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DOHA: President Asif Ali Zardari delivered a powerful address at the United Nations World Conference on Social Development in Doha, where he warned that India is using water as a weapon against Pakistan and urged the international community to uphold justice, peace, and equality. He said that the violation of the Indus Waters Treaty poses a serious threat to 240 million Pakistanis, emphasizing that such actions amount to depriving an entire nation of water, which cannot be tolerated. “We will never allow such pressure tactics to succeed,” he declared. The president accused India of deliberately violating international law by breaching the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a direct threat to regional stability. “Water is now being used as a weapon against Pakistan. Violating the treaty means depriving millions of Pakistanis of their right to water,” he said, reiterating that Pakistan would resist any such attempt that undermines its sovereignty and the livelihood of its people. ‘Kashmir and Palestine struggles are two sides of the same coin’: Turning to global conflicts, President Zardari strongly condemned the genocide and massacre in Gaza, saying that the suffering of the Palestinian people has crossed all limits. He drew a parallel between Kashmir and Palestine, describing both as struggles for self-determination. “The people of Kashmir have faced Indian state terrorism for decades. The issues of Kashmir and Palestine are two sides of the same coin — both peoples are fighting for their right to live with dignity,” he said. President Zardari called on the international community to end racial discrimination, oppression, and famine faced by Palestinians and to ensure justice for both nations under UN resolutions. ‘All children will be in school within five years’: Highlighting Pakistan’s domestic priorities, the president said that his government’s goal is to ensure every child in Pakistan attends school within the next five years. He also spoke about the Green Pakistan Program, an initiative focused on environment-friendly and sustainable development, aimed at tackling climate change and protecting future generations. “Learning modern sciences is indispensable in today’s world,” he added, emphasizing education as the foundation for progress. World leaders approve Doha Summit Declaration: The three-day UN World Conference on Social Development in Doha concluded with the Doha Summit Declaration, which was approved by global leaders. The declaration reaffirmed the world’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and pledged to accelerate efforts toward poverty eradication, decent work, and equitable access to health and education. It also stressed the importance of inclusive policy-making, ensuring that youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups are effectively represented in social and economic decision-making processes. Bilateral meetings on sidelines: On the sidelines of the summit, President Zardari held important bilateral meetings with several world leaders, including the presidents of Iraq and Tajikistan, as well as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. In his meeting with Iraqi President Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, the two leaders discussed ways to enhance trade, business-to-business cooperation, and facilitate visa processes. President Zardari appreciated Iraq’s cooperation in hosting Pakistani pilgrims, while the Iraqi leader invited him to visit Baghdad — an invitation he accepted. During talks with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the Strategic Partnership Agreement, highlighting the depth of bilateral relations. President Zardari accepted President Rahmon’s invitation to visit Tajikistan. Meeting with Guterres: President Zardari also met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, where he called for the implementation of UN resolutions on Kashmir and a just resolution to the Palestine conflict. He emphasized that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1966 borders is essential for lasting peace in the Middle East. Guterres, in response, praised Pakistan’s role in promoting peace and expressed solidarity with the country for its sacrifices in the war against terrorism. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and First Lady Asif Bhutto also attended the meetings alongside the president.
