Calls for resolution of Palestine-Kashmir disputes in accordance 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 has 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 and productive employment and decent work for all. He said we must ensure that global institutions are inclusive and responsive, especially to the needs of the Global South.
President Asif Zardari is currently in Doha to attend the Second World Summit for Social Development on November 4-6, where he will reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to working with development partners and multilateral institutions to mobilize financing for social protection and green jobs initiatives.
The debate is being held under the auspices of the United Nations General Assembly.
According to the President’s Secretariat, the summit has brought together global leaders and policymakers to discuss ways to advance social development, promote decent work and employment opportunities, as well as strengthen inclusive safety nets.
“Our vision of inclusive and sustainable development is fully aligned with the spirit of the Doha Declaration,” said the president.
Asif Ali Zardari mentioned that Pakistan’s flagship Benazir Income Support Program has empowered more than nine million families with income assistance as well as educational and healthcare support. “This historic program remains a model for the rest of the world and has helped transform millions of lives.”
The President said that the sustainable development goals also remain within our sight. “Through the National Internship Programme, we are empowering the youth,” said Zardari, as Pakistan aims to raise the literacy rate to ninety percent and ensure that all children go to school. Through the National Internship Program we are empowering youth.
Referring to the impacts of climate change, the President said Pakistan is investing in resilient adaptation, ensuring that growth remains green, inclusive and durable. The president also called for resolution of the Palestine-Kashmir disputes in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
Read: President will attend world summit on social development
He said Pakistan also faces a new threat in the form of using water as a weapon. Regretting India’s violation of the Indus Waters Treaty, he said such tactics cannot and will not succeed.
The president also called for resolution of the Palestine-Kashmir disputes in accordance 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. Tension between Pakistan and India increased after the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), in which 26 tourists were killed.
In response, India took a series of hostile actions the next day, April 23, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), canceling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, and ordering the closure of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. India and Pakistan subsequently reduced diplomatic staff at their respective embassies in each other’s countries.
Read more: Pakistan rejects India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ claims as baseless and provocative
Pakistan strongly rejected the allegation, calling it 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 aircraft, including three French-made Rafales.
In an even further escalation, on the night of May 9-10, India launched another round of attacks against Pakistan, but this time against military sites and air bases.
In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, counterattacking Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, air bases and other strategic targets. The early morning attacks came as a shock to Indian military leaders, who had underestimated Pakistan’s response to their unprovoked attacks.
