Inter-collegiate competitions start at IMCG

ISLAMABAD: Inter-collegiate competitions started at Islamabad Model College for Girls (Post Graduate) on Monday to engage students in co-curriculum activities as an imperative part of personality development of the youth.

The activities would continue till February 14 in which competitions of Qirat and Naat, prose recitation, English and Urdu debates, fine arts, computer graphics, dry and fresh flower arrangement, embroidery and cooking, sports, scouts, girl guides, athletics, and various singing and music would be held.

According to a statement, on the first day, competitions in Qirat and Naat and dry and fresh flowers’ arrangement, embroidery and cooking were held. Dr Ali Asghar Chishti of Allama Iqbal Open University was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony. Teams from different colleges participated in the competitions.–APP

National Working Women

Day observed

ISLAMABAD: The National Commission on the Status of Women on Monday observed National Working Women Day to recognise the struggle of working women to secure a dignified and respectful working environment.

Chairperson NCSW Khawar Mumtaz said that the day was observed to acknowledge the economic contributions made by women to the country. Khawar said that despite an improvement in the socio-economic status of women, a lot still needed to be done. She said that women’s participation in formal workforce was still low, adding 80 to 85 per cent women worked in informal sectors as labourers and agriculture workers, being paid only half of what their male counterparts earn.

Their economic interests need to be secured by acknowledging the rights and contributions of home-based workers and introducing policies and laws for them, she added.–APP

The NCSW also expressed deep sorrow and grief over the demise of Asma Jahangir, great supporter for human rights in the country. Chaiperson NCSW said that Asma was an icon of human rights and democracy in Pakistan. She always stood for the rights of the weak and had the courage to challenge the mighty and the powerful, she said, adding that she devoted her career to defending human and women rights, rights of religious minorities and children.

Her services to women rights movement in Pakistan were unparalleled and iconic, she added.