The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has opposed holding a vote on constitutional amendments on Oct 18.

According to PPP source, the party has suggested that the government should present the amendment either before or after Oct 18, as the PPP’s central leadership will be busy in the Hyderabad rally on that date, commemorating the Karsaz tragedy.

Sources indicate that the amendments could be presented in parliament n Oct 17. Previously, the PPP had opposed bringing the amendments on Oct 13, as the federal government intended to carry out the legislation on that Sunday.

The federal government had called its overseas and allied parliamentarians back before Oct 13 for this purpose.

 Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday held a bilateral meeting with his Tajik counterpart Qohir Rasulzoda wherein he emphasised close bilateral collaboration to further cement mutually advantageous cooperation across all spheres of shared interest.

In the meeting held on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) moot, the prime minister called for promoting bilateral ties in trade, investment, energy and regional connectivity.

While deeply appreciating Tajikistan’s active and constructive participation in the SCO CHG meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz stressed that as brotherly countries and regional partners, Tajikistan and Pakistan shared enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation.

He fondly recalled his productive visit to Dushanbe in July, earlier this year, and expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of the bilateral relationship.

Prime Minister Rasulzoda conveyed warm felicitations on organising the SCO CHG meeting by Pakistan, in its capacity as the SCO chair. He thanked Pakistan for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and the SCO delegates.

Extending best wishes of President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon to the prime minister, he concurred that there was great potential to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries underscoring that Tajikistan remained fully committed to work with Pakistan.

Furthermore, the Tajik prime minister thanked Prime Minister Sharif and the Government of Pakistan for allowing sugar export to Tajikistan as this would further enhance the bilateral trade among both countries.

Later, on his X timeline, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed his pleasure to meet his Tajik counterpart and said that both the countries were determined to continue working together to advance mutually beneficial Pakistan-Tajikistan bilateral cooperation.

 Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen strategic cooperation across key areas, including the economy, investment and regional connectivity.

This was discussed during a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and the visiting Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Islamabad on Tuesday.

Both sides also stressed the need to expedite implementing China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects.

Welcoming the delegation, the president emphasised that Pakistan’s friendship with its all-weather partner remains a cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy. He stressed the importance of exploring new avenues for cooperation as there is more space to expand bilateral relations.

He also underscored the need to enhance connectivity through all-weather road networks to strengthen trade and people-to-people linkages. He said Chinese companies should benefit from the investment opportunities in Pakistan by investing in the Pakistan Stock Exchange.

Zardari said the time is ripe to fully leverage China’s economic growth, particularly through the opportunities presented by CPEC and the Gwadar Port. He said he would be visiting China in November and looks forward to reconnecting with old friends and engaging in discussions to further strengthen bilateral ties.

Reflecting on his previous visits to China during his earlier tenure, he noted Pakistan has consistently enjoyed China’s unwavering support on key issues of mutual importance.

The president also expressed his heartfelt condolences over the tragic loss of two Chinese nationals in a terrorist attack, stating that the heart-breaking incident deeply grieved the entire nation. He emphasized that the enemies of the Pakistan-China friendship are trying to undermine bilateral relations by targeting Chinese nationals and attempting to disrupt CPEC projects.

He added that such malicious efforts would not succeed. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to tracking down the perpetrators and ensuring they receive exemplary punishment. He assured the Chinese Premier that Pakistan would take all necessary measures to enhance the security of Chinese nationals working in the country.

President Zardari appreciated China’s support to Pakistan on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He reiterated Pakistan’s support to China on all its core issues, including the “One China” policy, Taiwan, Tibet, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and the South China Sea.

Speaking on the occasion, Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed that Pakistan and China are good brothers, neighbours, partners, and friends.

He emphasized that Pak-China strategic cooperation would continue to deepen under the leadership of President Xi Jinping. He acknowledged the contributions of President Asif Ali Zardari in promoting stronger Pakistan-China relations. Premier Li Qiang highlighted that both nations had consistently supported each other, regardless of global challenges, and expressed confidence that they would continue to cooperate to take their partnership to new heights.

The Chinese premier stressed the need to accelerate the progress of development projects under CPEC. He highlighted that China would continue to support Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan. He also expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan-China relations and that it would continue to grow stronger.

The Chinese premier appreciated Pakistan for its firm support to China on all its core issues, including the “One China” policy, Taiwan, Tibet, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and the South China Sea. He said China would continue to support Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and prosperity.

Later, the President hosted a state luncheon in honour of the visiting Chinese premier and his delegation.