President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed commitment to ensure an enabling environment for women to realize their full potential.
In their separate messages on International Women’s Day, which was celebrated 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 access to education and health care for women, strengthen economic opportunities and improve protection from violence.
He said women’s representation in parliament and provincial assemblies has been ensured 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 for women.
The prime minister said women empowerment remains central to the government’s vision for Pakistan’s development.
He paid tribute to the women of Pakistan on International Women’s Day and recognized their contribution 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 realize her full potential.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistani women continue to shape the country’s progress with resilience, talent and determination across all spheres of national life.
Shehbaz said women’s achievements inspire the nation and strengthen the collective will to build a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan.
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar noted in his message that Pakistan remains steadfast in promoting the rights and empowerment of women and girls.
He said that 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 that 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 that Pakistan is proud to host the 9th Ministerial Conference on Women of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) this year.
He said women are increasingly assuming leadership roles across political institutions, the executive, the judiciary, the civil service, the armed forces, NGOs and the public and private corporate sectors. They also represent Pakistan with distinction in diplomacy and international organizations.
(With inputs from Radio Pakistan)
