Eradicating poverty cornerstone for achieving development: Pakistani PM

ISLAMABAD, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) — Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that eradicating poverty is a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development and ensuring peace and prosperity in the South Asian country.
In his message on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the prime minister highlighted that lifting people out of poverty is not just about immediate relief, but about creating sustainable pathways to economic empowerment.
Talking about the poverty eradication measures, Sharif said that through social safety net initiatives, the country has made significant progress in alleviating poverty and ensured that the most vulnerable citizens are supported, adding amid global challenges, including inflation and economic uncertainty, Pakistan remained committed to making life more affordable for its people.
“Our targeted efforts aim at empowering communities, and giving them the tools they need to build a better future with several initiatives to provide financial assistance and technical support to millions of families. Our policies are geared towards creating long-term economic resilience,” he said.
The prime minister said that poverty eradication is at the forefront of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which Pakistan remained fully committed to achieving, adding the country will continue to collaborate with global partners and work towards these goals with an emphasis on inclusive growth, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. ■