At the United Nations, Pakistan has reaffirmed the commitment to gender equality.
Addressing the High-level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, in New York, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted Pakistan’s institutional and legislative measures for women empowerment.
He mentioned National and Provincial Commissions on the Status of Women, gender-based violence courts, women police stations, and progressive laws to safeguard women from violence, harassment, and discrimination.
The Deputy Prime Minister said social protection programs like Benazir Income Support Program and the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, are helping women overcome poverty, access finance, and seize entrepreneurial opportunities.
He underscored that for Pakistan, the empowerment of women has been a guiding principle under the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who proclaimed that no nation can rise to glory without women standing shoulder to shoulder with men.
The Deputy Prime Minister said women in Pakistan hold leadership roles across politics, judiciary, civil service, law enforcement, and the armed forces.
He said Pakistan holds the distinction of electing the first female Prime Minister in the Muslim world, and has recently witnessed the election of the first woman Chief Minister of Punjab.
The Deputy Prime Minister urged the international community to act with urgency, courage, and solidarity to ensure that every woman and girl lives free from poverty and violence, and is empowered to contribute to inclusive and sustainable development.
