MANAMA: King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain welcomed President Asif Ali Zardari to a special luncheon today. Accompanying the President was First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari. During the visit, the King also extended an invitation to view Bahrain’s renowned collection of purebred Arabian horses at the Royal Stud.
The President learned that King Hamad personally oversees the preservation of Bahrain’s historic Arabian horse bloodlines, celebrated worldwide for their purity, speed, and intelligence. Zardari expressed his admiration for the King’s dedicated efforts to conserve these rare equine lines, emphasizing their cultural and religious significance in both Pakistan and Bahrain. He highlighted that the Arabian horse symbolizes the enduring bond and shared heritage between the two nations.
The luncheon, characterized by warm hospitality, was attended by senior members of Bahrain’s royal family and high-ranking officials from Pakistan. First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari’s Visit to Military Hospital Micro School
First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari visited the Micro School at King Hamad University Hospital, part of an initiative aimed at supporting children in hospitals through integrated education programs. She was briefed on how the Micro School allows young patients to continue their studies while undergoing treatment, helping them stay engaged academically and emotionally.
During her visit, the First Lady observed classrooms equipped with modern educational tools and interacted with teachers and children, appreciating the effort to foster a nurturing environment that promotes resilience and normalcy for hospitalized children. She praised the program’s role in combining therapeutic support with academic progress.
Meeting with Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa
The First Lady paid a courtesy visit to Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of Bahrain’s King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW). The two leaders discussed strategies for advancing women’s empowerment, inclusive development, and strengthening institutional mechanisms supporting women’s rights.
Aseefa Bhutto Zardari commended Bahrain’s leadership and achievements in promoting gender equality through policy initiatives and institutional support under the SCW. She expressed admiration for Princess Sabeeka’s longstanding service and leadership in championing women’s issues both nationally and globally.
The First Lady shared details of her ongoing efforts to empower women, including the flagship Sindh initiative launched after the 2022 floods, which has built over 2.1 million climate-resilient homes with ownership transferred directly to women, bolstering economic stability and social security at the family level.
leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to fostering inclusive growth and community development, emphasizing education, social welfare, and resilience-building. The meeting was attended by notable Bahraini officials, including H.E. Dr. Sheikha Mariam bint Hasan Al Khalifa, Vice President of the SCW; H.H. Sheikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa; H.H. Sheikha Nayla bint Hamad Al Khalifa; and H.E. Ms. Amna bint Ahmed Al-Rumaihi, Minister of Housing.
