Zardari, Shehbaz back women empowerment

Say equal opportunities necessary for development

ISLAMABAD:

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed commitment to ensure a conducive environment for women to realise their full potential.

In their separate messages on the International Women's Day which was celebrated on Sunday, the president and the premier paid tribute to the women, mothers, sisters, and daughters of Pakistan and around the world.

President Zardari said the government is working to expand access to education and healthcare for women, strengthen economic opportunity and improve protection against violence.

He said women's representation in parliament and provincial assemblies has been ensured through constitutional provisions.

In a post on the social media platform X, the prime minister emphasised that the nation's overall development and prosperity can only be achieved through equal opportunities and meaningful participation for women.

The prime minister said the empowerment of women remains central to the government's vision for Pakistan's development.

He paid tribute to Pakistan's women on the International Women's Day, acknowledging their contributions and resilience.

He expressed his commitment to expanding opportunities, ensuring equal access to education and economic participation, and creating an environment where every woman can realise her full potential.

The premier said Pakistani women continue to shape the country's progress with resilience, talent and determination across every sphere of national life.

Shehbaz said the achievements of women inspire the nation and strengthen the collective resolve to build a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan.

Separately, in his message, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar noted that Pakistan remains steadfast in advancing the rights and empowerment of women and girls.

He said, as a state party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Pakistan continues to pursue legislative, policy, and institutional reforms that strengthen women's participation and leadership.

Dar stated the government has built a comprehensive framework to promote gender-sensitive legislation, oversight, and accountability. He 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 9th Ministerial Conference on Women of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) this year.

He said women are increasingly taking on leadership roles across political institutions, the executive, the judiciary, the civil service, the armed forces, NGOs, and the public and private corporate sectors. They are also representing Pakistan with distinction in diplomacy and international organizations.

(With input from Radio Pakistan)