Nawabshah, Sindh – In a significant move aimed at empowering flood-affected families in rural Sindh, First Lady and MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari led a ceremony on Saturday to distribute homeownership documents under the Sindh People’s Housing for Flood-Affected (SPHF) program.
Speaking at the event in Shaheed Benazirabad (formerly Nawabshah), Aseefa framed the initiative not merely as a housing project, but as a bold step toward restoring dignity and long-term security for displaced communities—especially women.
Women Named Legal Owners of New Homes
A standout feature of the SPHF initiative is that each newly built house is being officially registered in the name of the household’s female head—a policy that Aseefa described as transformative.
“This isn’t just about giving shelter—it’s about giving women authority, protection, and respect within their homes and communities,” she said, adding that around 2.1 million homes are slated for construction across the province.
The decision to make women the legal owners marks a rare example of gender-forward policymaking in a region where property rights for women are often undermined or ignored.
Legacy of Bhuttos Tied to Housing Rights
Aseefa connected the housing drive to a broader political lineage, positioning it as a continuation of the late Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s promise to deliver “roti, kapra, aur makaan” (food, clothing, and shelter) to every Pakistani.
“Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is not just fulfilling a promise; he’s institutionalizing it,” she said, attributing the project’s momentum to her brother’s leadership within the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
Political Undercurrent
While clearly a humanitarian effort, the event also carried a political tone. Aseefa noted that no other province or political party had implemented a project of this scale or scope for flood victims. Implicit in her remarks was a challenge to rivals—particularly those who’ve criticized Sindh’s governance model.
Context: Catastrophic 2022 Floods
The SPHF project emerged in response to the devastating 2022 floods that displaced millions across Pakistan, with Sindh among the hardest-hit regions. Entire villages were submerged, homes destroyed, and thousands left in makeshift shelters for months.
This housing initiative represents the most comprehensive provincial response to date and is seen as a potential blueprint for long-term rehabilitation in climate-vulnerable regions.
Looking Ahead
Aseefa closed her remarks with a note of hope, expressing confidence that these homes would provide more than just shelter—they would become foundations for secure, dignified lives for generations to come.
“This paper you hold today,” she said, referring to the ownership document, “is your claim to safety, pride, and a future you can build on.”
