Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani have expressed commitment to ensure conducive environment for women to realize their full potential.
In their separate messages on International Women's Day celebrated on Sunday, they paid tribute to the women, mothers, sisters, and daughters of Pakistan and around the world.
President Asif Ali Zardari said the government is working to expand access to education and healthcare to women, strengthen economic opportunity and improve protection against violence. He said women's representation in Parliament and provincial assemblies has been ensured through constitutional provisions.
'Pakistan has ensured women's representation in Parliament and provincial assemblies through constitutional provisions, enabling their direct role in legislation and public policy.'
In his statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the overall development and prosperity of the nation can only be achieved through equal opportunities and meaningful participation for women.
Meanwhile, in a post on the social media platform X, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said the empowerment of women remains central to the government's vision for Pakistan's development.
PM Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the remarkable women of Pakistan on the occasion of International Women's Day.
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.
He said Pakistani women continue to shape the country's progress with resilience, talent and determination across every sphere of national life.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said the achievements of women inspire our nation and strengthen our collective resolve to build a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said that the empowerment of women remains central to our Government's vision for Pakistan's development. We are committed to expanding opportunities, ensuring equal access to education and economic participation, and creating an environment where every woman can realize her full potential and contribute meaningfully to the nation's future, PM Shehbaz Sharif said.
Meanwhile Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has said that women play a fundamental and indispensable role in the progress, prosperity, and stability of any society. In his message on International Women's Day, the Chairman Senate stated that women in Pakistan have brought pride to the nation by achieving remarkable success in various fields including politics, economy, education, health, and social services.
He emphasized that providing equal opportunities to women, ensuring a safe and dignified environment for them, and enabling them to play an effective role in national development is a shared responsibility of both the state and society. He added that Parliament has played a significant role through legislation and practical measures aimed at protecting women's rights and promoting their education, economic empowerment, and social inclusion.
Chairman Senate paid tribute to Fatima Jinnah, the Mother of the Nation, for her remarkable leadership during the struggle for Pakistan. He said that her dedication, courage, and leadership remain a shining example for Pakistani women and continue to inspire them to actively participate in national life.
He also paid homage to Begum Ra'ana Liaquat Ali Khan and other courageous Muslim women who played an important role during the struggle for the creation of Pakistan and later contributed significantly to the country's development, prosperity, social welfare, and the strengthening of democracy. He said their sacrifices and services remain a guiding light for future generations of Pakistani women.
Chairman Senate also paid glowing tribute to Benazir Bhutto, the first elected female Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Muslim world. He said that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto made historic efforts to secure a prominent place for women in national politics and leadership. Her leadership opened a new chapter of hope and empowerment for women not only in Pakistan but across the Muslim world.
He further noted that the Pakistan Peoples Party has always played a vital role in protecting women's rights, promoting their political representation, and ensuring their social and economic development by providing them opportunities for leadership.
Chairman Senate emphasized the need for more effective measures to promote women's education, economic independence, and empowerment so that they can contribute more actively to the country's progress and prosperity. He stressed that empowering women is essential for building a strong, prosperous, and stable Pakistan.
Appreciating the services of Pakistani women, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani expressed hope that they will continue to utilize their abilities and dedication to play a significant role in the development and progress of the nation in the future.