Asif Ali Zardari
Coverage of Asif Ali Zardari in the Nexus archive.
- Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan reaffirm commitment to boosting bilateral ties, stress importance of deepening trade
Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, focusing on trade, economic, and investment cooperation during a summit between Presidents Asif Ali Zardari and Sadyr Zhaparov. The leaders emphasized enhancing political dialogue, establishing a strategic partnership, and expanding collaboration in energy, mining, agriculture, and other sectors, including the CASA-1000 energy project.
- President Zardari to depart on 4-day official visit to Kyrgyzstan today: FO
President Asif Ali Zardari will embark on a four-day official visit to Kyrgyzstan at the invitation of President Sadyr Zhaparov. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations through discussions on trade, energy, agriculture, and other sectors, following Zhaparov’s 2025 visit to Pakistan and highlighting sustained high-level engagement between the two nations.
- PM, president pay tribute to PAF officer who sacrificed his life to save woman from alleged abduction
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to Pakistan Air Force Group Captain Asim Tariq, who died while attempting to prevent a woman's alleged abduction in Islamabad. The suspect, arrested within nine hours, had reportedly picked up the woman from a cash and carry outlet before the incident. Both leaders emphasized the need for a transparent investigation and justice for the officer's sacrifice.
- Overcrowded bus plunges into ravine in southwest Pakistan, killing 40 passengers and injuring 8
An overcrowded passenger bus plunged into a rocky ravine in southwest Pakistan, killing 40 people and injuring eight. The accident occurred near the Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border, with officials citing overcrowding and a passenger dispute as potential contributing factors.
- Overcrowded bus plunges into ravine in southwest Pakistan, killing 40 passengers and injuring 8
An overcrowded passenger bus crashed into a rocky ravine in southwest Pakistan, killing 40 people and injuring 8. The bus, carrying passengers from two vehicles, lost control after an alleged passenger altercation with the driver. Rescue operations are underway, with officials confirming the crash as one of the deadliest road accidents in recent years.
- Overcrowded bus plunges into ravine in southwest Pakistan, killing 40 passengers and injuring 8
An overcrowded passenger bus crashed into a rocky ravine in southwestern Pakistan, killing 40 people and injuring eight. The accident occurred in Dana Sar near the Balochistan-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border, with officials citing the bus's speed and overcrowding as factors. Pakistan's president and provincial leaders expressed condolences and directed medical care for the injured.
- Roof of tutoring center collapses in eastern Pakistan, killing at least 14 children, police say
A roof collapse at a tutoring center under construction in Lahore, Pakistan, killed at least 14 children and injured eight others. The owner and another person were arrested, and authorities cited poor construction quality in an aging building. Rescue efforts continued as families mourned and demanded accountability, with Pakistan's President and Prime Minister expressing grief and calling for improved safety measures.
- Roof of tutoring center collapses in eastern Pakistan, killing at least 14 children
A roof collapse at an under-construction tutoring center in Lahore, Pakistan, killed at least 14 children and injured eight others. The incident occurred due to poor-quality construction in an aging building, prompting arrests of the owner and another individual. Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the tragedy and called for improved safety measures.
- Pakistan's military says 3 soldiers were killed in militant attack in Karachi and vows retaliation
Three Pakistani paramilitary Rangers were killed in a militant attack in Karachi when an explosives-laden vehicle struck their headquarters. The military stated they killed three attackers and captured a wounded Afghan national, vowing retaliation. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a Pakistani Taliban offshoot, claimed responsibility, which the military alleged is an Indian proxy, though no evidence was provided.
- Pakistan's military says 3 soldiers were killed in militant attack in Karachi and vows retaliation
Three Pakistani paramilitary Rangers were killed and four wounded in a militant attack in Karachi, where an explosives-laden vehicle was rammed into a regional headquarters. The militant group Jamaat-ul-Ahrar claimed responsibility, and the military vowed retaliation. Pakistan's President and Prime Minister condemned the attack, while operations continue to eliminate accomplices.
- 8 terrorists killed in high-tempo intelligence operations in Balochistan: ISPR
Eight terrorists were killed in two intelligence operations in Balochistan's Kharan and Mastung districts on June 25-26, conducted by Pakistani security forces targeting the group Fitna al Hindustan. Weapons, explosives, and motorbikes were recovered during the operations, which are part of a counter-terrorism campaign against foreign-sponsored terrorism. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for the operations.
- President Zardari gives assent to finance bill outlining budget for FY2026-27
President Asif Ali Zardari approved the Finance Bill, 2026, outlining the Rs17.5718.8 trillion budget for FY2026-27. The bill includes tax reforms, exemptions for electric vehicles and mineral water, and amendments from the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance. The National Assembly passed the budget after rejecting opposition amendments.
- Leaders reaffirm resolve against drug abuse
Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the country's commitment to combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking, emphasizing the need to protect youth from narcotics. They highlighted challenges like synthetic drugs, digital platforms used by criminal networks, and the role of social media in normalizing drug use.
