PRESIDENT ASIF ALI ZARDARI has urged the global community to unite for poverty eradication, equality, and social justice, calling these essential pillars for sustainable and inclusive growth.Calls for peaceful resolution of Palestine, Kashmir issues under UN Charter.
Addressing the World Summit for Social Development in Doha on Tuesday, President Zardari said poverty in all its forms must be eliminated through productive employment and decent work for everyone. He emphasized that global institutions must become more inclusive, particularly in addressing the needs of developing nations in the Global South.
Highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to social welfare, Zardari said the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has transformed over nine million families by offering financial aid, healthcare, and education support. He termed BISP a “global model for inclusive development.”
The President reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through initiatives like the National Internship Program, which empowers youth and aims to raise the literacy rate to 90%.
He stressed that Pakistan is investing in climate resilience to ensure that economic growth remains green, equitable, and enduring. Zardari also urged the peaceful settlement of the Palestine and Kashmir disputes in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
Discussing regional tensions, the President condemned India’s “weaponisation of water” and violation of the Indus Waters Treaty. He warned that such hostile measures would not succeed.
Tensions between Pakistan and India have intensified since the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 tourists. In retaliation, India suspended the 65 year old Indus Waters Treaty, shut down diplomatic missions, and imposed travel restrictions.
Pakistan rejected India’s allegations and responded by halting trade, closing its airspace to Indian flights, and taking other defensive measures. Military tensions peaked when India launched airstrikes on Pakistan, prompting Islamabad to retaliate under Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, successfully targeting Indian military sites and assets.
Zardari concluded his address by reaffirming Pakistan’s vision of a peaceful, cooperative, and socially just global order aligned with the spirit of the Doha Declaration.
