Islamabad, November 24, 2022 (PPI-OT):National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that Parliamentary democracies are the only vanguards of human rights, gender equality and sustainable developments in a country. He said that women have been at the center of development agenda of SDGs.

While recognizing the role of women in the development of Pakistan, he said that without integration of women in legislation, economy, and politics Nation’s development remains a distant dreams. He expressed these views while addressing the participant’s of the “National Conference of Women’s Parliamentary Caucus” organized by Women Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) in Pakistan Institute of Parliament Serves (PIPS) today.

The Speaker congratulated Secretary WPC Ms. Shahida Rehmani for arranging a National Conference of Women’s Parliamentary Caucus as it is for the first time that such an effort has been made to gather Women Legislators from National and Provincial Assemblies under one roof. He said that Women have always worked dedicatedly towards bringing sustainable change in the lives of their fellow women and they have always played an imperative role in strengthening inter-provincial ties.

While commemorating the determination of Mohtarma Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, the Speaker said that she is a symbol of invincible women as a he served as the 11th and 13th Prime Minister of Pakistan. He said that she was the first woman to head a democratic government in a Muslim majority country.

Secretary WPC Ms Shahida Rehmani during her welcome remarks highlighted the extensive role played by women Parliamentarians in the development of Pakistan. German Ambassador also said “Germany supports women empowerment as their inclusion and participation in decision making is essential for sustainable development and building peaceful societies”, Equal voice creates opportunities for equality.

Ms. Asiya Nasir President, Resilient Women Network highlighted the significant role of Women Parliamentarians in policy intervention to promote women rights and enhance their participation for socio-economic development of the country. She acknowledged the tireless efforts of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Dr. Fehmeeda Mirza and all other Women Parliamentarians in strengthening democracy.

MNA/Former Secretary WPC Ms. Nafisa Shah highlighted WPC works on the principal of issue based affiliations. MNA Ms. Kishwer Zehra while talking about gender discrimination and inequality proposed to establish more platforms to ensure significant representation of women in every sphere.

Senator Sana Jamali appreciated efforts of Speaker National Assembly and Secretary WPC for bridging gap between Federal and Provincial Assemblies to promote substantial role of women Parliamentarians and work together for betterment of women across the country. The National Conference of Women’s Parliamentary Caucus was attended by women Senators, Members from Federal and Provincial Assemblies, women intelligentsia and women graduates from across Pakistan.

For more information, contact:
Secretary,
National Assembly of Pakistan
Automation Centre, National Assembly Secretariat,
Parliament House, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9221082-83
Fax: +92-51-9221106
Email: assembly@na.gov.pk
Website: www.na.gov.pk