ISLAMABAD, Feb 10 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the talent and resolve of Pakistani women and girls who are contributing to the national progress through science, technology and innovation.
“Pakistan’s scientific future is inclusive, and it is being shaped by its women. Their work reflects confidence in our future and faith in knowledge as a force for national strength,” the president said in a message on the observance of ‘International Day of Women and Girls in Science’ on February 11.
The president said as a ‘State Party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women’, Pakistan remains committed to equality in education, research and scientific leadership.
“This commitment is taking visible shape. Women now form more than half of enrollment in our universities and higher education institutions, marking a meaningful shift in opportunity and aspiration,” President Secretariat Media Wing, in a press release, quoted the president as saying.
Across laboratories, universities and centers of excellence, the president said, Pakistani women were leading research in engineering, health sciences, computing, biotechnology and emerging fields.
Through COMSTECH initiatives, they were also contributing to scientific cooperation, health innovation and climate resilience across the Muslim world, he observed.
President Zardari said Pakistan took pride in women scientists who had earned global recognition, including Nergis Mavalvala, Tasneem Zehra Husain and Maheera Abdul Ghani, whose achievements inspired the younger generations to pursue science with purpose and confidence.
This progress carried real meaning for families and communities, he said, adding when women entered science and research, healthcare improved, practical solutions emerged for environmental and technological challenges and young girls saw education as a pathway to dignity and opportunity. Each classroom entered and each laboratory led, strengthened the social and economic fabric of the country.
“While challenges remain, including the continued task of raising female literacy, the direction is clear. Our daughters are stepping forward with skill and ambition, ready to serve Pakistan through knowledge and discovery,” he added.