Islamabad, Muhammad Sami Saeed, the Caretaker Minister for Planning and Development, affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and gender equity, aligning with the agenda of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Thailand last month. This announcement came during his address at the launching ceremony of two significant reports in Islamabad today.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the two reports, jointly compiled by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), mark a groundbreaking effort in the region. Saeed emphasized the importance of these reports, noting their utility for policymakers, academicians, and researchers in understanding and addressing issues related to population and development.

In his speech, Saeed highlighted the comprehensive research conducted at the provincial level, which forms the basis of these reports. He stressed that the government intends to utilize the findings and recommendations from these reports to guide policy-making and development planning initiatives. This move signifies a significant step towards integrating gender considerations into the broader developmental agenda of the country.

Saeed’s statement reinforces Pakistan’s role as a frontrunner in the region for actively engaging in research and policy initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment and gender equity. The commitment to these goals, as demonstrated by the government’s involvement in these reports, showcases a proactive approach to addressing key issues highlighted at the ICPD and ensuring their alignment with national development plans.

The release of these reports and the government’s pledge to incorporate their findings into policy-making processes mark a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s journey towards gender equality and sustainable development.