion to give rights to women,” he declared adding that “Islam forbids injustice against women.”

There are other underlying difficulties between the two nations that are still challenging to settle. Clashes between their security forces have been brought on by Kabul's persistent unwillingness to recognise the Durand Line as the international boundary between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This has continued to be a major source of tension that undermine trust and fosters animosity.

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Even as Bilawal calls out the Taliban to address the women's&nbsp;rights issues in Afghanistan, the condition of women in Pakistan is not to be overlooked.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Islamabad Police on Wednesday allegedly baton-charged participants in the Aurat March. On Wednesday&nbsp;footage showing the Islamabad police impeding the Aurat March went viral. The police deployed water cannons on women as the world observed the special day to show solidarity in their battle for their rights.

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Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, urged Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to lift its restrictions on women and girls in the nation. Bhutto Zardari said that the IEA's treatment of women and girls is not typical in the Muslim world.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, urged Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to lift its restrictions on women and girls in the nation. Bhutto Zardari said that the IEA's treatment of women and girls is not typical in the Muslim world. Taliban banned women, including students and female professors, from colleges. This came over a year after the Taliban forbade girls from attending secondary schools. Bhutto Zardari was speaking at a conference on the outcome of the Women in Islam Conference this week in New York. Also Read | Saudi oil giant Aramco reports record profit of $161.1 billion in 2022 “There is no other country on the planet, Muslim or otherwise, that condones depriving women and girls from the right to education,” he said, adding “There is no space for groups such as those in Afghanistan or anywhere else to claim that Islam justifies their actions." Bhutto Zardari also said that the IEA was not living up to its commitment, which makes it tough for Pakistan to advocate for Afghanistan. “It puts us in a very difficult situation to advocate for some of the things that the people of Afghanistan need in the form of humanitarian aid, the unfreezing of their funds, the functioning of their economy, etc.” he said. In addition, Bhutto Zardari said that the IEA was not upholding its obligations, which made it difficult for Pakistan to support Kabul. The conference at the UN was presided over by Zardari, who earlier in the week told delegates that he disagrees with the widespread belief that Islam oppresses women. “Islam was the first religion to give rights to women,” he declared adding that “Islam forbids injustice against women.” There are other underlying difficulties between the two nations that are still challenging to settle. Clashes between their security forces have been brought on by Kabul's persistent unwillingness to recognise the Durand Line as the international boundary between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This has continued to be a major source of tension that undermine trust and fosters animosity. Watch | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit U.S. in June; engagement with India to counter China Even as Bilawal calls out the Taliban to address the women's rights issues in Afghanistan, the condition of women in Pakistan is not to be overlooked. Pakistan's Islamabad Police on Wednesday allegedly baton-charged participants in the Aurat March. On Wednesday footage showing the Islamabad police impeding the Aurat March went viral. The police deployed water cannons on women as the world observed the special day to show solidarity in their battle for their rights. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan foreign minister calls on Taliban to lift bans on Afghan women, girls

Pakistan has expressed disappointment with the ban on university education for women in Afghanistan and has urged the Taliban government to revisit this decision.&nbsp;On Tuesday, Pakistan's foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto said that he was disappointed by the Taliban's decision but said the best approach remained engagement with the ruling government in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"I'm disappointed by the decision that was taken today. I still think the easiest path to our goal -- despite having a lot of setbacks when it comes to women's education and other things -- is through Kabul and through the interim government," Bhutto told news agency AFP on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The Pakistan foreign minister also pointed out there were no alternatives to the Taliban and warned of further instability in Afghanistan.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-led-ministry-suspends-university-education-for-afghan-girls-and-women-544909">Taliban-led ministry suspends university education for Afghan girls and women&nbsp;</a>

Apart from Bilawal Bhutto, Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch also voiced disappointment over the ban and urged the Afghan authorities to revisit this decision, according to a report by the Dawn on Wednesday. Baloch said "We strongly believe that every man and woman has the inherent right to education in accordance with the injunctions of Islam.''

On Tuesday, the Taliban banned university education for women in Afghanistan despite promising a softer approach when they took over the war-torn country last year. The decision has been strongly condemned by the United States and the United Nations.&nbsp;

"You all are informed to immediately implement the mentioned order of suspending education of females until further notice," Afghanistan's higher education minister Neda Mohammad Nadeem said in a letter to all government and private universities on Tuesday.

