First Lady of Pakistan, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, MNA, underscored the critical role of community-level engagement in building public trust, citing Pakistan’s Lady Health Workers Programme as a globally recognised model for bridging the gap between the state and its citizens during a high-level panel in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
According to a statement by PPP today, participating in the 2026 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Majlis at the invitation of the United Arab Emirates government, the First Lady addressed global leaders and thinkers at the gathering, which reflects the UAE’s commitment to coexistence and dialogue.
During a distinguished panel discussion titled ‘Female Leadership at the Heart of Human Fraternity,’ Aseefa explained that trust in public institutions is earned through listening and sustained engagement, not merely through directives. She presented the health workers initiative as a powerful example of two-way communication, delivering healthcare and vaccination awareness directly to families” homes.
She attributed the programme”s success to its community-embedded approach, where local women who understand the cultural context serve as trusted figures. The First Lady noted this strategy has significantly improved public health outcomes in recent vaccination campaigns, including for HPV and the nationwide polio eradication drive.
In her remarks, Aseefa reflected on the legacy of her mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s first female prime minister, framing her perspective on leadership models grounded in empathy and inclusive governance.
Aseefa also stressed the importance of aligning education and family in shaping values for future generations. Recalling her own schooling in the UAE during her family”s exile, she praised initiatives that fostered habits of respect and responsibility, noting the profound impact when schools and parents partner in a child”s character development.
She commended the UAE leadership for its emphasis on tradition and service, describing the designation of 2026 as the “Year of the Family,” in line with the vision of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as a timely and powerful message.
Upon her arrival, the First Lady was received by Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity.
Prior to the discussion, Ms Aseefa also interacted with several distinguished participants, including former Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri and the First Ladies of Lebanon and Colombia, among other international dignitaries.
The First Lady’s participation reflected Pakistan’s continued commitment to the promotion of human fraternity and the strengthening of community values at a global level.