International Women Day observed across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – International Women’s Day was observed in Pakistan on Monday to acknowledge women’s outstanding contributions in various fields. This year’s theme for the day is; “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.” This day celebrates the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides celebrating women’s achievements, the day also aims to raise awareness about women’s equality, lobby for accelerated gender parity and raise funds for female-focused charities. To mark the day, different seminars, conferences and events have been organized in the country to highlight the significance of the role of women in the society. In his message pertaining to Women’s Day, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said during the testing times of the COVID-19 pandemic, women in Pakistan demonstrated remarkable resilience and leadership, effectively contributing to our nation’s response and recovery. He said women stood at the front lines, as health care workers, primary caregivers, innovators, human rights defenders and community organizers. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan’s landmark Ehsaas emergency cash program to counter the negative socio-economic impacts of the pandemic is being ably led by a woman. The foreign minister said we cannot forget the plight of women in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and over the last seven decades, they have endured the worst forms of human rights abuse and oppression at the hands of Indian occupation forces including sexual violence, rape and molestation.

 Chairman Kashmir Committee Shehryar Khan Afridi has said in today’s modern world, suffering of women in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir continues unabated. In a tweet on Monday, he said Indian forces are using rape as tool of genocide in Kashmir to break resolve of Kashmiris for freedom from Indian Illegal occupation as women teach their kids to fight oppression. In his tweet in connection with day, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to United Nations Munir Akram said we reaffirm our collective resolve to redouble efforts in advancing gender equality and respect for women’s rights. He said Pakistani women at the United Nations have provided the most exemplary and effective service and they will continue to further build on our achievements. Meanwhile, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz said that empowerment of women is imperative to make society civilized and enlightened. In a tweet on the occasion of International Women’s Day, he said the government is committed to empower women in society by ensuring equal opportunities and rights for women development. The Minister said Islam has given women rights unparalleled in history and their rights are also guaranteed in the constitution of Pakistan. He said the women’s day highlights the status of women in society and the importance of their commendable services in various fields. Shibli Faraz said women have played a significant role in the development of Pakistan. Meanwhile, in another tweet, the Information Minister also commended the efforts of women journalists for using the power of their pen for the independence of journalism.

He said like men, women journalists have also played their role for the development of media and provision of accurate information to the people.