Karachi: Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, the First Lady of Pakistan, was honored with the Soft Diplomacy Award during a ceremony at the UAE Consulate in Karachi, recognizing her contributions to eradicating polio in Pakistan, particularly through securing UAE support for vaccination drives in Balochistan.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, the award was presented on Pakistan’s Independence Day, highlighting Ms. Bhutto Zardari’s pivotal role in bolstering health and diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the UAE. Her advocacy efforts have been crucial in engaging the UAE’s support for Pakistan’s ongoing fight against polio, an initiative that has also served to strengthen ties between the two nations.

In her acceptance speech, Ms. Bhutto Zardari expressed gratitude for the award and reaffirmed her commitment to achieving a polio-free Pakistan. She stressed the importance of international partnerships in health initiatives and commended the UAE for its substantial support in combating polio, especially in vulnerable areas like Balochistan. She also noted the broader implications of such collaborations for bilateral relations, emphasizing the enduring friendship and mutual support between Pakistan and the UAE during various crises.

The ceremony was attended by notable figures and diplomats, further underscoring the significance of the event in fostering Pakistan-UAE relations. Ms. Bhutto Zardari, along with Faryal Talpur, President of the Peoples Party Women’s Wing, also participated in a plantation drive under the Green Pakistan Initiative, symbolizing their ongoing commitment to environmental and public health issues.