Karachi: Addressing the United Nations Day 2026 celebrations in Karachi, First Lady Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari emphasized the need for the equal application of international law, climate justice, and increased investment in children. She underscored the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and protecting civilian lives, asserting that United Nations principles should be universally applied.
According to Pakistan Peoples Party, the First Lady highlighted Pakistan's enduring partnership with the United Nations in various sectors, including development, education, humanitarian assistance, and peacekeeping. She stressed that international cooperation is crucial for addressing global challenges that cannot be tackled by individual nations alone.
Referring to the plight of civilians in Gaza, she reiterated that the principles of the United Nations must be uniformly applied, regardless of geography, nationality, or political context. She also addressed the impact of the 2022 floods in Pakistan, noting the crucial role of international partners and the United Nations in crisis response, and called for climate justice for those least responsible for climate change but most affected by it.
In her commitment to polio eradication, Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari highlighted the need for protecting children from preventable diseases, acknowledging the contributions of health workers and international organizations in striving for a polio-free Pakistan. She further emphasized children's nutrition and education, endorsing the World Food Programme's ShareTheMeal campaign aimed at providing school meals across Pakistan.
Reflecting on her public service values, she recalled her mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto's belief in cooperation, dialogue, and education. The First Lady concluded by praising the tangible impact of the United Nations' work and called for continued global efforts towards a peaceful and compassionate world.
The celebration, organized by the United Nations in Pakistan in collaboration with national and regional governments, marked over eight decades of partnership between Pakistan and the United Nations. It featured exhibitions, career booths, and cultural performances, with attendees including notable government officials and community leaders. The First Lady expressed gratitude to the United Nations team for hosting the event and raising awareness about the organization's initiatives.