Azhart

First Ladies of Pakistan and Maldives Emphasise Women’s Empowerment, Youth Development and Strong People-to-People Ties First Lady of Pakistan, Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari MNA, met with First Lady of the Republic of Maldives Sajidha Mohamed at Aiwan-e-Sadr today. The two First Ladies underscored the importance of women’s empowerment, youth development and greater people-to-people engagement as key pillars of Pakistan-Maldives bilateral relations. Welcoming her Maldivian counterpart, Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari expressed the hope that Pakistan’s warmth and hospitality would make her visit memorable and further strengthen the longstanding bonds of friendship, mutual respect, shared values and Islamic brotherhood between the two countries. The First Lady expressed satisfaction over expanding bilateral cooperation in education, healthcare, culture, youth development and people-to-people exchanges. She emphasised that both countries share a commitment to advancing women’s participation in public life and creating greater opportunities for their education, particularly through vocational training, leadership development and economic empowerment. Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari commended First Lady Sajidha Mohamed’s distinguished professional journey, particularly her leadership role at the Maldives Food and Drug Authority and her contributions to the public health response during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also appreciated her initiatives to empower women and youth, significantly reduce school dropouts and support vulnerable communities through innovative initiatives. The First Ladies agreed to strengthen mutual cooperation in women’s leadership, education, skills development, tourism and hospitality, modern and cost-effective agriculture, entrepreneurship, public health, social development and youth empowerment. Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari reaffirmed that women’s empowerment, poverty alleviation and maternal and child health remain among her foremost priorities. She highlighted the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), launched in 2008 to carry forward the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, as Pakistan’s flagship social protection initiative, providing financial assistance to millions of vulnerable families, particularly women. She also outlined the transformative impact of the Benazir Nashonuma Programme in addressing malnutrition and childhood stunting during the critical first 1,000 days of life. “Our objective is to ensure that every woman lives with dignity and economic security, and every child receives a healthy start in life,” Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari stated. She observed that greater exchanges among students, experts, educational institutions and young professionals would help forge enduring ties between future generations. Both First Ladies emphasised the importance of closer cooperation between relevant institutions and civil society organisations working for the welfare of women, children and youth. They agreed that sustained engagement in these areas would further deepen the friendship between Pakistan and the Maldives and translate their shared aspirations into meaningful benefits for their peoples. Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari also presented pink ribbons to the First Lady of Maldives and members of her delegation as a gesture of solidarity and to raise awareness about breast cancer. The First Lady of Maldives was accompanied by Geela Ali, Minister of Health, Family and Welfare of the Maldives. Minister of State for Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar, Senator Rubina Khalid and Member of the National Assembly Shazia Marri were also present during the meeting.