President Asif Ali Zardari has urged world leaders to reform global financial systems and provide debt relief to developing countries so they can invest more in social development and poverty reduction. Speaking at the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, he said that existing financial structures unfairly burden poorer nations, restricting their ability to fund education, healthcare, and sustainable growth. He emphasised that true progress requires equity, compassion, and shared responsibility among all nations.
Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to social justice, human rights, and inclusive growth, stressing that development must prioritise people over profits. He supported the Doha Political Declaration, which calls for a renewed focus on eradicating poverty and ensuring decent work for all. The president said Pakistan’s national policies are closely aligned with these goals, reflecting the country’s dedication to putting human welfare at the heart of decision-making.
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Highlighting Pakistan’s achievements, Zardari showcased the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) as a global model of social protection. The programme, he said, has empowered over nine million families by providing income assistance, healthcare access, and education opportunities. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s pledge to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by raising literacy rates to 90% and ensuring every child is enrolled in school within five years, reflecting the government’s focus on inclusive human development.
He also mentioned initiatives like the National Youth Internship Programme and eco-friendly housing projects that promote youth empowerment and climate resilience. Through nature-based solutions such as mangrove restoration, Pakistan aims to build a greener and more sustainable future. These projects, he added, demonstrate the country’s determination to link social development with environmental protection, ensuring a better quality of life for future generations.
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Addressing global security and humanitarian concerns, President Zardari warned that the “weaponisation of water” and violations of the Indus Waters Treaty pose a serious threat to the livelihoods of 240 million Pakistanis. He condemned ongoing atrocities in Palestine, calling them genocide and apartheid, and reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for both the Palestinian and Kashmiri peoples in their struggles for justice and self-determination.
Zardari concluded his address with a call for collective action, urging nations to rise above divisions and work together for a fairer world. “Development must begin and end with the betterment of people,” he said. “Only through compassion, equity, and cooperation can we build a future that truly serves humanity.”