Islamabad - Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has reaffirmed his pledge for the protection of women’s rights in the country and making them valuable citizens and productive members of the society.
In a message on International Women’s Day being observed today (Sunday), he said that it was their national duty to provide equal opportunities to womenfolk without any discrimination. “I am a firm believer in the fact that participation of women is a prerequisite for the development of a country. Accordingly, my government unequivocally is committed to ensure their participation and empowerment,” he added.
The prime minister said that he was pleased to learn that Pakistan was celebrating International Women’s Day in association with the international community. “I appreciate the very apt theme - ‘Make it Happen’- chosen for the event that emphasizes the need to undertake concrete measures aimed at furthering the cause of betterment of women the world over,” he added.
He said that Pakistan was an enthusiastic state party to various international and regional instruments on women’s rights including the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). “I can assure that Pakistan is earnestly committed to implementing the provisions of CEDAW in true spirit. My government has already taken concrete measures to ensure Women’s Rights as envisaged in the CEDAW,” he said.
The prime minister said that the government was undertaking measures in all fields of national activity including reforms for the betterment of women of the country. “The National Commission on the Status of Women is entrusted with the task to strengthen means aimed at providing protection to vulnerable women and to promote healthy implementation of rights of women,” he added.
He said in this connection, he has instructed the relevant federal authorities to initiate and implement legislative and administrative measures required for furthering this important cause.
“I do appreciate the sincere efforts of the UN and other international agencies and social welfare organizations for assisting the government in successfully carrying out this national endeavor,” he noted.
After the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the Prime Minister said, the provincial governments were entrusted with the responsibilities to undertake every effort for the promotion and protection of women rights.  He called upon the provincial governments for undertaking such efforts and assured the utmost federal government’s support to provincial governments in this national cause.
He also urged the civil society, philanthropists, media, corporate sector and all relevant quarters to play their role in providing an enabling environment for women. “I am sure that we will all continue our efforts with zeal and vigour for making our noble goal a success,” he added.