First Lady Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari met with First Lady of the Republic of Maldives Sajidha Mohamed at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad today.

During the meeting, the two First Ladies underscored the importance of women's empowerment, youth development and greater people-to-people engagement as key pillars of Pakistan-Maldives bilateral relations.

Welcoming her Maldivian counterpart, Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari expressed the hope that Pakistan's warmth and hospitality would make her visit memorable and further strengthen the longstanding bonds of friendship, mutual respect, shared values and Islamic brotherhood between the two countries.

The First Lady expressed satisfaction over expanding bilateral cooperation in education, healthcare, culture, youth development and people-to-people exchanges.

Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari commended First Lady Sajidha Mohamed's distinguished professional journey, particularly her leadership role at the Maldives Food and Drug Authority and her contributions to the public health response during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She also appreciated her initiatives to empower women and youth, significantly reduce school dropouts and support vulnerable communities through innovative initiatives.

The First Ladies agreed to strengthen mutual cooperation in women's leadership, education, skills development, tourism and hospitality, modern and cost-effective agriculture, entrepreneurship, public health, social development and youth empowerment.

Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari reaffirmed that women's empowerment, poverty alleviation and maternal and child health remain among her foremost priorities.

She highlighted the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), launched in 2008 to carry forward the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, as Pakistan's flagship social protection initiative, providing financial assistance to millions of vulnerable families, particularly women.

She also outlined the transformative impact of the Benazir Nashonuma Programme in addressing malnutrition and childhood stunting during the critical first 1,000 days of life.

Both First Ladies emphasised the importance of closer cooperation between relevant institutions and civil society organisations working for the welfare of women, children and youth.

Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari also presented pink ribbons to the First Lady of the Maldives and members of her delegation as a gesture of solidarity and to raise awareness about breast cancer.