Latest news with #AseefaBhuttoZardari
Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Health
- Express Tribune
Aseefa urges action for health, dignity, empowerment
On the occasion of World Population Day 2025, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari has called for a renewed national commitment to the health, dignity, and empowerment of every individual; especially women, children, and youth across the country. World Population Day is being observed across the globe on Friday (today) under the theme of "Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world". "On this day, we are reminded not only of numbers, but of the lives and stories behind them — of the mothers, children, and families who form the heart of our nation," she said in her message. "Our focus must remain on ensuring that every mother is healthy, every child is safe, and every family is given the opportunity to thrive." Pakistan continues to face critical challenges in maternal health, child welfare, and youth empowerment. The First Lady emphasised the urgent need for investment in family planning, education, social protection, and reproductive health services, the cornerstones of a strong and inclusive society. "This is not merely a matter of development, it is a matter of dignity, equity, and justice. By prioritising the well-being of our people, we secure the future of our nation," she stated. The theme for this year's World Population Day resonates deeply with Pakistan, where a majority of the population is under the age of 30. She underscored the importance of creating opportunities for young people to lead fulfilling lives, free from discrimination, and equipped with the tools to make informed choices. "Our youth are not only our future, they are our present. We must ensure they have access to quality education," she said.
Business Recorder
7 days ago
- Health
- Business Recorder
Every individual: Aseefa for renewed commitment to health, dignity and empowerment
ISLAMABAD/ KARACHI: On the occasion of World Population Day 2025, the First Lady of Pakistan Aseefa Bhutto Zardari calls for a renewed national commitment to the health, dignity, and empowerment of every individual; especially women, children, and youth across the country. 'On this day, we are reminded not only of numbers, but of the lives and stories behind them—of the mothers, children, and families who form the heart of our nation,' said the First Lady. 'Our focus must remain on ensuring that every mother is healthy, every child is safe, and every family is given the opportunity to thrive.' Pakistan continues to face critical challenges in maternal health, child welfare, and youth empowerment. In her message, the First Lady emphasized the urgent need for investment in family planning, education, social protection, and reproductive health services, the cornerstones of a strong and inclusive society. 'This is not merely a matter of development, it is a matter of dignity, equity, and justice. By prioritizing the well-being of our people, we secure the future of our nation,' she stated. The theme for this year's World Population Day, empowering young people to shape the families they want in a fair and hopeful world, resonates deeply with Pakistan, where a majority of the population is under the age of 30. The First Lady underscored the importance of creating opportunities for young people to lead fulfilling lives, free from discrimination, and equipped with the tools to make informed choices. 'Our youth are not only our future, they are our present. We must ensure they have access to quality education, comprehensive healthcare, economic opportunities, and a voice in decisions that affect them,' said HE Aseefa Bhutto Zardari. 'Empowering them is essential to building a just, peaceful, and sustainable Pakistan.' On this World Population Day, the First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of all Pakistanis and called on stakeholders across government, civil society, and the private sector to work in unity toward a future where every life is valued and every generation is empowered, reminding them of the words of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, 'I dream of a Pakistan, of an Asia, of a world where every pregnancy is planned and every child conceived is nurtured, loved, educated, and supported.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
27-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir holds key security talks in Tehran
Listen to article The Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, met senior Iranian military officials in Tehran on Tuesday to discuss deepening defence cooperation and improving border security mechanisms. During his visit to the General Staff Headquarters, the army chief held talks with Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces. Both officials exchanged views on the evolving regional security environment and agreed to boost military-to-military coordination. Discussions also covered joint efforts to transform the shared border into a hub for trade and economic activity, with both nations underscoring the need to promote regional peace and prosperity. The army chief was received with full military honours, including a ceremonial guard of honour by a contingent of the Iranian Armed Forces. The Field Marshal also accompanied the Prime Minister of Pakistan during meetings with Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. The visit is part of an ongoing official tour to Türkiye, Iran and Azerbaijan by Pakistan's high-level delegation. Previously, Pakistan's First Lady, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, met a senior Iranian delegation at Bilawal House on Monday, reaffirming Islamabad's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting regional cooperation with Tehran. The visiting delegation was led by Dr Reyhaneh Sadat Raeisi, daughter of the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. She was accompanied by senior Iranian officials, including Dr Vahed Asghari, chargé d'affaires at the Iranian Consulate General; Dr Saeid Talebi Nia, director general and cultural attaché at Khana-e-Farhang Iran; and others. Pakistani dignitaries including Senator Saleem Mandviwalla and Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho also attended the meeting. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in healthcare, cultural exchange, and diplomatic engagement. The First Lady emphasised the historic and cultural bonds shared by the two nations and appreciated Iran's longstanding support for Pakistan. 'We have always valued Iran's unwavering support,' Aseefa Bhutto Zardari said. 'Our countries share a deep-rooted relationship grounded in mutual respect and shared aspirations.' She also lauded Iran's achievements in healthcare, noting consistent praise from Minister Pechuho after visits to Iranian institutions. Dr Raeisi expressed gratitude for Pakistan's solidarity after the passing of her father and conveyed a message of thanks to President Asif Ali Zardari. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Azerbaijan as part of a four-nation regional tour aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties. The visit follows earlier stops in Turkiye and Iran, where the prime minister held high-level discussions on bilateral cooperation, regional connectivity, and mutual development goals. The tour will conclude in Tajikistan, where the prime minister is slated to attend the International Conference on Glaciers on May 29–30.
