Islamabad, October 16,2026: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has called for a renewed national commitment to eradicating poverty, ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens and building a just, inclusive and prosperous Pakistan.
In his message on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the Speaker said poverty was not merely an economic challenge but also a fundamental issue of human dignity, social justice and equal access to opportunities.
He emphasised that every citizen deserved access to quality education, affordable healthcare, decent housing, nutritious food, dignified employment and social protection, regardless of their economic circumstances or geographical location.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the international day served as a reminder of the collective responsibility of the state, Parliament, government institutions, civil society and the private sector to address the structural causes of poverty and ensure that the benefits of economic development reached all segments of society.
Referring to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 1 on ending poverty, he stressed the need to strengthen social protection systems, promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, create decent employment opportunities and reduce inequalities. He said poverty alleviation must remain central to national policymaking, public expenditure and development planning.
The Speaker underscored the importance of empowering women and young people, improving access to education and skills development, supporting small businesses and agricultural communities, and expanding economic opportunities in underserved areas.
He said targeted, transparent and effective public policies were essential to helping vulnerable families achieve sustainable economic independence rather than rely on short-term assistance.
Highlighting the United Nations focus on “Safe Homes for All” under the 2026–2028 theme “United for Peace and Human Rights,” the Speaker said access to safe, adequate and affordable housing was integral to human dignity and social well-being.
He called for greater attention to the housing needs of low-income families and vulnerable communities, noting that secure housing supported access to education, healthcare and employment while improving quality of life.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said Parliament had a vital role in advancing poverty eradication through effective legislation, constructive debate, parliamentary oversight and scrutiny of public spending. He called for sustained institutional cooperation to ensure national development policies remained people-centred, inclusive and responsive to disadvantaged communities.
He also stressed the need for stronger coordination between federal and provincial governments to promote equitable development, improve the delivery of essential public services and address regional disparities.
The Speaker observed that a poverty-free Pakistan required not only economic growth but also fair opportunities, accountable institutions and policies that left no one behind.
He urged all stakeholders to work collectively towards a society where every citizen could live with dignity, security and hope, reaffirming that poverty eradication was both a national imperative and a shared global responsibility essential to sustainable development, social harmony and lasting peace.
