ISLAMABAD: The First Lady of Pakistan, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, has called for renewed national efforts to promote the health, dignity, and empowerment of individuals across the country, with a particular focus on women, children, and youth, in her message marking World Population Day 2025.
In her statement, the First Lady emphasized the significance of looking beyond mere numbers to the lives they represent, highlighting the importance of healthy mothers, safe children, and thriving families as central to the nation’s well-being.
Pakistan faces ongoing challenges in areas such as maternal health, child welfare, and youth empowerment. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari stressed the urgent need for investment in family planning, education, social protection, and reproductive health services. These elements, she asserted, are vital to creating a robust and inclusive society.
The First Lady further noted that addressing these issues is crucial not just for development but for ensuring dignity, equity, and justice. She affirmed that prioritizing the well-being of the people is essential for securing the nation’s future.
This year’s World Population Day theme, centered on empowering young people to shape the families they desire in a fair and hopeful world, resonates strongly in Pakistan, where a significant portion of the population is under 30. The First Lady highlighted the necessity of providing young people with opportunities to lead fulfilling lives, free from discrimination and with the ability to make informed choices.
Empowering youth, she noted, is key to building a just and sustainable Pakistan. She urged for access to quality education, comprehensive healthcare, economic opportunities, and a voice in decision-making processes for the young population.
Aseefa Bhutto Zardari reiterated her commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of all Pakistanis. She called on stakeholders across various sectors to unite in efforts to create a future where every life is valued and every generation is empowered, echoing the words of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto about a world where every pregnancy is planned and every child is nurtured and supported.