ISLAMABAD: On International Women’s Day, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing women’s rights and promoting gender equality.
President Zardari emphasised alignment with constitutional provisions and international commitments, while PM Shehbaz reiterated the government’s dedication to women’s empowerment.
“Today, Pakistan joins the world in celebrating International Women’s Day to highlight women’s resilience and their contributions to shaping societies and driving progress,” the president said in his message.
This year’s theme, “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”, reinforced the need for collective action to ensure that every woman and girl had equal access to rights and opportunities, he added.
He said that women constitute almost half of our population and empowering them is essential for national progress. “Societies that provide equal rights and opportunities for women are more prosperous, peaceful, and resilient.”
President Zardari went on to say that women, when given access to education, economic opportunities, and leadership roles, can benefit the entire communities.
He regretted that many women still have to face violence, discrimination, and barriers to their full participation in society.
“Over the years, we have taken key steps, including the enactment of laws against domestic violence, workplace harassment, and gender-based discrimination. Similarly, specialised courts and helplines for survivors of gender-based violence have strengthened protections.
“Pakistan has taken steps to increase women’s representation in politics, judiciary, law enforcement, and public institutions, besides undertaking economic initiatives to promote financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy for women,” the president said.
He called for ensuring an inclusive and equitable society and taking more steps to further improve policies to support women’s safety, education, and economic independence. He also urged the businesses and private sector to provide equal opportunities, fair wages, and safe workplaces for women.
“By ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women, we can build a stronger, more progressive, and just society for future generations,” he added.
President Zardari reaffirmed the country’s commitment to empower every woman to help her achieve her full potential.
PM pledges stronger efforts for women’s rights
In his message on the ocassion, PM Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the collective resolve to intensify efforts to further advance respect for women’s rights and build a Pakistan where every woman’s potential is realised and every daughter’s dream is within her reach.
“Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength and luminosity of women — the architects of our society, the pillars of our homes, and the change-makers of our future. From classrooms to boardrooms, fields to front-lines, resilient Pakistani women are redefining possibilities to shape a bright future for our nation,” the prime minister remarked.
He highlighted that this year’s theme, “For all Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”, was a call to action, reminding us of the shared responsibility to create a society where women thrive and contribute meaningfully.
“Our religion, Islam, places great emphasis on the dignity and rights of women. Pakistan has made significant strides in advancing women’s rights through our government’s concerted efforts, including policy interventions, legal reforms, and institutional support.
“Our journey towards true gender equality is far from over. Empowering women is no longer an option; it is now an imperative for the prosperity and progress of Pakistan. When we invest in women’s education, health, and economic independence, we uplift not just individuals but generations,” he concluded.
Bilawal pays tribute to women
Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also paid tribute to the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of women in every sphere of life and reaffirmed his party’s unwavering commitment to the protection and promotion of women’s rights, The News reported.
“No society can progress without ensuring equal rights, dignity, and opportunities for women,” he said on the eve of International Women’s Day.
Bilawal emphasised that gender equality was not merely a slogan but a fundamental principle of justice and democracy. He paid tribute to Madar-e-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, whose dedication to Pakistan’s independence made her a beacon of hope.
He also paid homage to his grandmother Begum Nusrat Bhutto and mother Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
Begum Nusrat rendered great sacrifices and firmly fought tyranny with unmatched courage, he said.
“Benazir, Pakistan’s first female prime minister, shattered barriers and paved the way for countless women to rise in leadership, inspiring generations of women to fight for their rights,” he added.
Moreover, PPP’s Vice President and parliamentary leader of the party in the Senate, Sherry Rehman, extended her heartfelt wishes to women across the globe, especially in Pakistan, “whose resilience, strength, and contributions continue to shape our society”.
“This day serves the purpose of illuminating and embracing women’s global contributions, services, and fundamental rights,” she said.
