ISLAMABAD, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reaffirmed the country's commitment to taking practical and effective measures to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality and ensure equal development opportunities.
In a message marking the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Sharif said protecting the social and economic rights of citizens, safeguarding their dignity and ensuring equal opportunities for economic well-being were fundamental human rights.
The prime minister said poverty eradication was essential to building a peaceful and just society.
He said the Pakistani government has been expanding access to affordable housing, particularly for economically vulnerable people, through easy financing, adding that the country is pursuing an integrated strategy linking social protection with education, skills development, employment and economic empowerment.
Highlighting several government initiatives, he said the government was also launching a special initiative to support extremely poor and flood-affected households, with the aim of helping them move toward economic self-reliance. ■