And on Wednesday, hundreds of Afghan women were stopped by armed guards from entering universities. "We are doomed. We have lost everything," a student told AFP on the condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pak-clerics-delegation-to-visit-afghanistan-to-talk-on-border-clashes-report-544292">Pak clerics' delegation to visit Afghanistan to talk on border clashes: Report</a>

Tuesday's ban comes less than three months after thousands of girls and women sat for university entrance exams across Afghanistan, with many choosing to be teachers and doctors in future.&nbsp;

Following the Taliban's takeover of the country, universities had been forced to implement new regulations including gender-segregated classrooms and entrances. Women students were only permitted to be taught by women professors or old men.&nbsp;

Not just in education, the Taliban has ratcheted restrictions on all aspects of women's lives.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pakistan has expressed disappointment with the ban on university education for women in Afghanistan and has urged the Taliban government to revisit this decision.

Pakistan has expressed disappointment with the ban on university education for women in Afghanistan and has urged the Taliban government to revisit this decision. On Tuesday, Pakistan's foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto said that he was disappointed by the Taliban's decision but said the best approach remained engagement with the ruling government in Afghanistan. "I'm disappointed by the decision that was taken today. I still think the easiest path to our goal -- despite having a lot of setbacks when it comes to women's education and other things -- is through Kabul and through the interim government," Bhutto told news agency AFP on Tuesday. The Pakistan foreign minister also pointed out there were no alternatives to the Taliban and warned of further instability in Afghanistan. ALSO READ | Taliban-led ministry suspends university education for Afghan girls and women Apart from Bilawal Bhutto, Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch also voiced disappointment over the ban and urged the Afghan authorities to revisit this decision, according to a report by the Dawn on Wednesday. Baloch said "We strongly believe that every man and woman has the inherent right to education in accordance with the injunctions of Islam.'' On Tuesday, the Taliban banned university education for women in Afghanistan despite promising a softer approach when they took over the war-torn country last year. The decision has been strongly condemned by the United States and the United Nations. "You all are informed to immediately implement the mentioned order of suspending education of females until further notice," Afghanistan's higher education minister Neda Mohammad Nadeem said in a letter to all government and private universities on Tuesday. And on Wednesday, hundreds of Afghan women were stopped by armed guards from entering universities. "We are doomed. We have lost everything," a student told AFP on the condition of anonymity. ALSO READ | Pak clerics' delegation to visit Afghanistan to talk on border clashes: Report Tuesday's ban comes less than three months after thousands of girls and women sat for university entrance exams across Afghanistan, with many choosing to be teachers and doctors in future. Following the Taliban's takeover of the country, universities had been forced to implement new regulations including gender-segregated classrooms and entrances. Women students were only permitted to be taught by women professors or old men. Not just in education, the Taliban has ratcheted restrictions on all aspects of women's lives. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan 'disappointed' by ban on university education for Afghan women, urges Kabul to revisit decision

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday said that members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were as angry with the government as the public.&nbsp;

"The puppet government has been exposed across the country. We have shown that their own members are afraid of the government," Bilawal was quoted as saying by Geo News.&nbsp;

As the polling for 37 seats of Pakistan's Senate is underway, the PPP chairman stated that even a single vote more would be a bonus for the party to lead in the elections for the Upper House of the Parliament.&nbsp;

Bilawal further remarked that Prime Minister Imran Khan will be 'ousted' with the collective effort of the people and the Opposition. "We will get him [Imran Khan] out of here together. PDM is with the people," he said. &nbsp;

Taking a jibe at the incumbent government, Bilawal said those, who should be winning the elections easily, are seen worried about the results. "They are losing, their government is leaving," he said.&nbsp;

Polling for the 37 seats of Pakistan's Senate is underway via secret ballot as a total of 78 candidates are contesting from the federal capital and three provinces - Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.&nbsp;

The polls are being held after a long-drawn open ballot controversy that kept the ruling party and opposition in a war of words and a legal battle before the Supreme Court on Monday announced that the polls for the Upper House of the Parliament will be held through secret ballot, according to Article 226 of the Pakistan Constitution. The ruling PTI's numerical strength in the Senate is expected to almost double from the existing 14 seats. &nbsp;

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday said that members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were as angry with the government as the public.

