Pakistan president to outline social protection, green jobs plan at Doha UN summit

In this file photo, taken on September 13, 2025, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari speaks during the Golden Panda International Cultural Forum in Chengdu, China. (Handout/Presidency/File)
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Updated 03 November 2025
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Pakistan president to outline social protection, green jobs plan at Doha UN summit

  • Zardari to meet world and regional leaders, including Qatari leadership and UN officials
  • Pakistan to present new 2026–28 Social Protection and Jobs Compact aligned with UN goals

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari will outline his country’s plan to expand social protection and promote green employment at the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha this week, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Monday.

The three-day summit from Nov. 4-6, organized under the auspices of the United Nations General Assembly, brings together world leaders and policymakers to discuss strategies for advancing social development, promoting decent work, and strengthening inclusive safety nets.

Pakistan’s participation highlights its efforts to align domestic initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), the country’s flagship cash-transfer initiative for low-income households, with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as the country seeks to integrate employment and climate considerations into its social protection agenda.

“The President will underscore Pakistan’s commitment to inclusive growth and social protection, with the Benazir Income Support Program at the center of efforts to reduce poverty and build resilience among vulnerable groups,” Radio Pakistan reported.

According to the broadcaster, Zardari will hold meetings with global and regional leaders, including the leadership of Qatar, as well as heads of multilateral organizations such as the United Nations and other international bodies.

During these discussions, he is expected to emphasize 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 and green employment.

The initiative aligns with the Doha Political Declaration and international commitments on social protection and financing for development.

Zardari will also highlight Pakistan’s intent to work with development partners to mobilize funding through mechanisms such as the SDG Stimulus, debt-for-social or climate swaps, and South–South cooperation under China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI).

Radio Pakistan said the president will reaffirm Pakistan’s resolve to translate the outcomes of the Doha Summit into concrete actions that strengthen social protection systems and support sustainable, inclusive economic growth.


Pakistan, Bangladesh consider ferry service to boost trade, tourism

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Pakistan, Bangladesh consider ferry service to boost trade, tourism

  • Direct shipping link discussed to strengthen maritime cooperation
  • Talks come amid warming ties that led to resumption of direct flights

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bangladesh are considering launching a ferry service and establishing a direct shipping line as part of efforts to expand trade and tourism between the two countries, said an official statement on Wednesday.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry met Bangladesh’s High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Khan in Islamabad to discuss enhancing maritime cooperation and strengthening economic ties.

“A ferry service will significantly increase tourism and trade activities,” Chaudhry said, according to the statement.

He added that promoting maritime connectivity in the region would help strengthen economic stability, while a direct shipping line between the two countries would give fresh momentum to bilateral trade.

Both sides expressed commitment to elevating maritime cooperation and expanding trade and economic collaboration.
Chaudhry said Pakistan wanted to transform historical ties into a strong economic partnership, the statement added.

Pakistan and Bangladesh were part of the same country until Bangladesh’s secession following a bloody civil war in 1971, an event that long cast a shadow over bilateral relations.

However, ties have improved since August 2024 following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was widely viewed as close to India.

Dhaka has since deepened engagement with Islamabad, resuming direct flights in January after more than a decade.