DOHA: President Asif Ali Zardari addressed the Second World Summit on Social Development in Doha, emphasizing that Pakistan’s vision is rooted in inclusive and sustainable progress. He said Pakistan envisions a world where social harmony, equality, solidarity, and respect for human rights prevail. The president urged the global community to rise above divisions and conflicts and instead adopt the path of compassion, justice, and collective advancement.
President Zardari condemned the use of water as a weapon, calling it an incomprehensible and unlawful act in violation of international principles and the Indus Waters Treaty. He stressed that water is a shared resource of humanity, and no nation can claim monopoly over it.
Commending the visionary leadership of Qatar for hosting the summit, President Zardari also appreciated UN Secretary-General António Guterres for his continued efforts in promoting global social progress. He strongly condemned Israeli aggression in Gaza, reaffirming Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The president said the Doha Summit reflects the global resolve for social justice, equality, and human dignity. He added that Pakistan prioritizes education and health as key drivers for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through the National Youth Internship Program, he said, Pakistan is empowering young people with education, skills, and global opportunities, while initiatives like the Green Pakistan Program and mangrove restoration projects are advancing environmental sustainability.
Highlighting the success of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), President Zardari said it now supports over nine million families, providing financial aid, healthcare, and educational access, making it an internationally recognized model of social protection.
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He underscored the need to expand social protection networks so that every child receives education, every mother has care, every worker earns with dignity, and every citizen connects to the digital world. He announced that the government is committed to raising literacy to 90 percent within the next five years and ensuring universal school enrollment.
President Zardari called on the global community to develop a fair, inclusive, and balanced financial architecture to promote social development, urging international institutions to be revitalized with transparency and inclusivity to better serve the needs of the Global South.
President Zardari was accompanied by Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, First Lady Asifa Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Qatar. World leaders and delegates from across the globe attended the UN-backed summit, which concluded with a group photograph of the participating heads of state and government.