Islamabad, March 7, 2026: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that Pakistan’s journey toward sustainable development and prosperity cannot be achieved without empowering women and ensuring their meaningful participation in all spheres of life.
In a special message issued on the occasion of International Women’s Day, the speaker paid tribute to the invaluable contributions of Pakistani women in education, health, employment, leadership and decision-making processes.
He emphasized that no nation can achieve genuine progress unless women are provided equal opportunities and a supportive environment to play an active role in national development. Ayaz Sadiq also noted that Islam grants women dignity, respect and equal rights, leaving no room for gender discrimination or injustice in society.
The speaker stressed that it is the collective responsibility of the state and society to remove social barriers, inequalities and violence faced by women, while ensuring their safety, dignified employment and equal opportunities for advancement.
Referring to the Domestic Violence Prevention Law 2026, recently passed by Parliament, he described it as a significant step toward protecting women and children from domestic abuse and exploitation, adding that its effective implementation would be ensured.
Ayaz Sadiq said women currently enjoy substantial representation in Parliament and are playing an active role in legislation and national affairs. He commended the efforts of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus and the Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming for promoting women’s political, social and economic empowerment, and welcomed the launch of a digital application aimed at strengthening connectivity among women and highlighting issues affecting them.
Expressing deep sorrow over the reported martyrdom of more than 150 schoolgirls during recent Israeli attacks in Iran, the speaker termed the incident tragic and highly condemnable. He said the killing of innocent civilians, particularly schoolgirls, constitutes a grave violation and falls within the category of war crimes, while also expressing concern over the silence of international organizations claiming to safeguard the rights of women and children.
He also strongly condemned alleged atrocities committed against women and children by Indian forces in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and by Israeli forces in Palestine, stating that targeting innocent civilians violates international humanitarian law.
The speaker said the leadership of Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab’s first woman chief minister, demonstrates the capability of Pakistani women to hold the highest administrative and political positions. He also paid tribute to former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and Kulsoom Nawaz for their contributions to democracy and public rights.
Highlighting the historic role of women in the Pakistan Movement and democratic struggles, Ayaz Sadiq paid homage to Fatima Jinnah, Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan, Jahan Ara Shahnawaz and Shaista Ikramullah for their outstanding services in promoting national and democratic values and advocating women’s rights.
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah in his message said that women constitute more than half of the country’s population, and sustainable and inclusive development cannot be achieved without fully harnessing their potential.
He said the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees equal rights and protection for women and reaffirmed that Parliament will continue legislative and policy efforts to promote women’s welfare, social protection and economic empowerment to build a society based on justice, equality and dignity.
