Karachi: First Lady Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari has urged for a renewed commitment to tackling poverty in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for secure homes and empowerment of women as integral components of poverty eradication efforts. Her message was delivered on the occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, observed on October 17, 2026.
According to Press Information Department, the First Lady highlighted the human stories behind poverty statistics, drawing attention to the daily struggles faced by millions of women, children, and families. She stressed that poverty is not just a financial issue but a denial of dignity and opportunity, underscoring the importance of initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) which empowers women by providing financial assistance directly into their hands.
The First Lady also praised educational and nutritional initiatives such as Benazir Taleemi Wazaif and Benazir Nashonuma, which aim to break the cycle of poverty by ensuring that no child is deprived of education and no mother sees her child suffer from malnutrition. She linked these efforts to the United Nations theme for the year, “Safe Homes for All,” noting the particular relevance of this theme to Pakistan, where floods have displaced many families.
She expressed optimism about the Sindh People’s Housing for Flood Affectees (SPHF) initiative, which plans to rebuild 2.1 million climate-resilient homes for flood-affected families, emphasizing the significance of women’s ownership and secure land rights in this program. The initiative is seen as a step toward providing security and independence for women and their children.
In her message, the First Lady called for collective action to transform compassion into tangible change, ensuring that no child is denied opportunities due to the circumstances of their birth, and that those least responsible for climate change do not bear its harshest consequences. She reiterated her mother’s dream of a Pakistan where the poor have a voice, women have dignity, and every child has a chance to succeed.