Pakistan and Turkiye sign memorandum of understanding on family affairs and social protection

Pakistan and Turkiye signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in family affairs, social services and social protection during a meeting between Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and his Turkish counterpart Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş on Sunday.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the IX OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, where the two ministers discussed women’s rights, the family system and social protection.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Human Rights, the two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation on the rights of women and children, as well as the protection of the family system in the digital space.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to promote family well-being, improve social protection, exchange experiences and promote joint initiatives.

Pakistan and Türkiye also agreed to further strengthen cooperation on women’s rights, social welfare and institutional collaboration.

Earlier, Tarar, addressing a press conference in Islamabad, said hosting the two-day ninth OIC Ministerial Conference on Women is a distinct honor for state-administered Pakistan. Radio Pakistan reported.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the law minister said Pakistan would use this high-level forum to highlight the government’s initiatives aimed at women empowerment and building an inclusive society.

Tarar said Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and a large number of women will also participate in the conference.

The conference titled “Socio-economic and political empowerment of women in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Countries: Challenges and way forward” may bring together around 190 delegates from the 57 OIC member states, including ministers, senior government officials and prominent women leaders.

The Minister of Justice announced that the “Islamabad Declaration” will be adopted at the end of the conference.

Tarar stressed that it is with great pride that Pakistan holds the presidency of the conference for the next two years. He said Pakistan is fully prepared to fulfill its obligations.

He said representatives from 57 OIC member countries are participating in the conference, while several technical working groups are also part of the conference.

He said that the technical sessions of the conference are being held today, while the central ministerial meeting will be held tomorrow. Tarar expressed the government’s determination to continue advancing the agenda of protecting women’s rights.

The foreign delegations were received on Saturday at the Islamabad International Airport by Minister of State for Law and Justice, Advocate Aqeel Malik, Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights, Saba Sadiq, and Parliamentary Secretary for Law and Justice, Farah Naz Akbar, along with other senior government officials.

Read: Pakistan welcomes delegates to the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women on July 12-13

The government tasked Federal Minister of Law, Justice and Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, to chair the women’s ministerial conference to ensure that the country worked closely with OIC member states to advance efforts towards women’s empowerment across the Muslim world.

She was also tasked with fostering dialogue and building consensus towards the unified cause of gender equality during the two-day conference.

The conference aims to empower women by promoting their social, economic, political and professional participation and at the same time promote inclusive and sustainable development throughout the Muslim world.

Delegates are expected to deliberate on measures to expand women’s access to economic opportunities, financial systems, entrepreneurship, technology and digital platforms, the statement said.

The conference will build on the outcomes of previous OIC ministerial meetings on women, particularly the eighth session held in Cairo in 2021, which focused on women’s empowerment, protection frameworks and improving their socio-economic participation.

As host, Pakistan remains committed to using the conference as a platform to reaffirm its commitment to consolidate cooperation among OIC member states to reduce gender gaps and ensure inclusive development across sectors.