President Asif Ali Zardari has underscored the importance of social integration based on equality, solidarity, and respect for human rights, calling for collective global efforts to eradicate poverty and promote inclusive development.
Addressing the World Summit for Social Development in Doha, the President highlighted that eradicating poverty in all its forms and promoting productive employment and decent work for all must remain global priorities. He emphasized that international institutions should be more inclusive and responsive, particularly to the needs of the Global South.
Read More: Pakistan for coordinated global efforts to achieve gender equality
President Zardari reaffirmed that Pakistan’s development vision places people at the center of policy-making, aligning fully with the spirit of the Doha Declaration. He cited the success of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), which has empowered over nine million families through income, health, and educational support. He said BISP serves as a model for global social protection programs, transforming millions of lives across Pakistan.
He further stated that Pakistan aims to raise the literacy rate to 90%, ensuring that every child is enrolled in school, while initiatives like the National Internship Programme are empowering the country’s youth to contribute meaningfully to national progress.
Read More: Uniform curriculum vital for social, economic integration
On climate change, President Zardari said Pakistan is investing in resilient adaptation to ensure that growth remains green, inclusive, and sustainable. He also warned against the weaponization of water, regretting the violations of the Indus Waters Treaty, and stressed that such actions “cannot and will not succeed.”
Concluding his address, the President reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the resolution of the Palestinian and Kashmir disputes in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, urging the global community to uphold justice and peace.