Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has said we reaffirm our respect for the rights, cultures, traditions and well-being of Indigenous People. President Zardari said we support efforts to ensure that their knowledge is respected, their voices are heard and their communities have access to the opportunities and services they need to live with dignity and securityThis was stated by President Asif Ali Zardari in his message on the occasion of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.President Zardari said that Pakistan joins the international community in observing the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. This day gives us an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Indigenous Peoples and to acknowledge the knowledge, traditions and practices they have preserved and passed on through generations.He said that indigenous knowledge is closely connected with communities, their surroundings and their ways of life. It has helped sustain cultural traditions and preserve know ledge of nature, health and the environment. Respect for this knowledge is also important for protecting cultural diversity and ensuring that it continues to benefit future generations.President Zardari said that Pakistan's rich cultural mosaic includes communities such as the Kalash and the diverse peoples of our northern mountains. It spans from Gilgit to Gwadar and from the plains to the deserts of Cholistan and Thar. Their languages, traditions and knowledge systems have enriched our national heritage for centuries. Their deep understanding of nature, community health and sustainable living reflects a legacy of resilience and wisdom that deserves recognition and preservation.President Zardari said 'Our Constitution ensures equality before the law and equal protection. It also recognises the right of citizens with a distinct language, script or culture to preserve and promote it. We remain committed to protecting these rights and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens'.He said that the theme o f this year's International Day, 'Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being', draws attention to the important role of Indigenous midwives as caregivers and holders of traditional knowledge. Their work helps preserve knowledge passed from one generation to another while supporting the health and well-being of mothers, newborns and families.President Zardari said this theme also has practical relevance for communities where access to healthcare can be difficult. For women living in remote and geographically difficult areas, having trusted and culturally appropriate pre- and post-natal care can make a significant difference to their families. Recognising the knowledge and role of midwives is therefore an important part of supporting safe and respectful care.He said that Pakistan ratified the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2005. The Convention provides an important framework for safeguarding the knowledge, skills, traditions and practices t hat communities pass on from generation to generation. Pakistan also ratified the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions in 2022. These commitments reflect Pakistan's support for the protection of cultural diversity and the preservation of living cultural traditions.President Zardari said 'On this International Day, we reaffirm our respect for the rights, cultures, traditions and well-being of Indigenous People. We support efforts to ensure that their knowledge is respected, their voices are heard and their communities have access to the opportunities and services they need to live with dignity and security'.