Islamabad, March 8, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to gender equality on Saturday, emphasizing that true women’s empowerment can only be achieved through equal access to education, skill development, and employment opportunities.
“It is our mission to ensure the emancipation of the country’s female population,” the premier declared while addressing an event marking International Women’s Day, a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call for their rights.
PM Shehbaz underscored the importance of integrating women into the national economy, vowing to collaborate with provinces for collective action. He announced the Working Women’s Endowment Fund, aimed at supporting women in the workforce to navigate contemporary challenges.
“Our 50 percent female population can be transformed into a productive workforce if provided a level-playing field,” he stated, highlighting initiatives such as daycare centers in public and private institutions in Islamabad, with plans for further expansion.
The prime minister expressed concern over the significant loss of skilled human resources due to highly qualified women leaving their careers to balance work and family. “My message to educated women is to step forward and contribute in hospitals, banks, and other professions to strengthen the national economy,” he urged.
Shehbaz Sharif also launched Islamabad’s first-ever Gender Parity Report, prepared by the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The report identifies challenges and proposes solutions in key areas such as education, health, governance, political representation, and justice.
Paying tribute to Pakistan’s pioneering women, PM Shehbaz honored iconic figures, including Fatima Jinnah and Begum Raa’na Liaquat Ali Khan for their role in the Pakistan Movement, Benazir Bhutto, the first female prime minister of Pakistan and the Muslim world, Begum Nusrat Bhutto and Begum Kulsum Nawaz, who led resistance against dictatorship, Bilquis Edhi, Dr. Ruth Pfau, and Asma Jahangir, who left a lasting impact in social work and law, Arfa Karim, Pakistan’s youngest IT expert and Justice Ayesha Malik, the first female judge of the Supreme Court.
“These daughters of the nation are a testament to the power of women when given the opportunity to lead,” he remarked.
The prime minister lauded his party’s past efforts in women’s emancipation, citing Punjab’s first anti-violence centers for women, increased female representation in government boards, higher stipends for girl students and eliminating child labor at brick kilns by enrolling 90,000 children in schools.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar highlighted the government’s efforts to implement women-inclusive policies, leading to greater representation in public sector boards. He also criticized Pakistan’s 145th ranking on the Global Gender Gap Index, calling for a reassessment of the data.
UN Resident Coordinator Mohamed Yahya reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to gender equality.
Meanwhile, Chairperson NCSW Umme-e-Laila noted positive strides, such as the launch of Pink Buses for female commuters and the Women on Wheels project, which promotes women’s mobility.
As part of the PM’s Women Empowerment Package, 10 private companies received Family-Friendly Awards for implementing policies that promote a safe and inclusive workplace.
With bold reforms and strategic initiatives, PM Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his dedication to eliminating gender discrimination and creating a progressive, inclusive Pakistan where women thrive.
