Islamabad: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, in a statement marking International Women’s Day, emphasized the crucial role of women in Pakistan’s progress and highlighted the importance of their empowerment for national development, social stability, and democracy. He stressed that no nation can achieve true progress without ensuring equal opportunities and meaningful participation for women across all sectors.

According to National Assembly of Pakistan, Speaker Sadiq underscored that Islam provides women with dignity, respect, and equal rights, emphasizing the need for societal and state efforts to dismantle social barriers and inequalities faced by women. He pointed out the significance of the Domestic Violence Prevention Law 2026, describing it as a milestone in safeguarding women and children from domestic abuse. The law’s effective implementation, he noted, is a priority.

Sadiq highlighted the active role of women in Pakistan’s Parliament and commended the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus and the Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming for advancing gender equality. He also spoke about the recent introduction of a digital application by the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus to enhance connectivity and awareness among women.

Expressing concern over the loss of lives in recent Israeli attacks in Iran, particularly the martyrdom of schoolgirls, Sadiq termed such incidents as war crimes. He criticized the silence of international organizations on these issues and called on the global community to uphold women’s rights and prevent such atrocities.

He further condemned the actions against women and children in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine, urging international intervention to protect vulnerable populations. Speaker Sadiq also acknowledged the leadership of Punjab’s first woman Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, and paid tribute to notable Pakistani women for their contributions to democracy and public rights.

In his message, Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah highlighted the constitutional guarantees for women’s rights in Pakistan and reiterated Parliament’s commitment to legislative measures promoting women’s welfare and empowerment.