ISLAMABAD: First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari has called for placing women’s health, education and economic well-being at the heart of the regional development agenda.

In a message on the 79th Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan, she said genuine opportunity for women and girls requires robust practical support, including quality healthcare, safe transport and digital access. She stressed the urgent need for timely maternal care during pregnancy and childbirth, particularly for mothers living in remote mountain communities.

“Gilgit-Baltistan’s young people have much to contribute through tourism, technology, agriculture, sport and enterprise. They need skills, reliable internet and access to finance and markets. Women who produce handicrafts, run small businesses or work on farms deserve recognition, fair returns and greater economic independence,” she said.

“On this proud day, let us renew our commitment to a Gilgit-Baltistan where girls grow up with confidence, women live with dignity and independence, and young people can look to the future with hope,” she said.

Ms Aseefa recalled the struggle of the people of the area and said the legacy of that effort belongs to the generations growing up in Gilgit-Baltistan today. “We must honour it by ensuring that every child can learn, every young person can pursue a meaningful livelihood and every woman can participate fully in the decisions that affect her life,” she said.

She added that girls be provided every opportunity to become a teacher, doctor, scientist, entrepreneur, athlete or public representative.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2026