Pakistan joins the international community to observe the International Women’s Day today. It gives me pleasure to express that like other countries in the world, Pakistan, too, is committed to ensuring gender justice and equality in the country. No nation can afford to ignore women as they from almost fifty percent of the world’s population. The government, in line with the vision of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed, is determined to enable women to play their due role in the socio-economic development of Pakistan.
I am certain that all of us, regardless of gender, will unite to end violence against women and girls as well as for combating the social attitudes and behaviours that condone, tolerate, excuse or ignore the prejudices against women. These prejudices persist in every country as a pervasive violation of human rights and a major impediment to achieving gender equality. Zero tolerance of violation against women is the target of this government.
Government accords high priority to the development and empowerment of women. The government is addressing issues pertaining to discriminatory laws, introducing new legislation and has earnestly stepped up its efforts to eliminate abuse of women in all its forms with the active involvement of women parliamentarians, civil society organizations and NGOs. The elimination of discrimination has to be achieved through the dedicated efforts to the entire nation.
I am confident that if we safeguard the rights and acknowledge the contribution of women in our development agenda, we can make Pakistan a peaceful and a prosperous country.
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PID
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