ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday efforts to alleviate poverty must focus on long-term solutions that lead to economic independence, according to an official statement issued to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
The day, observed globally on October 17, raises awareness about the need to eliminate poverty and improve living conditions worldwide. In September last year, the World Bank reported that nearly 40 percent of Pakistan’s population was living below the poverty line due to the country’s ongoing economic challenges.
“We believe that lifting people out of poverty is not just about immediate relief but about creating sustainable pathways to economic empowerment,” the prime minister said. “Eradicating poverty is not just a moral duty but a fundamental cornerstone for achieving sustainable development and ensuring peace and prosperity for all.”
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the global community in ensuring a world where successful opportunities were not limited to a person’s background or circumstances, he said the government was making efforts for poverty alleviation.
“Our targeted efforts aim at empowering communities, especially women and children, and giving them the tools they need to build a better future,” he added. “As we face global challenges, including inflation and economic uncertainty, the Government of Pakistan remains committed to making life more affordable for its people.”
The prime minister noted Pakistan would continue collaboration with global partners in the inclusive growth, education, health care and environmental sustainability sectors.
“Poverty eradication is also at the forefront of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which Pakistan remains fully committed to achieving,” he said. “We are also proud of the progress made in empowering women and ensuring that their contributions are integral to the nation’s economic and social fabric.”
Sharif expressed confidence in Pakistan’s “unwavering dedication” to alleviating poverty, urging people to join their efforts of building a more “equitable and inclusive” world.
“On this day, I extend my deepest appreciation to all those, both in Pakistan and around the world, who are working tirelessly to eradicate poverty,” the prime minister concluded.
Pakistan PM advocates economic empowerment on World Poverty Day
https://arab.news/z3u3f
Pakistan PM advocates economic empowerment on World Poverty Day
- Shehbaz Sharif terms poverty eradication a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development
- He says government wants to bring down the cost of living amid global economic uncertainties
Pakistan president in Bahrain to boost trade, defense and security ties
- Asif Ali Zardari will meet Bahrain’s king and crown prince, discuss regional issues of mutual interest
- Trade volume between Pakistan and Bahrain has increased from $500 million to $1 billion in recent years
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Bahrain late Tuesday on a four-day visit to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, defense and security, Pakistani state media reported.
Pakistan and Bahrain have maintained close diplomatic, trade, investment and defense relations and have lately been focusing on strengthening their cooperation in key economic sectors.
The Pakistan president’s visit will be focused on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest for both nations, according to the foreign office in Islamabad.
He will hold talks with King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad, and address a reception held at the headquarters of the Economic Development Board in Manama.
“The visit seeks to reinforce Pakistan’s longstanding cooperation with the brotherly Gulf nation while expanding opportunities for collaboration in trade and economic partnership, defense and security and people-to-people ties,” the Radio Pakistan broadcaster said.
Islamabad and Manama established diplomatic ties in 1971. In recent years, the bilateral trade volume between the two countries has ranged between $500 million to around $1 billion, according to Pakistan’s foreign ministry.
Major exports from Pakistan to Bahrain include meat, vegetables, rice, tobacco and textile. Imports from Bahrain, on the other hand, include petroleum products, ferrous wastes and scrape and aluminum.
Both have established a Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) at the level of foreign ministers to discuss trade and economic ties, take decisions mutually and supervise the implementation of these decisions. So far, only two sessions of the JMC have been held and the last one was held in Bahrain in July 2021.
Zardari’s visit takes place amid increasing economic engagement between the two nations following the Pakistan-Bahrain Investment Summit in May 2025. Both sides signed contracts worth $13 million during the summit.