India Today
24-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Convoy of Pak President's daughter blocked amid canal project protests in Sindh
Pakistan's Member of the National Assembly Aseefa Bhutto Zardari faced violent protests while her convoy was passing through the Jamshoro toll plaza in Sindh province on Friday, local media reported. Several protesters have been arrested in connection with the cavalcade of Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, the daughter of President Asif Ali Zardari, was blocked and attacked by Sindh nationalists while she was en route from Kotri to Nawabshah in Sindh. Aseefa, along with a World Bank delegation, visited different areas affected by recent their way back, a bunch of angry demonstrators blocked Aseefa's convoy and raised slogans against a controversial canal project and corporate farming initiatives in the state, Pakistani media reported, quoting sources. In a video of the incident, protestors could be seen striking the vehicles in Aseefa Zardari's convoy with their hands and batons, prompting local security agencies to swiftly swing into action and keep the MNA out of harm's convoy was halted for less than a minute as Aseefa Zardari managed to escape unhurt, SSP Jamshoro Zafar Siddiq said, and promised stern action against the incident came against the backdrop of the ongoing protests in Sindh against corporate farming and the construction of canals in Punjab, as protesters allege that this is an attempt to divert the river two people were killed as police opened fire on protesters, angering the people, which resulted in violent protests, the report came as Sindh protesters attacked the house of a minister belonging to the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), blaming Punjab's domination for their water and Punjab are two of Pakistan's four provinces. Inhabitants of Sindh have held Punjab, which is the power centre of both the civilian and military establishments, responsible for putting it lower on the priority list.
Express Tribune
24-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
WB team, first lady visit houses for flood victims
A delegation of the World Bank's top officials, accompanied by the First Lady MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah visited a health facility and interacted with the beneficiaries of the government housing project for flood victims in Benazirabad on Friday. WB Managing Director Operations Anna Bjerde and the Country Director for Pakistan Najy Benhassine also interacted with the people at the hospital and in the government built houses. The delegation was also taken to stalls displaying locally manufactured handicrafts. The delegation toured the Basic Health Unit (BHU) in Jam Sahib and engaged with the health workers and patients to gain firsthand insight into the healthcare services being provided at the facility. Sindh Health Minister Azra Fazal Pechuho and other health officers briefed the delegation, telling them that the BHU received more than 20,000 patients every month including a record 5,471 Outpatient Department (OPD) service. They apprised that in terms of the family planning services the BHU has surpassed its goal by 125% and its contraceptive services department has achieved 71% of its monthly target. They claimed quality maternity services and antenatal care, which included trimester check-ups, are also being provided at the BHU. WB MD Anna Bejerde, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, CM Murad Ali Shah, Health Minister Pechuho and WB Country Director Najy Benhassine visited the flood rehabilitation housing project in village Nazr Muhammad Laghari Goth, Shaheed Benazirabad district. The delegation later met female members of the Village Reconstruction Committee (VRC), formed under the Sindh Peoples Housing Project, who displayed their handicrafts. They also visited houses in Nazar Mohammad Leghari village, where they handed over ownership documents to the beneficiaries. Bejerde reaffirmed the World Bank's commitment to supporting the Sindh government in flood recovery efforts, praising the resilience of the local people and the leadership's dedication. Aseefa highlighted that granting women ownership rights under the SPHF project is a historic socio-economic empowerment initiative by the Sindh government, significantly benefiting rural women.
