Gilani calls for sustainable economic opportunities to lift people out of poverty

ISLAMABAD
Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Wednesday 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 titled “Inclusive and Resilient Economic Empowerment and Growth — From Poverty to Prosperity” as the chief guest at a local hotel in Islamabad, he said inclusive growth required a comprehensive approach combining social protection, skills development, economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods.
He observed that the conference declaration reflected a collective commitment to achieving dignified and sustainable prosperity for all. Recalling his tenure as prime minister, Gilani 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 role of the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), he acknowledged its contribution to 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, 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 young people should be equipped with the skills and resources needed to contribute to national progress.
He also underlined the importance of protecting vulnerable communities from climate-related challenges and economic shocks through coordinated efforts involving 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 should be to enable people to escape poverty permanently through dignity, opportunity and economic independence. He reaffirmed that the Senate of Pakistan, as the House of the Federation, remained committed to inclusive development, social justice and public welfare.
Gilani expressed hope that the conference recommendations would inform policymaking and parliamentary engagement to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
On the occasion, he congratulated the recipients of the Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan Excellence Awards, describing women’s empowerment as essential to Pakistan’s socioeconomic progress.
He commended the PPAF, the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, collaborating federal institutions, development partners, international organisations and participants for making the conference a success.
Concluding his address, Gilani stressed that the conference’s success would ultimately be measured by the translation of its declaration into concrete action and measurable improvements in people’s lives.
A large number of women parliamentarians also attended the event. The chairman Senate acknowledged their active role in legislation and policymaking and presented them with shields in recognition of their services.