Doha: Analysts have praised President Asif Ali Zardari for prominently emphasizing Pakistan’s position at the World Summit for Social Development. Dr. Muhammad Khan, an expert in International Relations, noted that the summit, hosted by Qatar, addresses the critical issue of socio-economic deprivation, which can lead to extremist mindsets, as witnessed in Afghanistan. President Zardari’s address at the summit was commendable, given Pakistan’s proactive measures to eliminate social injustice and deprivation. He focused on youth empowerment, particularly economic empowerment, illustrating how Pakistan’s initiatives can serve as a model for other nations. On the sidelines, President Zardari met with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss the need for resolving the Jammu and Kashmir issue per UN resolutions and the aspirations of its people. The UN Secretary-General expressed concern over the ongoing genocide in Palestine and developments in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, highl
ighting the gravity of these issues globally.

According to Radio Pakistan, former diplomat Ambassador Waheed Ahmad emphasized that social development is a key component of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals agenda, encompassing a wide range of sectors. President Zardari utilized this platform to underscore the Pakistani government’s policies on the economy, social development, and other areas. He engaged with leaders from various countries during the summit’s sidelines, positioning Pakistan as an attractive investment destination for major businesses in Qatar. Additionally, President Zardari addressed climate change, another crucial element of the UN SDGs, sharing Pakistan’s perspective on this global forum.