During her visit to the Qatar Foundation on the sidelines of the 2nd World Summit on Social Development in Doha, Pakistan’s First Lady, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, met with Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the Mother of the Amir of Qatar. In a warm and constructive conversation, the two leaders explored opportunities for collaboration in education, health, innovation, and women’s empowerment.
The First Lady commended Her Highness for her visionary leadership in advancing human development and educational access through the Qatar Foundation and the Education Above All (EAA) initiative. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari praised EAA’s enduring impact on Pakistan, particularly its efforts to educate over 1.3 million out-of-school children through initiatives such as Educate a Child. She also welcomed the upcoming Pakistan Youth Leadership Initiative (PYLI), which is designed to equip young Pakistanis with essential educational and entrepreneurial skills.
In her discussion, the First Lady highlighted one of her key projects focused on providing vocational and technical training to women, empowering them to achieve financial independence. She proposed closer collaboration between Pakistani universities and Qatar Foundation institutions, especially in areas like joint teacher training programs. Her Highness Sheikha Moza expressed interest in exploring these ideas and affirmed the Qatar Foundation’s readiness to strengthen ties in areas of mutual benefit.
Her Highness noted that Pakistani students currently represent the fourth-largest group of international students at Qatar Foundation’s educational institutions. She also shared insights into innovative projects led by Pakistani students, underscoring the academic and creative potential they bring to Qatar.
The First Lady expressed her admiration for Her Highness’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, particularly her condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza and her efforts to facilitate a humanitarian ceasefire. In response, Sheikha Moza highlighted the international double standards that have shaped the global response to the crisis.
Both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to education, empowerment, and social inclusion, agreeing to continue fostering close cooperation between their respective institutions. In closing, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari expressed her deep gratitude for Her Highness’s time, visionary leadership, and enduring friendship with the people of Pakistan, noting that Sheikha Moza’s leadership continues to inspire women and youth across the Muslim world.