The First Lady of Pakistan, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, met with Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Mother of the Amir of Qatar, during a visit to the Qatar Foundation on the sidelines of the 2nd World Summit on Social Development in Doha.
The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere, where both leaders discussed potential areas of collaboration in education, health, innovation, and women’s empowerment. The First Lady commended Her Highness’s longstanding leadership in promoting education and human development through the Qatar Foundation and the Education Above All (EAA) initiative.
Aseefa Bhutto Zardari praised EAA’s continued contribution to educating over 1.3 million out-of-school children in Pakistan through initiatives such as Educate a Child, and welcomed the upcoming Pakistan Youth Leadership Initiative (PYLI), which aims to equip young Pakistanis with essential educational and entrepreneurial skills.
During the meeting, the First Lady also briefed Her Highness on her ongoing efforts to expand vocational and technical training programmes, particularly targeting women to enhance their financial independence and empowerment.
Proposing closer academic cooperation, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari suggested partnerships between Pakistani universities and Qatar Foundation institutions, including joint programmes in teacher training and research. Her Highness Sheikha Moza responded positively, expressing Qatar Foundation’s readiness to explore these areas of mutual interest.
Her Highness noted that Pakistani students currently form the fourth largest group of international students enrolled at Qatar Foundation’s educational institutions. Her team also highlighted several innovative projects being developed by Pakistani students, showcasing their creativity and academic excellence.
The First Lady took the opportunity to commend Her Highness’s advocacy for the Palestinian cause, particularly her vocal condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza and Qatar’s diplomatic efforts in promoting a humanitarian ceasefire. In response, Sheikha Moza pointed to the international double standards evident in the global response to the crisis.
Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to education, empowerment, and social inclusion, agreeing to strengthen institutional cooperation in these fields.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari expressed deep appreciation for Her Highness Sheikha Moza’s leadership, vision, and enduring friendship with the people of Pakistan, noting that her example continues to inspire women and youth across the Muslim world.
