President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photo: Archive
ISLAMABAD:
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed their commitment to ensuring an enabling environment for women to achieve their full potential.
In their separate messages on the occasion of International Women’s Day on Sunday, the President and the Prime Minister paid tribute to the women, mothers, sisters and daughters of Pakistan and around the world.
President Zardari said the government is working to expand women’s access to education and health care, strengthen economic opportunities and improve protection against violence.
She said women’s representation in parliament and provincial assemblies has been guaranteed through constitutional provisions.
In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister emphasized that the overall development and prosperity of the nation can only be achieved through equal opportunities and meaningful participation of women.
The prime minister said women empowerment remains central to the government’s vision for the development of Pakistan.
He paid tribute to the women of Pakistan on International Women’s Day, recognizing their contributions and resilience.
She expressed her commitment to expanding opportunities, ensuring equal access to education and economic participation, and creating an environment where every woman can realize her full potential.
The Prime Minister said Pakistani women continue to shape the country’s progress with resilience, talent and determination in all spheres of national life.
Shehbaz said that women’s achievements inspire the nation and strengthen the collective resolve to build a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan.
Furthermore, in his message, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar noted that Pakistan remains steadfast in promoting the rights and empowerment of women and girls.
She said that as a State party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Pakistan continues to implement legislative, political and institutional reforms that strengthen women’s participation and leadership.
Dar stated that the government has created a comprehensive framework to promote gender-sensitive legislation, oversight and accountability. She highlighted that women’s voices, talents and aspirations are essential drivers of inclusive development, responsive governance and sustainable peace.
Dar said Pakistan is proud to host the ninth Ministerial Conference on Women of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) this year.
She said women are increasingly assuming leadership roles in political institutions, the executive, the judiciary, public administration, armed forces, NGOs and public and private corporate sectors. They also represent Pakistan with distinction in diplomacy and international organizations.
(With contributions from Radio Pakistan)
