No progress without women, says Maryam

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said that no force can stop Pakistan from moving forward if the political and military leadership remains committed to the country's progress and stability,

Addressing the 21st convocation of Lahore College for Women University, she said the world had once labelled Pakistan as a country associated with terrorism, but today it was playing the role of a mediator among major nations.

"Countries that were once unwilling to talk to each other are now reaching agreements through Pakistan," she said, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's foresight had helped the country avoid a petroleum crisis.

The CM said she had obtained a master's degree in English from the institution. She told the students that obtaining a degree was not the end of their journey but the beginning of a new phase in life.

"No society can progress without women," she remarked, adding that they were now serving in key positions as commissioners, deputy commissioners and senior police officers across Punjab.

The chief minister said that for the first time in Punjab's history, a woman had been elected chief minister, adding that female ministers in her cabinet were among the most hardworking members of the government.

She recalled that even members of her own party had wondered whether a woman could handle policing, counterterrorism and administrative affairs.

"I have complete confidence in the strength and abilities of the daughters of this nation," she said. "Women are not less capable than men in any field."

CM Maryam Nawaz said the provincial government had adopted a zero-tolerance policy against harassment of women and vowed not to rest until perpetrators were brought to justice.

She said panic buttons were being installed at various locations for women's protection and virtual police stations had also been established.