KARACHI - Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that torture and violence against women and girls will not be tolerated and pledged that his party will always be in front for protection of mothers and sisters across the country.

The United Nations (UN) is observing ‘International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women’ all over the world on Saturday, said a statement issued here on Friday.

UN has found that violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today.

He said that PPP has always brought, encouraged and passed legislation aimed at strengthening protection of women and girls.

PPP is the only party where women feel more protected, respected and rewarded without any gender discrimination, he pointed out. With the support of masses, the PPP elected women as Prime Minister, Speaker, Ministers, etc. First Women Bank was launched by Prime Minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and she also established separate police stations of the women, the PPP Chairman stated. Bilawal also extended support for the worldwide campaign led by UN Secretary General’s initiative to get united to end violence against women. The theme of the day this year is “Leave no one behind: end violence against women and girls”.

Talking to APP in connection with the day, Chairperson of the All Pakistan Women Association (APWA) Begum Almas Zafar said that one of the major challenges in the efforts to prevent and end violence against women and girls worldwide is the substantial funding shortfall.

As a result, resources for initiatives to prevent and end violence against women and girls are severely lacking. She emphasised the need of raising awareness among the women about the rights, which bestowed them not only in the International Charter, but also in the country’s constitution.