The president reiterates his dedication to social justice and uplifting the nation’s weaker segments.

In honor of the World Day of Social Justice, President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed the country’s dedication to justice, equality, and human dignity while promising to keep working to safeguard and improve the most disadvantaged populations in the nation.

The president stated in a statement on the day that Pakistan’s constitutional duty to end exploitation and advance the welfare of all residents is furthered by the celebration of the international day. He underlined the State’s obligation to guarantee equality and social protection free from discrimination, citing Articles 3, 37, and 38 of the Constitution.

Despite financial limitations, the president emphasized the government’s ongoing investment in social safety programs.

The Benazir Income Support Programme presently supports 10 million households nationally, with a budget of Rs. 716 billion for the fiscal year 2025–2026, a huge increase from its initial budget of Rs. 34 billion.

Institutions including the Prime Minister Youth Program, Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution, Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal, and Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund are providing further aid. According to him, these programs offer interest-free loans, healthcare, education, housing, food assistance, and special attention to the elderly, people with disabilities, women, young people, minorities, and transgender people.

The president pointed out that through focused initiatives in the areas of health, education, nutrition, skill development, and financial inclusion, provincial governments are assisting federal efforts. The Benazir Women Agricultural Workers Support Program in Sindh, the “Ba-himmat Buzurg” scheme in Punjab, and the Universal Health Insurance program in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were some of the efforts that were featured.

The president acknowledged that low-income people are disproportionately impacted by issues like inflation, climate change, and economic pressures. The poorest members of society have benefited from targeted initiatives, but he emphasized that long-term reforms, effective public expenditure, and closer ties with the provinces, private sector, civil society, and development partners are necessary to close the gap between needs and available resources.

The president supported the 2026 topic, “Empowering Inclusion, Bridging Gaps for Social Justice,” and cited UN Resolution A/RES/62/10 to reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to the UN’s objective of just and peaceful communities. He asserted that in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and fight unemployment, inequality, and poverty, inclusive policies and improved social protections are crucial.

The president said that social justice is still an unfulfilled aim on a global scale. Citing the people of Palestine and Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir as examples of communities suffering from systemic oppression and protracted denial of basic rights, he voiced concern about populations subjected to prejudice and occupation. He called on the international community to enforce accountability, carry out UN decisions, and respect international law.

President Zardari emphasized that a just society is the cornerstone of peace, prosperity, and national unity and urged for a renewed commitment to advancing justice, equity, and human dignity both domestically and internationally.