Bukhara: Misbah Khar, the Advisor to the Chairman Senate and Ambassador to the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference, addressed the Second Asian Women’s Forum in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, emphasizing the importance of women’s economic empowerment for sustainable employment, entrepreneurship, and balanced regional development.

According to Senate of Pakistan, Ms. Khar highlighted the challenges facing the global economy, including economic uncertainty, climate vulnerabilities, technological disruption, and widening inequalities. She noted the significant limitations economies face when women are excluded from productive participation, impacting growth, innovation, and resilience.

Ms. Khar asserted that women’s economic empowerment is a crucial component of sustainable economic development. She cited Pakistan’s initiatives, including women-focused programs in skills development, vocational training, enterprise support, and financial inclusion in key sectors such as information technology, agriculture, textile innovation, and home-based industries.

She pointed out the role of the Benazir Income Support Programme in enhancing women’s financial autonomy through digital payment systems and access to formal banking. The State Bank of Pakistan’s “Banking on Equality” framework was also mentioned for expanding women’s access to bank accounts, microfinance, and enterprise financing.

Entrepreneurship, Ms. Khar emphasized, is a pivotal path for women’s economic advancement. She outlined Pakistan’s support for women entrepreneurs through microfinance, digital banking, training programs, and market connectivity initiatives, focusing on rural and underserved areas.

Highlighting the significance of digital inclusion, Ms. Khar discussed Pakistan’s efforts to provide women and young girls with digital tools and opportunities in e-commerce and online entrepreneurship, while ensuring safe and inclusive digital spaces.

Ms. Khar concluded by affirming Pakistan’s commitment to collaborating with the international community to develop inclusive and sustainable economic frameworks that empower women and promote equitable development across all societal segments.