Islamabad, June 23,2026: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has said that the Government of Pakistan remains firmly committed to women’s empowerment and their meaningful participation in every sphere of national life, emphasizing that empowering women is essential for national progress, economic growth, social cohesion, and sustainable peace.
He expressed these views while addressing the International Conference on “Women as Peace Leaders,” jointly organized by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA). The conference brought together policymakers, security experts, academics, diplomats, business leaders, civil society representatives, and international delegates to discuss the pivotal role of women in peace-building, prevention of violent extremism, and strengthening national resilience.
Talal Chaudhry said that the National Security Policy rightly recognizes gender security as an integral component of national security and highlights the importance of an inclusive approach to peace and development. “Our vision is clear, a Pakistan where every girl can learn, every woman can lead, and every citizen can contribute to the nation’s future,” he remarked, adding that women’s empowerment is not merely a social objective but a national imperative.
ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood said that women are not merely beneficiaries of peace but its architects, advocates, and guardians. He stressed that women play a transformative role as educators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, community leaders, and peacebuilders, contributing significantly to social cohesion, tolerance, and national development. He highlighted ICCI’s initiatives aimed at promoting women’s entrepreneurship, employment, leadership, and economic empowerment, noting that peace and economic prosperity are inseparable and that empowering women is essential for building a stable, resilient, and prosperous Pakistan.
Addressing the conference, Jawad Ahmad Dogar, National Coordinator NACTA, underscored that the prevention of violent extremism is a shared global responsibility requiring international cooperation and evidence-based policymaking. He noted that Pakistan’s experience in combating terrorism has demonstrated that security responses alone are insufficient for lasting peace. He emphasized the need to address the ideological, social, digital, and structural spaces where radicalization takes root and expressed confidence that the conference would generate valuable recommendations for future policymaking and research.
Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nigar Johar, HI(M) highlighted the disproportionate impact of conflict, terrorism, and violence on women. Drawing on her extensive experience as a healthcare professional and military leader, she said that women often bear the heaviest burden of conflict as victims, caregivers, widows, and guardians of future generations. She stressed that women naturally advocate for peace and must be included in decision-making, dialogue, and peace processes. Referring to the global Women, Peace and Security agenda, she emphasized that meaningful progress toward peace and security requires greater inclusion of women at every level of leadership and governance.
Dr. Arshi Saleem Hashmi, Dean Faculty of Contemporary Studies, National Defence University, observed that women’s issues should not be viewed solely through the lens of domestic challenges but as a broader societal and developmental imperative. She emphasized that women are not only victims of conflict but also strategic actors in conflict prevention, community resilience, and peace-building. She called for stronger policy measures and institutional support to enhance women’s participation in governance, security, and leadership across South Asia. Dr. Bushra Mirza , MS. Saima Rahim, Dr. Noor Amna Malik, , Dr. Noor Fatima, Ms. Nukba Mumtaz Qazi, Dr. Humaira Shafi, Ms. Nadia Tariq, Prof. Dr. Rubina Hanif, and Ms. Saima Ahsan also took part in the panel discussions.
Those present also included ICCI Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub, Vice President Irfan Chaudhry, Executive members Ms.Fatima Azim, Ms.Shumaila Siddiqui, Waseem Chaudhry, Zulqurnain Abbasi, Imran Minhas, former SVP Khalid Chaudhry, Convener ICCI standing Committee on Higher Education Adnan Mukhtar and other.
