ISLAMABAD, Dec 03 (APP): Federal Minister for Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, held a meeting on Wednesday with Ms. Christine Arab, UN Women Regional Director, who was accompanied by the UN Women Country Representative, Jamshed Qazi. The courtesy call, made during Ms. Arab’s visit to Pakistan, centered on the country’s ongoing initiatives to advance gender equality and promote the empowerment of women across all sectors.
Senator Tarar highlighted Pakistan’s comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach to promoting women’s rights, noting progress achieved through constitutional protections, international commitments, legislative reforms, and national policy frameworks. He reiterated the Government of Pakistan’s resolve to ensure women’s full and meaningful participation in all spheres of national life, while safeguarding them from discrimination, violence, and economic marginalization.
The minister emphasized the pivotal contribution of national institutions— including the Ministry of Human Rights, the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), social welfare centers, and the national human rights helpline 1099 — in protecting women’s rights and providing legal, social, and financial support.
Ms. Christine Arab commended Pakistan’s legislative and policy achievements, particularly laws combating child marriage, the implementation of gender-focused policies, the use of technology to address gender-based violence (GBV), and the development of the National Gender Data Portal. She acknowledged Pakistan’s progress in strengthening mechanisms that advance women’s empowerment and promote accountability.
Discussions also covered major policy measures such as the National Gender Policy Framework and the National Policy on Ending Violence Against Women—both developed with the support of UN Women — aimed at addressing all forms of violence and ensuring protection and access to justice for women. The Minister further shared updates on the National Strategy for Male Engagement, which seeks to engage men and boys as allies in preventing GBV.
Ms. Arab praised Pakistan’s constructive engagement with international human rights mechanisms, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), and the Beijing Platform for Action. She acknowledged the government’s leadership and commitment to advancing women’s rights and promoting inclusive and sustainable development.
Both sides underscored the need for sustained collaboration to address persistent challenges, particularly in the areas of women’s economic empowerment, legal protection, and enhanced social participation. Senator Tarar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with UN Women and other international partners to accelerate progress toward gender equality.
Ms. Arab assured continued support from UN Women and the broader international community, commending Pakistan’s dedication to building an equitable, inclusive, and prosperous society where women can fully realize their rights and potential.