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday said that members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were as angry with the government as the public. "The puppet government has been exposed across the country. We have shown that their own members are afraid of the government," Bilawal was quoted as saying by Geo News. As the polling for 37 seats of Pakistan's Senate is underway, the PPP chairman stated that even a single vote more would be a bonus for the party to lead in the elections for the Upper House of the Parliament. Bilawal further remarked that Prime Minister Imran Khan will be 'ousted' with the collective effort of the people and the Opposition. "We will get him [Imran Khan] out of here together. PDM is with the people," he said. Taking a jibe at the incumbent government, Bilawal said those, who should be winning the elections easily, are seen worried about the results. "They are losing, their government is leaving," he said. Polling for the 37 seats of Pakistan's Senate is underway via secret ballot as a total of 78 candidates are contesting from the federal capital and three provinces - Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The polls are being held after a long-drawn open ballot controversy that kept the ruling party and opposition in a war of words and a legal battle before the Supreme Court on Monday announced that the polls for the Upper House of the Parliament will be held through secret ballot, according to Article 226 of the Pakistan Constitution. The ruling PTI's numerical strength in the Senate is expected to almost double from the existing 14 seats.

Bilawal: Imran Khan's party members are as angry with 'puppet' govt as public  

PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz shared stage on Sunday during a Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) rally Imran Khan Government in Larkana on the occasion of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's 13th death anniversary.

And a day after the rally Maryam Nawaz visited the Bhutto family graveyard and prayed for the departed souls of former Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and other family members.

PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto accompanied Maryam during the visit to the Bhutto family mausoleum where Aseefa Bhutto received the PML-N delegation.

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Politics of hatred and polarisation has to be buried. Pakistan’s younger politicians need to build on COD, unite against poverty &amp; oppression. <a href="https://t.co/9ruZB9TRQS">https://t.co/9ruZB9TRQS</a>
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryamNSharif/status/1343552719546691584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The political pundits of Pakistan are seeing this as a new chapter in Pakistan politics.

Maryam said she is inspired by Benazir because she laid down her life while fighting the cause of her late father Zulfikar Ali Bhuto.

Maryam said the political parties rectified their mistakes and stopped conspiring against each other after realising that it helped the anti-democratic forces to exploit the weaknesses of the political leaders.

The PDM has been holding anti-government rallies against the Imran Khan government on the charges of election rigging, corruption and dominance of Pakistan Army in politics of the country.

Maryam and Bilawal are among the major leaders that have said that they will send the Imran-led government packing and have organised six PDM rallies in Peshawar, Gujranwala, Karachi, Quetta, Multan and Lahore since October 16.

(With inputs from agencies)

PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz shared stage on Sunday during a Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) rally Imran Khan Government in Larkana on the occasion of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's 13th death anniversary.

PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz shared stage on Sunday during a Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) rally Imran Khan Government in Larkana on the occasion of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's 13th death anniversary. And a day after the rally Maryam Nawaz visited the Bhutto family graveyard and prayed for the departed souls of former Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and other family members. PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto accompanied Maryam during the visit to the Bhutto family mausoleum where Aseefa Bhutto received the PML-N delegation. Politics of hatred and polarisation has to be buried. Pakistan’s younger politicians need to build on COD, unite against poverty & oppression. https://t.co/9ruZB9TRQS — Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) December 28, 2020 × The political pundits of Pakistan are seeing this as a new chapter in Pakistan politics. Maryam said she is inspired by Benazir because she laid down her life while fighting the cause of her late father Zulfikar Ali Bhuto. Maryam said the political parties rectified their mistakes and stopped conspiring against each other after realising that it helped the anti-democratic forces to exploit the weaknesses of the political leaders. The PDM has been holding anti-government rallies against the Imran Khan government on the charges of election rigging, corruption and dominance of Pakistan Army in politics of the country. Maryam and Bilawal are among the major leaders that have said that they will send the Imran-led government packing and have organised six PDM rallies in Peshawar, Gujranwala, Karachi, Quetta, Multan and Lahore since October 16. (With inputs from agencies)

Maryam with Bilawal at Benazir’s grave: Can this be a turning point of Pakistan politics?

