Islamabad : On the ocassion of International Women’s Day, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, emphasized the need to empower women and to bring them into the national mainstream for progress and prosperity of the nation. He said that providing equal opportunities to women in all spheres of life is crucial for the development and progress of the country. He expressed these views in his message on the occasion of International Women’s Day which is being commemorated on March 8, under the auspices of the United Nations.
While appreciating the role of women in the development of the society, the Speaker underscored the necessity of offering equal opportunities and encouragement across all aspects of life. He called for global collaboration and practical legislative measures to eliminate discrimination, prevent oppression and violence against women, and safeguard their rights.
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq highlighted the need to negate negative perceptions and attitudes surrounding women’s rights, aiming to bring them actively into the national mainstream. He emphasized economic empowerment by encouraging women’s participation in economic sectors. The Speaker reiterated his commitment to spearhead all possible steps to ensure women’s due place in society, their empowerment, and protection of their rights.
Acknowledging the substantial representation of women in the Parliament of Pakistan, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said that women Parliamentarians in Pakistan have always been. playing active role in legislation and House proceedings. While highlighting the recent election of Ms. Maryam Nawaz as the Chief Minister of Punjab, he said that it is a reflection of women’s active participation in the political process and their role in the country’s development.
On this occasion Deputy Speaker National Aseembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah said that more than half of Pakistan’s population comprises of women and without their inclusion in the mainstream the dream of a prosperous Pakistan could not be fulfilled. He said that the Constitution of Pakistan guaranteed protection of women’s rights. Deputy Speaker recalled the historic achievements of women leaders, such as Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, Begum Rana Liaquat Ali Khan, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif. He expressed hope that the newly elected Parliament would take concrete steps for the welfare of women and for their inclusion in the mainstream.