Calls for resolution of Palestinian and Kashmir disputes in line with UN Security Council resolutions
President Zardari addresses the World Summit for Social Development in Doha on November 4, 2025 Photo: Radio Pakistan
President Asif Ali Zardari stressed the need for social integration based on equality, solidarity and respect for human rights.
Addressing the World Summit for Social Development in Doha on Tuesday (today), he called for the eradication of poverty in all its forms, promoting full, productive employment and decent work for all. He said we must ensure that global institutions are inclusive and responsive, particularly to the needs of the South.
President Asif Zardari is currently in Doha to attend the second World Summit for Social Development from November 4-6, where he will reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to working with development partners and multilateral institutions to mobilize finance for social protection and green jobs initiatives.
The debate takes place under the auspices of the United Nations General Assembly.
According to the Presidential Secretariat, the summit brought together leaders and policymakers from around the world to discuss ways to advance social development, promote decent work and employment opportunities, and strengthen inclusive safety nets.
“Our vision of inclusive and sustainable development is fully consistent with the spirit of the Doha Declaration,” the President said.
Asif Ali Zardari mentioned that Pakistan’s flagship program, Benazir Income Support Program, has enabled more than nine million families to benefit from income assistance as well as healthcare and education support. “This historic program remains a model for the rest of the world and has helped transform millions of lives. »
The President said the Sustainable Development Goals also remained within reach. “Through the National Internship Program, we are empowering the youth,” Zardari said as Pakistan aims to increase the literacy rate to ninety percent and ensure every child goes to school. Through the National Internship Program, we empower young people.
Addressing the impacts of climate change, the President said Pakistan is investing in resilient adaptation, ensuring growth remains green, inclusive and sustainable. The president also called for resolution of the Palestinian and Kashmir disputes in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
Read: President to attend global summit on social development
He said Pakistan was also facing a new threat in the form of water militarization. Regretting India’s violation of the Indus Water Treaty, he said such tactics cannot and will not succeed.
The president also called for resolution of the Palestinian and Kashmir disputes in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
Violations of the Indus Water Treaty
The recent conflict between Pakistan and India marked a major military escalation between the two nuclear powers. Tensions between Pakistan and India increased after the Pahalgam attack on April 22 in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 tourists.
In response, India undertook a series of hostile actions the next day, April 23, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), canceling visas of Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border post, and ordering the closure of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. India and Pakistan subsequently reduced diplomatic staff at their respective embassies in the respective countries.
Learn more: Pakistan rejects India’s claims on ‘Operation Sindoor’ as baseless and provocative
Pakistan strongly rejected the accusation as baseless but took reciprocal action through its National Security Committee (NSC). These included stopping trade with India, closing Pakistani airspace to Indian aircraft and other countermeasures.
On the night of May 7, the Indian Air Force launched an unprovoked attack on civilian targets in Pakistan. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) immediately retaliated and shot down at least six IAF jets, including three French-built Rafales.
Worse still, on the night of May 9-10, India launched a new series of strikes against Pakistan, but this time targeting military sites and air bases.
In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, retaliating against Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, airbases and other strategic targets. The early morning strikes came as a shock to India’s military leadership, which had underestimated Pakistan’s response to their unprovoked attacks.
