DOHA: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that Pakistan’s partnership with Qatar holds strategic importance for regional peace, energy security, and social development. In an exclusive interview with Qatar’s English daily The Peninsula, he praised Qatar’s constructive role in promoting dialogue and peace across the region.
President Zardari highlighted that Pakistan and Gulf nations could expand cooperation in skilled manpower, training, and sustainable investment. He noted that the Pakistani community in Qatar serves as a strong bridge in bilateral relations, contributing both to Qatar’s progress and Pakistan’s economy through remittances and expertise.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s social protection system ensures transparency through biometric verification, enabling financial aid to reach the deserving. “We envision a Pakistan where every family enjoys social protection, women are economically empowered, and youth have access to decent employment,” he stated.
Commending Qatar’s diplomatic mediation, he said the country played a crucial role in facilitating talks between Hamas and international stakeholders, as well as hosting the U.S.-Taliban dialogue that paved the way for Afghan peace efforts and addressed Pakistan’s regional concerns.
The president underscored that the Pakistan-Qatar partnership, built on shared faith, culture, and mutual respect since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972, has expanded across political, economic, defense, energy, and humanitarian fields. “In the current geopolitical context, this partnership remains strategically vital for regional peace and stability,” he remarked.
Zardari said both nations highly value Pakistani workers’ contributions in Qatar and are exploring ways to strengthen cooperation in training and social protection. He added that Pakistan is helping its workforce enhance skills and utilize formal banking channels to better support their families and the national economy.
Referring to Qatar’s dialogue-driven diplomacy, he said its mediation in the Doha I and Doha II processes aligns with Pakistan’s vision for regional peace and sustainable development. The president noted that Pakistan and Gulf states can work together to promote climate-resilient infrastructure and social protection, contributing to overall regional stability.
Discussing the Second World Social Development Summit, he said the event reaffirmed global consensus on social justice and inclusive growth amid rising inequality and climate challenges. Addressing poverty, education, and health, Zardari said Pakistan is tackling these issues through investment in social protection and human capital.
He mentioned that over nine million families are receiving direct financial support under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), while initiatives like Waseela-e-Taleem and Nashonuma are improving child education and nutrition. Pakistan’s social policy, he said, aligns with the Doha Declaration’s emphasis on universal social protection and inclusive economic recovery.
President Zardari added that the BISP network is expanding, with the national socioeconomic system now fully digitized. New programs are being implemented to promote digital financial inclusion for children, women, persons with disabilities, and disaster-affected families. “Pakistan believes social protection and employment opportunities must progress together,” he noted.
Regarding youth development, he said Pakistan’s young population is at the core of its growth strategy, with initiatives for modern skills, digital jobs, entrepreneurship, and formalization of informal work.
The president said Pakistan plays a key role in South-South cooperation, sharing its models in social protection, education, health, and community development. He stressed the global importance of collaboration on climate resilience and food security, noting that climate change directly affects livelihoods.
He added that Pakistan’s post-flood cash assistance helped millions recover swiftly, and efforts are underway to expand this system using technology and innovative financing to strengthen the link between social protection and climate resilience.
Highlighting transparency, Zardari said biometric verification in Pakistan’s social welfare programs ensures fair distribution, while digital wallets under BISP empower women with financial security and independence.
Outlining his long-term vision, he concluded: “We strive for a Pakistan where every family is protected, women are empowered, and youth have dignified employment. Through the frameworks of Doha and the Sustainable Development Goals, we aim to achieve efficient service delivery, sound economic governance, and inclusive, climate-resilient national development.”
