Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has said Pakistan is investing in girls' education, entrepreneurship, digital literacy and their empowerment.
Ishaq Dar was speaking at the state banquet hosted in the honour of delegates participating in the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, held in Islamabad.
Ishaq Dar lauded the Assistant Secretary General of the OIC and the OIC Secretariat and women participants for their valuable contributions to the conference.
The Deputy Prime Minister said empowering women is not about simply advancing one segment of society, but it is about strengthening the foundation upon which every nation is built. He said Islam transformed the status of women and established principles that were in place today.
Ishaq Dar said our Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) upheld the dignity of women through both his teachings and examples.
He affirmed the women rights to education, property, inheritance, enterprise and participation in society, saying that Constitution of Pakistan also guarantees and ensures the full participation of women in every sphere of national life.
He said our hearts remain with the courageous women of Palestine, particularly in Gaza who continue to endure unimaginable suffering.
Turning to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Deputy Prime Minister said Pakistan also cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of women in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir who continue to endure grave human rights violations.
He also urged the interim authorities in Afghanistan to restore the fundamental rights of Afghan women and girls to education, employment and meaningful participation in national life that are fully consistent with the true teachings of Islam.
In his speech, Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar said the OIC Ministerial Conference on Women will provide an important opportunity for meaningful dialogue and cooperation and will enhance enduring friendship, shared values and unity that defined the spirit of Islamic cooperation.
Meanwhile Pakistan has assumed the chairmanship of the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women in Islamabad.
Assuming the chairmanship, Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar said Pakistan regards the chairmanship as a responsibility to help transform shared aspirations into practical action that improves the lives of women across the Islamic world.
He said Pakistan will promote exchange of experiences, encourage practical cooperation and advance the shared commitment to the empowerment of women.
The Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights said empowerment of women for Pakistan is a national priority, enshrined in constitution, inspired by faith and essential to our future. He mentioned that Pakistan continues to strengthen its legal, policy and institutional framework to advance the rights, opportunities and leadership of women.
He said we are expanding women's leadership, financial inclusion and entrepreneurship, bridging the digital divide, strengthening access to justice and creating safer and more inclusive work places.
Azam Nazeer Tarar said our collective effort is to ensure that no women or girl is left behind because of conflict, poverty and inequality.
In his remarks on the occasion, Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian, Cultural and Social Affairs of the OIC Tarig Ali Bakheet emphasized the need for collective and concrete actions that improves the lives of women and girls across OIC member states.