Islamabad (HRNW)- President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the women of Pakistan on International Women’s Day, acknowledging their vital role in national development and progress.
In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari said that no nation can progress without the participation of women. He recalled that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had emphasized the importance of women’s equal participation for national development. The President said that the leadership of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto remains a shining example of the determination and strength of Pakistani women, while the services of women from the cockpit to the parliament are highly commendable.
He further stated that the struggle of Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah and Begum Nusrat Bhutto serves as a beacon of light for women. Constitutional measures have ensured the representation of women in parliament and provincial assemblies, but there is still a need to eliminate discriminatory laws and harmful social attitudes.
President Zardari added that equal rights are essential for women’s access to education, employment, and protection. He highlighted the important role of rural women in agriculture and the economy, and noted that Pakistan is committed to international agreements aimed at eliminating discrimination against women. Institutions such as the National Commission on the Status of Women continue to work for the protection of women’s rights.
He also emphasized that initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Program and the Women Empowerment Package are important for the economic development of women, adding that women must be given equal access to credit, property, and employment. According to the President, the real measure of development is the practical improvement in the lives of women.
In a separate message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives of Pakistan, recognizing their strength, perseverance, leadership, and invaluable contributions to families, society, and the nation.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistani women are accelerating national development through their skills, dedication, and determination in fields such as education, health, government services, business, science, arts, and sports. Their achievements, he said, are a beacon of light for the nation and strengthen the resolve for a strong and prosperous Pakistan.
He further stated that women’s empowerment is central to the government’s vision for Pakistan’s development, and the government remains committed to creating opportunities for women and ensuring equal access to education and economic participation.
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