First Lady calls for human solidarity, justice and dialogue, highlights Pakistan’s commitment to peace

KARACHI, Nov 05 (APP):First Lady Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari has called for greater human solidarity, compassion and understanding, stressing that scientific and technological progress must go hand in hand with humanity’s ability to care for one another.

She was chief guest at the second edition of the Diplomatic Bazaar, titled “Confluence — A Celebration of Human Dignity, Friendship and Universal Brotherhood”, organised by the Foreign Affairs Liaison Office (FALO), Karachi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the State Guest House, Karachi, on Thursday.

The First Lady formally inaugurated the Bazaar and visited the stalls set up by participating countries. She interacted with diplomats and explored the traditional cuisines, handicrafts, arts and cultural heritage showcased by the participating diplomatic missions.

Addressing the gathering, the First Lady said Karachi, with its many languages, cultures and communities, reflects Pakistan’s diversity, resilience and generosity. She observed that while cultures might differ, people’s hopes and aspirations are remarkably similar, with everyone seeking peace, opportunities, security and a better future for their children. She expressed hope that the connections established through the Bazaar would open new opportunities for young people, women entrepreneurs, artists and businesses.

The First Lady also highlighted the extraordinary pace of scientific and technological progress, particularly in artificial intelligence, which is transforming how people learn, work, communicate and shape their future. However, she pointed out that despite humanity’s growing technological capabilities, millions continue to face poverty, hunger, conflict and displacement. “We are teaching machines to think, but have we learned to care for one another? We are making technology more intelligent, but are we making humanity more compassionate?”she said.

Referring to the vision of her mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the First Lady said she had envisioned a Pakistan that would stand among nations with confidence and dignity, champion dialogue over confrontation and contribute to lasting peace in the region and beyond. She said this vision continues to guide Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts through building bridges of understanding, resolving differences through dialogue and pursuing a future in which peace, cooperation and shared prosperity prevail over conflict and division. Recalling her mother’s belief in standing together, particularly in difficult times, she said the world has enough divisions and needs the courage to care for one another.

 Asifa Bhutto Zardari said that the suffering of innocent children in Gaza and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, as well as elsewhere in the world, cannot be ignored while celebrating friendship and international cooperation. Emphasising that human dignity cannot be selective and compassion cannot be conditional, she said lasting peace is not possible without justice.

Diplomatic Bazaar 2.0 brought together over 25 countries, providing a platform to showcase their traditional cuisines, handicrafts, arts and cultural heritage. The event was attended by senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the business community and the general public.

Senior Minister Sindh, Sharjeel Inam Memon, appreciated the initiative and reaffirmed the Government of Sindh’s commitment to promoting cultural and economic engagement with international partners.

The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Sami Abdullah Salim Al Khanjari, Consul General of Oman, highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and mutual understanding in bringing people and nations closer. He noted that initiatives such as the Diplomatic Bazaar provide an opportunity for the diplomatic community to engage with the public beyond formal diplomatic settings, allowing countries to share their traditions, heritage and cultural identity. He also appreciated the platform for promoting friendship, strengthening people-to-people connections and fostering a spirit of cooperation among participating countries.

Expressing his remarks, Ambassador Muhammad Khalid Jamali, Additional Foreign Secretary, conveyed the greetings of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar.

Earlier, Director General FALO Karachi, Muhammad Irfan Soomro, welcomed the participants and highlighted the significance of the Diplomatic Bazaar in bringing diplomacy closer to the people and strengthening engagement between the diplomatic community and the public.

Cultural performances by Pakistan and participating countries were also part of the event, reflecting the diversity of traditions and celebrating cultural expression and international friendship.

At the conclusion of the event, the First Lady distributed awards among the participating countries in recognition of their participation. She also joined the cake-cutting ceremony to mark the occasion and celebrate the spirit of friendship and togetherness.