Islamabad, August 13, 2025 – Pakistan’s First Lady, Ms. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, has called for a coordinated national campaign to tackle breast cancer, urging government agencies, healthcare professionals, media, and communities to work together in raising awareness and improving access to treatment. Her remarks came during a meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr with Mr. Omer Aftab, Founder and Honorary CEO of Pink Ribbon Pakistan.
Highlighting the alarming prevalence of the disease, Ms. Bhutto Zardari noted that one in nine Pakistani women faces a risk of developing breast cancer, the highest rate in Asia. She emphasized that late detection continues to claim thousands of lives every year, while early diagnosis can push survival rates above 90 percent.
“Every woman, no matter where she lives, must have timely access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment,” she said, framing women’s health as a national priority. She advocated expanding breast cancer care to rural regions, confronting social taboos that prevent women from seeking help, and deploying mobile mammography units and community outreach programs. She also highlighted the importance of involving male family members to reduce stigma.
The First Lady urged media, educators, and religious leaders to lead a nationwide awareness initiative to promote early detection and timely medical intervention. She also commended Pink Ribbon Pakistan for its work in public awareness, screening programs, and for laying the groundwork for the country’s first dedicated Breast Cancer Hospital—an initiative that could serve as a model for expanding specialized care nationwide.
Analysts say the First Lady’s push reflects a growing recognition of the intersection between public health and social awareness in Pakistan, particularly for diseases where cultural barriers often delay treatment. Experts suggest that combining education, outreach, and infrastructure could significantly reduce preventable mortality from breast cancer across the country.