PPP govt committed to women’s rights
ISLAMABAD, March 8: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira on Friday said protection of women rights had been one of the top priorities of the coalition government, adding the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) remained committed to the well-being and empowerment of the women, agencies reported.
Speaking in National Assembly in connection with the International Women’s Day, the minister said women were still considered the less privileged component of society and that their role in nation building and national progress was appreciable. “Our party remains committed to empowerment of women and making their role more vibrant for the country’s progress and prosperity,” the minister said. He said Pakistan was proud to have the maximum number of women in its parliament, adding that this number could not even be witnessed in the parliaments of countries that claim to championing women rights. “But, still we need to do lot. Our party always struggled for women rights. We had a woman party chairperson and it is her legacy that she always struggled for women rights and democracy and laid down her life for this cause,” he added.
“Benazir Bhutto was a symbol of courage and committment. She fought all odds for democracy and women rights. Now her daughters, following in her footsteps are waging the struggle for women rights,” he added. Kaira said it was only Pakistan to have the first woman prime minister in the Muslim world and then the first female speaker. “But, still we have long way to go. Women in our rural areas are oppressed and neglected although they also play their role in nation building.” “We have to ensure to protect their rights and bring them into the mainstream to ensure a prosperous future for the country,” the minister said.
Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza reiterated the committment to end violence against women and urged the members and society to end violence against women. “Let us say no to violence against women. A promise is a promise. It is time to end violence against women.”