Pakistan president to attend World Summit for Social Development in Doha on Nov. 4-6

President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari addressing a ceremony in Gilgit-Baltistan on November 1, 2025. (PID)
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Updated 02 November 2025
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Pakistan president to attend World Summit for Social Development in Doha on Nov. 4-6

  • The summit will bring together world leaders, policymakers to discuss promoting decent work opportunities and strengthening safety nets
  • President Asif Ali Zardari will also meet regional and global leaders, including Qatari leadership, as well as heads of multilateral forums

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari will attend the second World Summit for Social Development in Doha on November 4–6 being held under the auspices of the United Nations General Assembly, Pakistan’s Press Information Department (PID) said on Sunday.

The summit will bring together world leaders and policymakers to discuss ways of advancing social development, promoting decent work and employment opportunities as well as strengthening inclusive safety nets.

The president will hold important meetings with global and regional leaders, including the leadership of Qatar, as well as heads of major multilateral forums such as the UN and other international organizations.

“President Zardari will underscore Pakistan’s commitment to inclusive growth and social protection,” the PID said in a statement. “Pakistan’s readiness to pilot a Doha-aligned Social Protection and Jobs Compact (2026–28) aimed at expanding coverage to informal workers, persons with disabilities, and children, while promoting decent work and green employment, will also be highlighted.”

The Social Protection and Jobs Compact initiative aligns Pakistan’s national plans with the Doha Political Declaration and global commitments on social protection and financing for development.

President Zardari will underline Pakistan’s intent to work closely with development partners and multilateral institutions to mobilize financing for social protection and green employment through mechanisms such as the SDG Stimulus, debt-for-social or climate swaps, and South–South cooperation under China’s Global Development Initiative, according to the PID.

“Zardari will also reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to translating the outcomes of the Doha Summit into concrete actions that strengthen social protection systems and support sustainable, inclusive economic growth,” it added.


Government says Imran Khan’s ‘detailed’ medical report shared, family disputes claim

Updated 57 min 16 sec ago
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Government says Imran Khan’s ‘detailed’ medical report shared, family disputes claim

  • Khan underwent an eye procedure last month, PTI says family was not informed
  • Ex-PM’s sister says only brief notes provided despite Supreme Court assurance

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government said on Friday a “detailed” medical report of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan had been shared with his family following directions from the prime minister’s office, even as Khan’s relatives disputed the claim and accused jail authorities of withholding information.

Concerns over Khan’s health were raised by his family and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party last month after the government confirmed he was taken from prison to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a brief eye procedure. Authorities said at the time that Khan’s condition was stable and the treatment routine, while PTI leaders said they were not informed in advance and questioned the lack of transparent medical disclosure.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the report was prepared by PIMS and had been forwarded to the prison authorities and handed over to Khan’s family.

“A letter was written by the Leader of the Opposition to the Prime Minister and PTI Leaders also approached the Supreme Court of Pakistan regarding medical check up of Mr. Imran Ahmad [Khan] Niazi who is serving his sentences in Central Jail Rawalpindi (Adiala),” he said in a social media post on X.

“On directions from Prime Minister’s Office, a detailed report has been sent by Executive Director PIMS Hospital to the Superintendent of Central Jail Rawalpindi (Adiala) which has been handed over to the family,” he added.

 

However, the former prime minister’s sister Aleema Khan said they had not received complete medical reports, despite assurances given by the country’s top judge.

“The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court committed last Friday that Imran Khan’s medical reports would be provided to his family,” she said on X. “Today, when the jail superintendent appeared before the ATC [Anti-Terrorism Court], only two brief notes were submitted.”

She said the government’s conduct reflected a disregard for the court’s order, urging the Chief Justice of Pakistan to issue a contempt notice to the jail authorities and ensure that Khan’s medical reports were handed over to his family without further delay.

The dispute has renewed tensions surrounding Khan’s incarceration, which has become a flashpoint in Pakistan’s deeply polarized politics. 

Khan, who served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022, has been in prison since August 2023 following multiple convictions that he and his party say are politically motivated, a charge the government denies.