World Day of Social Justice: President reaffirms commitment to justice, equality

ISLAMABAD: President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday reaffirmed the country’s commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity, saying the Constitution obliges the state to eliminate exploitation and ensure the well-being of all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable segments of society.

In his message on the World Day of Social Justice, observed on February 20, the President said Articles 3, 37, and 38 of the Constitution require the state to promote social and economic justice without discrimination. He said the government remains committed to ensuring access to necessities, including food, shelter, clothing, education, and healthcare for all citizens.

Highlighting social protection measures, he said the budget of the Benazir Income Support Programme has increased from Rs34 billion at its launch to Rs716 billion for 2025-26, benefiting around 10 million households across the country.

He added that additional support is being provided through Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal, Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution and the Prime Minister Youth Programme. These initiatives offer healthcare, education, shelter, food assistance and interest-free loans, with special focus on the elderly, differently-abled persons, women, youth, minorities and transgender individuals. The President said provincial governments are also contributing through targeted programmes in health, education, nutrition, skills development and women’s empowerment. He cited Universal Health Insurance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ba-himmat Buzurg in Punjab and the Benazir Women Agricultural Workers Support Programme in Sindh as key examples.

Referring to economic challenges, he said inflation, climate change and fiscal constraints continue to affect low-income households the most. He stressed the need for sustained reforms, efficient use of public resources and stronger partnerships with provinces, civil society, the private sector and development partners to bridge the gap between needs and available resources.

The President said Pakistan’s commitment to social justice is in line with the United Nations vision of equitable and peaceful societies and supports the 2026 UN theme, “Empowering Inclusion, Bridging Gaps for Social Justice,” aimed at tackling poverty, inequality and unemployment while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.

He also highlighted global concerns, saying social justice remains an unfinished mission worldwide. He pointed to the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine, where people continue to face oppression, occupation and denial of fundamental rights. He urged the international community to uphold international law and ensure implementation of relevant UN resolutions.

Concluding his message, the President called for renewed efforts to promote fairness, equity and human dignity, stating that a just and inclusive society is essential for peace, prosperity and national unity.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026