Alvi laments lack of women in decision-making roles
President Arif Alvi pictured during an interview in 2023. SCREENGRAB/FILE
President Dr Arif Alvi said on Wednesday that one of the reasons behind Pakistan lacking prosperity was the non-involvement of women in decision making as well as the economic corridors of power. He said this while addressing the convocation of International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI).
The president said the country’s investment on women education often went to waste when they are either forced to or opt to sit at home and not enter practical life. "Education is investment of this poor nation on you. If you will sit at home, this will be the loss of the nation. I want you not to give up its practical application,” he said.
He added that it was the duty of the government and the nation to provide women a harassment-free working environment.
Saudi Ambassador in Islamabad Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy, Qatari Ambassador Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, the first secretary of Thailand, IIUI Pro-Chancellor Dr Ahmed Salem Muhammad Al-Ameri, Rector Dr Samina Malik and President Dr Hathal Homoud Alotaibi attended the convocation besides other diplomats and educationists.
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While addressing graduate, Dr Alvi called for job structures for women that would facilitate their family-related engagements.
He cited the example of Hazrat Khadija, the wife of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), who was a business woman. He noted that Islam encouraged women to work. It is not possible to leave half of the country's population unutilised, he continued.
The president awarded PhD degrees to 138 students and gold medals to 71 students.
He noted that girl’s comprised over half of the total 34,000 strength of the university. While addressing fresh graduates, he urged them to welcome knowledge without any religious biases or selection, and always remain humble and act as knowledge-seekers.
He also spoke about the situation in Gaza while lauding Pope Francis’ call for a ceasefire in Gaza, though the West and Israel seemed unwilling to do so.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 9th, 2023.