First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and Pakistan’s First Lady, Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari, have discussed strengthening cooperation in women’s empowerment, youth development, education and public health during a meeting in Islamabad.
The meeting was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the official residence of Pakistan’s president, during Sajidha Mohamed’s visit to Pakistan accompanying President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on his state visit.
Both First Ladies emphasised the importance of stronger people-to-people ties, identifying cooperation in education, skills development, entrepreneurship, tourism and healthcare as key areas for further engagement between the two countries.
Asifa Bhutto Zardari commended Sajidha Mohamed’s professional contributions, particularly her leadership at the Maldives Food and Drug Authority and her role in the public health response during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also welcomed her initiatives to support women, young people and vulnerable communities.
The discussions covered opportunities to expand women’s participation in public life through vocational training, leadership development and economic empowerment. Both sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in modern agriculture, social development and youth education.
Asifa Bhutto Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s Benazir Income Support Programme, which provides financial assistance to vulnerable families, particularly women, and the Benazir Nashonuma Programme, which aims to address malnutrition and childhood stunting.
“Our objective is to ensure that every woman lives with dignity and economic security, and every child receives a healthy start in life,” she said.
The two First Ladies also stressed the importance of exchanges among students, educational institutions, experts and young professionals to strengthen ties between future generations of Maldivians and Pakistanis.
As a gesture of solidarity and to raise awareness about breast cancer, Asifa Bhutto Zardari presented pink ribbons to Sajidha Mohamed and members of the Maldivian delegation.
Sajidha Mohamed was accompanied by Health, Family and Welfare Minister Geela Ali. Pakistan’s Minister of State for Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar, Senator Rubina Khalid and Member of the National Assembly Shazia Marri also attended the meeting.
