Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has emphasised that poverty alleviation must go beyond immediate relief to creating sustainable economic opportunities, ensuring social justice and enabling people to live with dignity and independence. Addressing the closing session of the International Conference on “Inclusive and Resilient Economic Empowerment and Growth — From Poverty to Prosperity” as Chief Guest at a local hotel in Islamabad, he said inclusive growth requires a comprehensive approach combining social protection, skills development, economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods. He observed that the conference declaration reflected a collective commitment to dignified and sustainable prosperity for all.
Recalling his tenure as Prime Minister, the Chairman Senate highlighted the launch of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) as a vital social safety net for millions of deserving families. He also referred to the historic 18th Constitutional Amendment, stressing that strong institutions, effective social protection and economic opportunities were essential for sustainable national progress. Appreciating the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), he acknowledged its role in promoting community-driven development, interest-free financial services and livelihood opportunities, particularly for women and disadvantaged communities.
Emphasising the need to translate policy commitments into tangible results, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani called for stronger linkages between social protection, skills development, productive assets, market access and decent employment. He stressed that women must remain at the centre of economic development and that youth should be equipped with the skills and resources needed to contribute to national progress. He also underlined the importance of protecting vulnerable communities against climate-related challenges and economic shocks through coordinated efforts by the government, parliament, development partners, civil society and local communities.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, the Chairman Senate said, “Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice.” He emphasised that the ultimate objective must be to enable people to overcome poverty permanently through dignity, opportunity and economic independence. He reaffirmed that the Senate of Pakistan, as the House of the Federation, remains committed to inclusive development, social justice and public welfare, expressing hope that the conference recommendations would inform policymaking and parliamentary engagement to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
On the occasion, the Chairman Senate congratulated the recipients of the Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan Excellence Awards, describing women's empowerment as essential to Pakistan's socioeconomic progress. He commended PPAF, the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, collaborating federal institutions, development partners, international organisations and participants for making the conference successful. Concluding his address, he stressed that the conference's true success would be measured by translating its declaration into concrete action and achieving measurable improvements in people's lives. A large number of women parliamentarians also participated in the event. Chairman Senate acknowledged the vibrant role being played by the women parliamentarians in legislation and policy making. He also presented shields to the women parliamentarians in recognition of their services.
