Women's representation lacking in K-P Assembly
Although the entire country celebrated International Women's Day like the rest of the world, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Assembly has been without female lawmakers for the past one year.
K-P Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, while speaking on the occasion, said the lack of representation of women on reserved seats in the provincial assembly was a regrettable reality which had exposed the Election Commission's clear injustice and discriminatory behaviour.
He said that ignoring women's political participation was a violation of democratic and constitutional principles and noted that seats reserved for women in the Assembly remained vacant which not only violated women's rights but also weakened the parliamentary system.
"It is extremely regrettable that, on International Women's Day, women in the K-P Assembly are still deprived of their constitutional representation," the Speaker said, demanding that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should make an immediate decision on reserved seats and ensure that women receive their rightful representation, thus completing the democratic system.
He assured that the Assembly would continue to raise its voice for women's rights protection on every platform and ensure women's participation in the democratic process.
K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, in his message on International Women's Day, emphasized that women were the cornerstone of any society's progress and prosperity.
He stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had always been committed to protecting women's rights and dignity and would continue its efforts for the cause.
He highlighted the vision of the late Benazir Bhutto who, he said, had strongly advocated equal opportunities for women so they could excel in all fields.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business Recorder
TSX set for record high after US jobs data, trade optimism
Canada's main stock index was headed for a record high on Friday, as a better-than-expected U.S. jobs report and signs of easing trade tensions between Washington and China fueled investor optimism. The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index was up 0.6% at 26,486.37 points. The index was set to eclipse Tuesday's record closing high of 26,426.64 if gains hold. U.S. nonfarm payrolls rose by 139,000 jobs last month, data released on Friday showed, while economists polled by Reuters had expected a job growth of 130,000. Meanwhile, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said on Friday that a planned meeting between U.S. and Chinese officials on trade is expected within seven days, giving hope that the trade war between the world's two largest economies might de-escalate. Separately, China on Friday called to improve bilateral ties with Canada. Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump had doubled tariffs on imports on steel and aluminum. TSX edges higher amid US-China trade talks and upcoming jobs data 'It's just a ploy to get everyone to the table and to try to make a deal,' said Michael Constantino, CEO of online investment platform Webull Canada. Canada's Industry Minister Melanie Joly said on Thursday that Prime Minister Mark Carney and Trump are in direct communication as part of Ottawa's bid to persuade Washington to lift tariffs. 'I think the prime minister of Canada and President Trump will at some point come together and do what's best for both countries,' Constantino said. Canada's unemployment rate in May jumped to its highest level in almost nine years, excluding the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. On TSX, information and technology stocks gained 1.4% on Friday, tracking gains in tech-heavy Nasdaq index. Energy subindex gained 1.3% as oil prices rose slightly and were on track for their first weekly gain in three weeks.
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business Recorder
TSX flat as tariff uncertainty lingers; BoC holds key rate steady
Canada's main stock index struggled for direction on Wednesday, as investors remained cautious on U.S. tariff negotiations with trading partners and assessed the Bank of Canada's decision to maintain the interest rate. The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index was flat at 26,426.98 points. The index notched a record peak in the previous two sessions. The U.S. doubled tariffs on imported steel and aluminum on Wednesday, the same day as the deadline for Washington's trading partners to make their best offers to avoid hefty 'Liberation Day' tariffs from taking effect in July. Europe's top trade negotiator said that trade talks between the European Union and the U.S. are going in the right direction. Also on Wednesday, Trump called China's Xi Jinping 'extremely hard to make a deal with', pointing to frictions after the White House raised expectations for a long-awaited phone call between the two leaders this week. Meanwhile, the Bank of Canada held its key benchmark rate at 2.75%, citing the need to assess the effects of U.S. trade policy, but indicated another cut might be necessary if tariffs weaken the economy. 'The market has become a little insensitive to all the trade headlines until we have something more concrete', said Angelo Kourkafas, senior global investment strategist at Edward Jones. 'The market is choosing to focus again on the fundamental factors…there's been a lot of reversals in these news headlines, while at the same time economic data have continued to come in pretty strong, which has allowed the markets to look a little bit past those headlines.' Data showed Canada's services economy downturn eased in May, as firms grew more hopeful that trade and political uncertainty would become less of a drag on activity over the coming 12 months. Canadian labor productivity rose by 0.2% in the first quarter. On TSX, metal miners' shares gained 0.7% tracking higher gold prices, while the healthcare subindex gained 0.6%.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
