Asif Ali Zardari

A writ petition was filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) challenging President Asif Ali Zardari’s delay in assenting to a summary from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding judicial appointments. The petition, led by advocate Luqman Zafar Chaudhary, argues the delay violates constitutional provisions and disrupts judicial administration, citing specific recommendations by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) under Articles 175A and 48 of the Constitution.

Pakistan commemorated Youm-i-Istehsal, marking the 2019 revocation of Kashmir's special autonomy by India. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's support for Kashmiri self-determination, condemning India's 'illegal' actions and calling for a peaceful resolution to the dispute to achieve lasting regional peace.

A suicide bomber attacked an antimilitant rally in Kabal, Swat Valley, Pakistan, killing at least 14 people, including civilians and police officers, and wounding over two dozen others. The attack occurred during a protest demanding peace and security, with suspicion falling on the Pakistani Taliban (TTP).

Tensions between PPP and PML-N allies escalate over Azad Jammu Kashmir election results, with both parties exchanging rigging allegations ahead of the second phase. PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah questioned PPP's election claims, while PPP's Saeed Ghani accused PML-N of always rigging polls.

Delays in presidential approval of judicial extensions have caused the term of an Sindh High Court additional judge to expire, with four Peshawar High Court judges facing similar expiration. The Judicial Commission of Pakistan recommended extensions, but the Presidency has not issued notifications, citing the president's constitutional role in judge appointments.

President Asif Ali Zardari approved the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) for General Syed Aamer Raza, newly appointed Commander of the National Strategic Command. The appointment follows the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which restructured Pakistan’s higher military command and created the NSC to unify strategic forces under a single operational headquarters.

The Pakistan Navy rescued 19 crew members, including 11 Pakistani and 8 Iranian nationals, from the stranded fishing vessel Al Jalali near Gwadar due to engine failure and deteriorating weather. The rescue operation, involving PNS Taimur, provided food, water, and medical care before towing the vessel to safety.

Nine police officers, including a DSP, were killed and 28 injured when terrorists attacked a checkpost in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Hangu district. The attack, attributed to Fitna al Khawarij (TTP), resulted in 15 terrorists being killed. A separate attack on a Peshawar checkpost occurred, with terrorists fleeing after police responded.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and other federal cabinet members received gifts from foreign dignitaries this year, with items deposited in Toshakhana. The government periodically publishes details of these gifts, including records since 2002, though the identities of the gift-givers remain undisclosed. The Cabinet Division emphasized disclaimers about data accuracy and responsibility for errors.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman criticized Pakistan's use of private militias for local security, sparking debate. The article examines historical state-backed militia policies in KP and Balochistan, noting their failure in most cases. Examples include 'amn committees' and 'lashkars' formed to counter groups like the TTP, with mixed outcomes and growing local distrust.

President Asif Ali Zardari directed federal, provincial, and local authorities to enhance monsoon preparedness, rescue, and relief efforts amid ongoing rains causing flash floods, landslides, and other hazards. At least 37 people have died, and infrastructure has been damaged in multiple regions, with warnings of continued risks in northern areas.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari described the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections as the 'most significant' in the region's history, stating the outcome will determine its future. He emphasized securing self-governance, employment rights, and self-rule for AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, citing historical efforts by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto, and Asif Ali Zardari to establish constitutional rights for the region.

Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the international community to support human rights in Indian-held Jammu and Kashmir and resolve the dispute per UN Security Council resolutions. They reaffirmed Pakistan's solidarity with Kashmiris seeking self-determination, citing India's occupation forces and 2019 actions as violations of their rights.

Monsoon rains in Bangladesh have caused at least 50 deaths and displaced tens of thousands due to flash floods and landslides. The crisis has led to severe shortages of food and water, with thousands seeking shelter in government-run centers. Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar also experienced landslides, killing 15 people.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, former Qatiri emir who led Qatar from 1995 to 2013, died at 74. His reign saw Qatar's rise as a global energy and media power, including the launch of Al Jazeera and the 2022 World Cup hosting. He abdicated in favor of his son Sheikh Tamim in 2013.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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'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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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.