- Pakistan will continue its efforts for lasting peace in the Middle East, Naqvi tells Iranian counterpart
Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with Iran's Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni to reaffirm Pakistan's commitment to promoting lasting peace in the Middle East. The discussions followed a US-Iran agreement to end regional conflict and focused on expanding cooperation in security, anti-terrorism, and other sectors. Both sides expressed satisfaction with recent de-escalation efforts and praised the joint US-Iran statement.
- Iranian president Pezeshkian to arrive in Pakistan today on official visit
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to meet President Asif Ali Zardari and discuss bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, and regional security. Security measures include closed bus terminals and sealed zones in Islamabad.
- Iranian president to visit Pakistan tomorrow: FO
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian will visit Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. During the visit, he will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and discuss bilateral relations, trade, energy, and regional cooperation. The visit aims to strengthen historic ties and address mutual regional and international developments.
- 2 roadside bombs in northwest Pakistan kill at least 7
Two roadside bombs in northwestern Pakistan killed at least seven people, with the first targeting a vehicle and the second striking rescuers in Bannu. No group claimed responsibility, but suspicion falls on the Pakistani Taliban (TTP). President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attacks and warned against terrorism supporters.
- 'Torch bearer of peace': Politicians hail Pakistan's role as mediator in US-Iran agreement
The US and Iran agreed on a framework to end their three-month conflict, with Pakistan serving as a key mediator. Pakistani politicians, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, praised the deal and highlighted Pakistan's diplomatic role in facilitating peace.
- PM Shehbaz says Pakistan to host signing ceremony of US-Iran agreement in Geneva
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan will host the signing ceremony of a US-Iran agreement in Geneva on June 19 to end a three-month war. The agreement aims to halt the US blockade of Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Pakistan having mediated the peace talks and previously brokered a ceasefire.
- Pakistani military aircraft crashes during training flight, killing 2 pilots
A Pakistani Air Force aircraft crashed during a training flight near Mardan, killing both pilots. The military has ordered an inquiry into the incident, and officials including the president, prime minister, and army chief expressed condolences. The crash follows a recent military helicopter accident in Pakistan-administered Kashmir that killed 22 soldiers.
- President Zardari approves bill, 'fulfilling all legal formalities' for PIA's privatisation
President Asif Ali Zardari approved the repeal of the 2016 bill to privatize Pakistan International Airlines, fulfilling legal requirements. A consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation Limited secured 75% shares of PIA in December 2025 with a Rs135 billion bid and aims to acquire the remaining 25% government stake.
- Finance Minister Aurangzeb to present budget for FY2026-27 on June 12
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will present the federal budget for FY2026-27 on June 12. The Pakistan Economic Survey for FY2025-26 will be launched after 2:20pm the next day. A consensus was reached between the federal government, PML-N, and PPP on the budget framework, including freezing provincial shares in the NFC award.
- BUDGET 2026-27: Centre, Punjab & Sindh agree on spending cuts
The Centre, Punjab, and Sindh agreed to cut spending to cover an Rs800 billion revenue shortfall, with the federal budget likely to be presented on June 12. The National Economic Council will finalize plans, but Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have not yet joined the agreement. Extra FBR revenue may reach Rs1.3-1.7 trillion for strategic needs.
- President Zardari summons NA, Senate sessions on June 10
President Asif Ali Zardari summoned the National Assembly and Senate sessions for June 10, 2026, to discuss the 2026–27 budget, with the budget expected to be presented on June 12. The sessions were called under Article 54 Clause 1 of the Constitution, and members may face disqualification under Article 63 for abstaining from budget-related votes.
- In meeting with PM, president stresses ‘provincial rights, economic stability’ in upcoming budget
President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized provincial rights, public welfare, and economic stability in the upcoming 2026–2027 federal budget during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The discussion included officials and leaders from allied parties, with the PPP expressing concerns about taxation and advocating for broader tax bases to ease inflation pressures.
- BISP head urges apology after Rana Sanaullah's beggar remarks
BISP Chairperson Rubina Khalid urged an apology for remarks that hurt beneficiaries' sentiments, specifically referencing Rana Sanaullah's claims that the program's data is inaccurate and corrupt, turning people into beggars. Khalid defended BISP, stating it prevents people from becoming beggars and emphasized political support from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
- Balochistan CM announces civil award to be conferred on man who helped female doctor after acid attack
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti announced a civil award for Abdul Razzaq Tarakai, a man who assisted a female doctor after she was attacked with acid at Quetta’s Civil Hospital. The doctor, Mahnoor Nisar, sustained severe burns, and Tarakai’s intervention was praised by CM Bugti and MNA Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, who requested the President to confer the highest civilian award on him.
- Bilawal vows to ensure ownership rights, 18th Amendment protections for Gilgit-Baltistan
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari pledged to secure ownership rights and 18th Constitutional Amendment protections for Gilgit-Baltistan during a campaign rally ahead of June 7 elections. He highlighted legislation converting 28,000 square miles of government land into common land and urged voters to support PPP to maintain these rights.
- Death toll rises to 14 in a Pakistan suicide attack claimed by a Pakistani Taliban splinter group
A suicide attack on a security post in northwest Pakistan has killed 14 police officers, with a Pakistani Taliban splinter group claiming responsibility. The attack occurred in Bannu, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan. Authorities have launched an operation to track down the perpetrators.