Pakistan advocates gender equality

Express Tribune

17-03-2025

Pakistan has called for "unwavering and wholehearted" global commitment to ensuring gender equality, the empowerment of women and the implementation of anti-poverty Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"At this pivotal moment, we must renew our commitment to ensuring that every woman and girl can live with dignity and equality," Pakistani delegate Allah Dino Khowaja told the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
Khowaja, the Federal Secretary for Human Rights, was speaking during a general debate on the implementation of the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which advocates for greater equality and opportunities for women and men, as well as girls and boys.
He described the Beijing Platform for Action as one of the "most comprehensive and transformative" frameworks for promoting women's rights, but acknowledged that its full implementation remains a challenge due to social and structural issues that continue to hinder progress.
Khowaja said Pakistan remains committed to empowering women in all walks of life.
"In our pursuit of gender equality and women empowerment, Pakistan is guided by our constitutional obligation, international commitments and above all the vision of our founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who aptly said, 'No nation can rise to the height of glory unless your women are side by side with you'," the Pakistani delegate said.
Pakistan, he said, has enacted progressive laws and policies to ensure safeguard the rights of women, provide equal opportunities, and ensure their full participation in national life.
In this regard, Khowaja said that Pakistan has prioritized political empowerment and participation, with seats reserved for women Parliament, provincial assemblies ensuring their representations at all levels of decision-making.
"(We) proudly share that Pakistan, being Islamic country, had Shaheed Mohtarama Benazir Bhutto as first democratically elected woman Prime Minister, with the Chief Minister of the largest Province (Punjab), Chief Justice of Punjab High Court, Foreign Secretary, and Judges of Supreme Court."
Khowaja also said that Women continue to occupy leadership positions in civil bureaucracy and large business boards. He also drew attention to the Prime Minister's recently launched women empowerment package ensuring 33% women representation in all administrative and statutory bodies, financial institutions, while ensuring legal framework for ensuring protection of property rights.