First Lady Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari has called for greater human solidarity, compassion and mutual understanding, emphasising that scientific and technological progress must go hand in hand with humanity’s ability to care for one another.
She made the remarks as 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, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the State Guest House.
The First Lady formally inaugurated the event and visited stalls established by participating countries. She interacted with diplomats and explored traditional cuisines, handicrafts, artworks and cultural heritage presented by diplomatic missions.
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Karachi’s Diversity Reflects Pakistan’s Strength
Addressing the gathering, Asifa Bhutto Zardari said Karachi, with its diverse languages, cultures and communities, reflected Pakistan’s resilience, generosity and multicultural character.
She observed that despite differences in cultural backgrounds, people share similar hopes and aspirations, including peace, opportunities, security and a better future for their children.
She expressed hope that connections established through the Diplomatic Bazaar would create new opportunities for young people, women entrepreneurs, artists and businesses.
Technology Must Advance Alongside Humanity
The First Lady highlighted the rapid pace of scientific and technological development, particularly artificial intelligence, which is transforming how people learn, work, communicate and shape their futures.
However, she noted that millions of people around the world continue to face poverty, hunger, conflict and displacement despite humanity’s growing technological capabilities.
“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.
Benazir Bhutto’s Vision of Peace and Dialogue
Referring to the vision of her mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the First Lady said she had imagined a Pakistan that would engage with the international community confidently and with dignity, promote dialogue over confrontation and contribute to lasting peace.
She said this vision continued to guide Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts through building bridges of understanding, resolving differences through dialogue and pursuing a future based on peace, cooperation and shared prosperity.
Recalling her mother’s belief in standing together during difficult times, Asifa Bhutto Zardari said the world had enough divisions and needed greater courage to show compassion towards others.
Calls for Justice for Gaza and Kashmir
The First Lady said the suffering of innocent children in Gaza and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, as well as other parts of the world, could not be overlooked while celebrating international friendship and cooperation.
Emphasising the importance of equal human dignity, she said compassion must not be conditional and lasting peace could not be achieved without justice.
More Than 25 Countries Participate
Diplomatic Bazaar 2.0 brought together representatives from more than 25 countries, offering visitors an opportunity to experience their traditional cuisines, handicrafts, arts and cultural heritage.
The event attracted senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business community representatives and the general public.
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon appreciated the initiative and reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening cultural and economic engagement with international partners.
The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Oman’s Consul General, Sami Abdullah Salim Al Khanjari, highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and mutual understanding in bringing nations closer.
He said the Diplomatic Bazaar allowed diplomatic missions to connect with the public beyond formal diplomatic engagements by showcasing their traditions, heritage and cultural identities. He also appreciated the platform for promoting friendship, people-to-people connections and international cooperation.
Additional Foreign Secretary Ambassador Muhammad Khalid Jamali conveyed greetings from Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar.
Earlier, FALO Karachi Director General Muhammad Irfan Soomro welcomed participants and highlighted the Bazaar’s role in bringing diplomacy closer to the public and strengthening engagement between diplomatic missions and local communities.
Cultural Performances Celebrate International Friendship
Cultural performances by Pakistan and participating countries formed part of the programme, showcasing diverse traditions and celebrating artistic expression and international friendship.
At the conclusion, the First Lady distributed awards among participating countries in recognition of their involvement. She also joined the cake-cutting ceremony, marking the occasion and celebrating the spirit of friendship and togetherness.
