ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has asserted that ensuring broad-based inclusion of women in every sphere and at all levels was one of the key priorities of the government.
“Pakistan will continue to resolutely pursue the full realization of women’s rights, mindful of the challenges but resolved to further build on achievements,” FM Qureshi said in his message on International Women’s Day today (Monday).
Referring to Women’s day, the Foreign Minister said, “It is an occasion to celebrate the progress made in empowering women, and to reaffirm our collective resolve for redoubling efforts to further advance respect for women’s rights.”
“We have made significant advancements in empowering women politically, economically and socially, including through progressive legislative, policy, institutional and administrative measures,” he remarked.
He also mentioned that during the testing times of the COVID-19 pandemic, women in Pakistan demonstrated remarkable resilience and leadership, effectively contributing to the nation’s response and recovery.
FM Qureshi pointed out that women stood at the front lines, as health care workers, primary caregivers, innovators, human rights defenders and community organizers.
“Under the guidance of Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan’s landmark Ehsaas emergency cash programme to counter the negative socio-economic impacts of the pandemic was being ably led by a woman, Sania Nishtar,” he added.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi also said despite socio-economic challenges, the number of women in key leadership positions had risen steadily in Pakistan.
“Pakistan had a female Prime Minister, the youngest Nobel Prize winner, the Governor of the State Bank, the Speaker of the National Assembly and numerous women Ministers, Ambassadors, Judges and high-ranking civil servants and diplomats,” he said.
The minister further said, “Our women fly fighter jets, serve as UN Peacekeepers, and one of them is now a three-star General in the military. As a nation, we honour and salute their role and contribution to the society and State of Pakistan.”