Imran Khan playing politics of revenge: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Monday ordered the government to remove the names of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Shah from the exit control list and the report of the joint investigation team probing the fake bank accounts case.

Hearing the case, over the delay into the 2015 probe, the apex court ordered that the case is forwarded to the anti-corruption watchdog - National Accountability Bureau (NAB), according to a media report.

It also directed the NAB to wrap up its probe within two months.

A person cannot fly abroad if his name is placed on the Exit Control List (ECL).

The JIT last month submitted its report to the top court in which it named both Bilawal and Shah, apart from former president Asif Zardari, his sister Faryal Talpur, former president of Summit Bank Hussain Lawai and Omni Group's Anwar Majeed for laundering around Rs 22000 crore through fictitious bank accounts.

Hundreds of 'benami' accounts at some private banks were opened in 2013, 2014 and 2015 from where transactions worth billions of rupees were made, according to the probe.

The amount is alleged to be black money amassed from various kickbacks, commissions and bribes.

Chief Justice Saqib Nisar on Monday questioned the state prosecutor why the government decided to place Bilawal on the no-fly list after the JIT recommended the placement of 172 people named in its report on the exit control list (ECL), the Dawn reported.

"The JIT will have to clarify one thing: Why did it involve Bilawal in this matter?" Justice Nisar said, adding "What did Bilawal do?"

The chief justice wondered if the PPP chairman's name had been included upon "someone's directives" to "defame someone".

He also expressed displeasure over putting the Sindh chief minister's name on the ECL.

Justice Nisar then ordered that the names of Bilawal and Shah be removed from the ECL and the JIT report, and the case be sent to the NAB, which has to conclude its probe in two months.

He said that if necessary, the NAB may summon Bilawal and Shah during its investigation for questioning.

Meanwhile, a banking court in Karachi also extended the interim bail of PPP Co-Chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur until January 23 in the fake accounts case.

Zardari and Talpur allegedly channelled funds through fake accounts in connivance with the chief executive officers of major banks.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Monday ordered the government to remove the names of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Shah from the exit control list and the report of the joint investigation team probing the fake bank accounts case.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Monday ordered the government to remove the names of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Shah from the exit control list and the report of the joint investigation team probing the fake bank accounts case. Hearing the case, over the delay into the 2015 probe, the apex court ordered that the case is forwarded to the anti-corruption watchdog - National Accountability Bureau (NAB), according to a media report. It also directed the NAB to wrap up its probe within two months. A person cannot fly abroad if his name is placed on the Exit Control List (ECL). The JIT last month submitted its report to the top court in which it named both Bilawal and Shah, apart from former president Asif Zardari, his sister Faryal Talpur, former president of Summit Bank Hussain Lawai and Omni Group's Anwar Majeed for laundering around Rs 22000 crore through fictitious bank accounts. Hundreds of 'benami' accounts at some private banks were opened in 2013, 2014 and 2015 from where transactions worth billions of rupees were made, according to the probe. The amount is alleged to be black money amassed from various kickbacks, commissions and bribes. Chief Justice Saqib Nisar on Monday questioned the state prosecutor why the government decided to place Bilawal on the no-fly list after the JIT recommended the placement of 172 people named in its report on the exit control list (ECL), the Dawn reported. "The JIT will have to clarify one thing: Why did it involve Bilawal in this matter?" Justice Nisar said, adding "What did Bilawal do?" The chief justice wondered if the PPP chairman's name had been included upon "someone's directives" to "defame someone". He also expressed displeasure over putting the Sindh chief minister's name on the ECL. Justice Nisar then ordered that the names of Bilawal and Shah be removed from the ECL and the JIT report, and the case be sent to the NAB, which has to conclude its probe in two months. He said that if necessary, the NAB may summon Bilawal and Shah during its investigation for questioning. Meanwhile, a banking court in Karachi also extended the interim bail of PPP Co-Chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur until January 23 in the fake accounts case. Zardari and Talpur allegedly channelled funds through fake accounts in connivance with the chief executive officers of major banks.

Fake accounts case: Pak SC orders Bilawal Bhutto's name removed from Exit Control List

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