LAHORE: A seminar, in connection with Human Rights Week, was held under the joint efforts of All Pakistan Women Association (APWA) and Punjab Ministry of Human Rights and Minority Affairs.
HR Department Provincial Secretary Arshad Bin Ahmad, Human Rights Activist I A Rehman, APWA Punjab Chairperson Roohi Syed and advocate Shamsa Ali were among the speakers. They recommended the implementation of existing laws meant for the women’s betterment, in addition to framing up new legislation. They called upon all segments of the society to change their views about females and honour them in the light of Islam.
Arshad said women development was important to ensure ‘real development’ of a nation. He said Punjab government believed in providing equal opportunities of education and employment to the women. I A Rehman said, “It is regrettable that we do not agree to extend existing rights to the ladies which are more than half of our population.”
Roohi highlighted APWA activities in rural and urban areas for women’s development and said, “Great ladies like Fatima Jinnah and Begum Raana Liaqat Ali Khan have left assets in the shape of their lives and APWA was playing a historic role in spreading their teachings.”
APWA College Students presented a number of skits reflecting on women’s role in Pakistani society. Ladies from rural area also attended the seminar and lauded the efforts to hold such an event in Human Rights Week.
