President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday urged the international community to undertake comprehensive global financial reforms, including debt relief and fair taxation, to empower developing nations in achieving social justice and sustainable development. Addressing the Second World Summit for Social Development, he said that the current global financial structures unfairly burden poorer countries, restricting their ability to invest in people-focused growth and progress. The President Zardari Urges Global Financial Reforms for Social Justice and Sustainable Development marks Pakistan’s renewed call for a more equitable international economic order.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to inclusive development and global solidarity, President Zardari emphasized the importance of eradicating poverty, ensuring decent employment, and promoting equality and human rights for all. He endorsed the Doha Political Declaration, noting that Pakistan’s national vision for inclusiveness and sustainability aligns closely with its goals. “Pakistan remains steadfast in placing people at the centre of policy,” he asserted.
Highlighting Pakistan’s social welfare achievements, Zardari cited the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) as a globally recognized model for social protection. The initiative has empowered over nine million families by providing financial assistance, education, and healthcare support. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), pledging to raise literacy to 90% and ensure every child attends school within five years.
The president mentioned several national initiatives, including the National Youth Internship Programme and climate-resilient housing projects, designed to empower young people and strengthen environmental resilience through nature-based solutions such as mangrove restoration.
Zardari expressed deep concern over the “weaponisation of water” and the violations of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling them a direct threat to the livelihoods of 240 million Pakistanis. He also condemned the ongoing genocide and starvation in Palestine, calling for an immediate and just peace, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Kashmir, linking both struggles as part of the global fight for justice and self-determination.
“Development must begin and end with the betterment of people,” Zardari concluded. “We must rise above all differences and pursue a path of compassion, fairness, and progress for all humanity.