PM vows strategic response to India's water threat
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday announced plans to expand country's water storage capacity in consultation with all the provinces, emphasising that Pakistan's response to India's provocations, especially regarding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), would "be more strategic and collaborative". Addressing a representative Jirga in Peshawar, the prime minister said that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) had been receiving 1% share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) since 2010 to fight terrorism, adding that the funding would continue until complete elimination of the menace. The prime minister began his speech with paying tribute to the K-P people for their patriotism and bravery in the fight against terrorism. He told the Jirga he had come to Peshawar to listen to the public grievances and to resolve them. The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to securing its water rights under the IWT. He called for urgent measures to enhance the country's water infrastructure to ensure that the rights of the provinces were safeguarded. He said that India could not deprive Pakistan of its rightful share of water or suspend the IWT unilaterally. Pakistan has the right to every drop under the treaty," he declared. "Now, we will take steps to store water in the country to counter India's threats," he said. He called for expanding the existing water storage capacity and accelerating work on major projects, such as Diamer-Bhasha and Dasu dams. "A decision on water issue will be taken by inviting all provinces for discussions on how to increase water reserves, so that India's malicious designs are buried," he said. NFC Award Shehbaz said that K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had spoken about reviewing the NFC award. He announced that he would form a committee on K-P's share in the NFC award and the province's issues would be resolved in collaboration with the provincial government, and military officials. The prime minister told the Jirga that more than Rs700 billion funds had been given to K-P during different periods. "The first agenda item of the NFC Award in 2010 was anti-terrorism efforts in K-P," Shehbaz recalled. "All provinces fully agreed to giving 1% to K-P for the fight against terrorism," he added. "That decision was just and appropriate, as K-P has remained the frontline province in the war against terrorism," he said. "These funds were released to strengthen police force, develop CTD [Counter-Terrorism Department], and enhance the capacity of law-enforcement agencies," he added. "K-P will continue to receive funds until the complete elimination of terrorism," he added. However, he noted that Balochistan, despite facing similar security challenges, had not received that much financial support under the NFC - an issue he suggested might needed reassessment. Escalation with India Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the Pakistani Armed Force had taught an unforgettable lesson to India in the recent May 7-10 confrontation and warned New Delhi that any repeat of aggression would invite a strong and uncompromising response from Islamabad. Shehbaz said the enemy's ambush in the night between May 6 and 7 killed and injured innocent Pakistanis. "[In response] What the Pakistan Army taught India under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir is a lesson they will never forget," he said. "[Indian Prime Minister Narendra] Modi's government is licking its wounds after a crushing defeat and it is in an angry and hysterical state. Sometimes they threaten to shoot, other times to cut our water off. If India makes any move again, they will be taught the same lesson." The prime minister termed K-P a vital province that has historically supported Pakistan and promised to address the concerns of its people. "They have rendered sacrifices that history will never forget. Whenever Pakistan was in need, you put aside all differences and stood united for Pakistan," he said. The Jirga was attended by Field Marshal Asim Munir, K-P Chief Minister Gandapur, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and other political and military leaders as well as tribal elders. Earlier, the participants offered Fateha for both civilian and military personnel who have laid down their lives for the nation. Self-reliance Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz chaired a high-level meeting on the construction of Diamer-Bhasha Dam and other matters related to water resources in Islamabad. He said that building new dams was crucial to enhance water storage capacity, ensure water supply for agriculture, and prevent floods. He said that the country's self-reliance was linked to affordable electricity, and its agriculture, which required increased water storage and efficient water usage. He directed for prioritising the completion of projects like Diamer-Bhasha Dam to establish an effective system for energy production and abundant water storage. (WITH INPUT FROM APP)
