Doha (TDI): During her visit to the Qatar Foundation on the sidelines of the 2nd World Summit on Social Development in Doha, First Lady of Pakistan, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, met with Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Mother of the Amir of Qatar.
The two sides engaged in a warm and productive discussion centered on enhancing collaboration in education, health, innovation, and women’s empowerment.
The First Lady praised Sheikha Moza bint Nasser’s visionary leadership in promoting access to education and human development through initiatives such as the Qatar Foundation and Education Above All (EAA). She specifically highlighted EAA’s impactful contribution to the education of over 1.3 million out-of-school children in Pakistan, particularly through projects like Educate a Child.
She also expressed support for the upcoming Pakistan Youth Leadership Initiative (PYLI), which aims to equip young Pakistanis with educational and entrepreneurial skills.
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The First Lady also briefed Sheikha Moza on one of her ongoing initiatives to provide vocational and technical training, particularly for women, to enhance their financial independence and empowerment.
First Lady proposed enhanced collaboration between Pakistani universities and Qatar Foundation institutions, including joint initiatives in teacher training.
Sheikha Moza welcomed these proposals and expressed Qatar Foundation’s readiness to explore areas of mutual interest. She that Pakistani students currently represent the fourth largest group of international students enrolled in Qatar Foundation’s educational institutions.
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Her team also briefed the First Lady on several innovative projects led by Pakistani students, reflecting their strong academic and creative potential.
The First Lady commended Sheikha Moza’s vocal support for the people of Palestine and her condemnation of Israeli atrocities in Gaza, as well as Qatar’s constructive diplomatic efforts in facilitating a humanitarian ceasefire. Sheikha Moza, in turn, pointed to the prevailing international double standards in the global response to the crisis.
Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to education, empowerment, and social inclusion, and agreed to continue close cooperation between their respective institutions.
Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari conveyed her deep appreciation for Sheikha Moza’s time, vision, and long-standing friendship with the people of Pakistan, noting that her leadership continues to inspire women and youth across the Muslim world.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
