Islamabad, President Asif Ali Zardari has called on provincial governments to prioritize the education of orphaned children, emphasizing it as a collective responsibility during an Iftar dinner at the President House marking Orphans Day.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, President Zardari, while hosting the dinner for orphaned children, highlighted the importance of educational access for orphans as a key step towards nurturing their potential. The dinner coincided with the World Orphan’s Day, an initiative by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) celebrated on the 15th of Ramadan across member countries.

During the event, President Zardari expressed his joy at spending time with the children, describing the encounter with the “innocent and charming” young guests as a delight. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, also in attendance, met with orphans from various cities in Pakistan, symbolizing the commitment to their cause.

Air Marshal (Retd) Farooq Habib, Chairman of the Pakistan Orphan Care Forum (POCF), took the stage to outline the POCF’s role in supporting and nurturing approximately 100,000 of the estimated 4.6 million orphans in the country. He emphasized that healthy societies are marked by their investment in the welfare and education of vulnerable groups, particularly orphans.

The Chairman extended his gratitude to President Zardari for the invitation, noting the positive impact such recognition has on the children’s confidence and motivation. This event underscores the ongoing efforts to address the needs of orphaned children in Pakistan and the role of leadership in advocating for their rights and development.