ISLAMABAD: President Arif Alvi while observing the annual International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on Monday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eradicate all forms of poverty and that the country would continue taking the required measures for people’s prosperity and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Speaking here in Islamabad, President Arif Alvi said that poverty was in fact the violation of basic human rights. He said the floods and other natural calamities were among the major factors causing poverty. Due to the recent floods in Pakistan, there was also a risk of rise in poverty ratio in the country. He said Pakistan would continue to abide by the principles of poverty alleviation, and protection of earth and environment.
The president said the climate change had aggravated the problems confronting the developing countries like Pakistan. He said in wake of the floods, the international community should realize its responsibilities.
President Alvi said Pakistan had initiated multiple programs for poverty eradication like National Rural Support Program, Benazir Income Support Program, Ehsaas Program and Sehat Card. The country would also continue to take more measures for poverty reduction in future, he added. He said besides providing food, employment, health, housing and justice, it was also equally essential to ensure people’s inclusion in the politics and their empowerment in order to eradicate poverty.
