Empowering women essential for national development: Ayaz

ISLAMABAD, Mar 07 (APP): Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Saturday, paid rich tribute to the invaluable contributions of Pakistani women in every sphere of life.

In his special message on the occasion of International Women’s Day, he said that the dream of steering the country toward sustained development and prosperity cannot be realized without empowering women.

He emphasized that no nation can achieve genuine progress unless women are provided with equal opportunities and meaningful participation in all spheres of life.

Ayaz Sadiq said that women’s effective representation in education, health, employment, leadership and decision-making processes is indispensable for Pakistan’s sustainable development and social harmony.

He said that Islam accords women dignity, respect and equal rights, leaving no room for gender discrimination or injustice in society.

Ayaz Sadiq stressed that it is the collective responsibility of the state and society to take concrete and effective measures to eliminate the social barriers, inequalities and violence faced by women, and to ensure a safe environment, dignified employment and equal opportunities for their advancement and empowerment.

He said that the present Parliament has placed the protection of women’s rights and the eradication of violence against women among its key legislative priorities.

Referring to the Domestic Violence Prevention Law 2026, recently passed during the current year, he described it as a significant milestone and stated that the legislation marks an important step toward protecting women and children from domestic abuse and exploitation. He added that effective implementation of the law would be ensured.

Ayaz Sadiq said that women enjoy substantial representation in Parliament and are playing an active and constructive role in legislation and national affairs.

He commended the efforts of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus and the Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming, stating that these forums are playing a vital role in promoting women’s political, social and economic empowerment, as well as advancing gender equality within Parliament.

He also welcomed the launch of a modern digital application introduced by the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus aimed at strengthening connectivity among women and highlighting issues affecting them.

Expressing deep concern and sorrow over the martyrdom of more than 150 schoolgirls during recent Israeli attacks in Iran, Ayaz Sadiq termed the incident tragic and highly condemnable.

He said that the loss of innocent lives, particularly schoolgirls, constitutes a grave violation and falls within the category of war crimes.

Ayaz Sadiq also remarked that the silence of international organizations that claim to safeguard the rights of women and children is a matter of serious concern.

He urged the international community to fulfill its responsibilities in protecting women’s rights and preventing atrocities against them.

Ayaz Sadiq also strongly condemned the atrocities committed against women and children by Indian occupying forces in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and by Israeli forces in Palestine, stating that targeting innocent civilians, particularly women and children, constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law.

He called upon the international community to take cognizance of such injustices and to take concrete measures to ensure the protection of vulnerable populations.

Ayaz Sadiq said that the leadership of Punjab’s first woman Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, stands as a testament to the fact that Pakistani women possess the capability and leadership potential to serve successfully at the highest administrative and political positions.

He also paid tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Begum Kulsoom Nawaz for their remarkable contributions to democracy and the protection of public rights.

Aya Sadiq added that Pakistani women are demonstrating their capabilities across all sectors and are making significant contributions to the country’s progress and development.

Highlighting the historic role of women in the Pakistan Movement and democratic struggles, he paid glowing tribute to Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, Begum Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan, Begum Jahan Ara Shahnawaz, and Begum Shaista Ikramullah for their outstanding services. He noted that these courageous women played a pivotal role in promoting national and democratic values and in advocating for the rights and empowerment of women.

Deputy Speaker of National Assembly, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, said that women constitute more than half of the population, sustainable and inclusive development cannot be achieved without fully harnessing their potential.

He noted that the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees equal rights and protection to women, and that Parliament will continue to pursue legislative and policy measures aimed at promoting women’s welfare, social protection and economic empowerment, to build a society founded on the principles of justice, equality and dignity.