Asifa Bhutto Calls For Greater Opportunities For Gilgit-Baltistan Women

ISLAMABAD: (News Desk) – First Lady Asifa Bhutto Zardari has called for greater educational, economic and healthcare opportunities for women and young people in Gilgit-Baltistan, saying every girl deserves the chance to pursue her ambitions without facing social or financial barriers.

In her message on the 79th Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan, she extended warm greetings to the region’s people, particularly its youth, girls and women, while paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives to liberate the region from Dogra rule and establish its historic connection with Pakistan.

Asifa Bhutto Zardari said the legacy of that struggle should be honoured by ensuring access to education for every child, meaningful employment opportunities for young people and greater participation of women in decisions affecting their lives.

Addressing the girls of Gilgit-Baltistan, she said their dreams and ambitions mattered, whether they aspired to become teachers, doctors, scientists, entrepreneurs, athletes or public representatives. She stressed that no girl should be forced to abandon her education because of distance, financial difficulties or social restrictions.

The First Lady also highlighted the political contributions of former prime ministers Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, along with the Pakistan Peoples Party government’s introduction of self-governance in Gilgit-Baltistan in 2009.

She said these initiatives reflected the belief that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan deserved dignity, representation and a greater role in determining their future.

Recalling her mother Benazir Bhutto’s legacy, Asifa said she had demonstrated that women could lead with courage, serve with compassion and overcome barriers. She encouraged girls in the region to draw inspiration from her example and the determination of women in their own families and communities.

She emphasised that improving the lives of women and girls required practical measures, including quality schools, trained teachers, scholarships, safe transport, digital access and better healthcare facilities.

Highlighting maternal healthcare, she said women in remote mountain communities must have timely access to medical care during pregnancy and childbirth, adding that women’s health, nutrition and wellbeing should remain central to development planning.

The First Lady further said Gilgit-Baltistan’s youth could contribute significantly to tourism, technology, agriculture, sports and entrepreneurship if provided with relevant skills, reliable internet connectivity and access to finance and markets.

She also called for greater recognition and fair economic returns for women involved in handicrafts, small businesses and agricultural activities.

Asifa Bhutto Zardari stressed that young people and women should be included in efforts to protect Gilgit-Baltistan’s mountains, glaciers, rivers and cultural heritage, describing their knowledge and participation as essential for environmental protection and safer communities.

Concluding her message, she expressed hope for a Gilgit-Baltistan where girls grow up with confidence, women enjoy dignity and independence, and young people can look towards the future with optimism. She wished the region’s people lasting peace, happiness and prosperity.