Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira on Friday said protection of women rights had been one of top priorities of the coalition government and the PPP remained committed to the wellbeing and empowerment of women.
Speaking in the National Assembly in connection with International Women Day, the minister said although women were still considered to be less privileged component of the society but their role in nation building and national progress was appreciable.
“Since, this parliament is completing its tenure, our party remains committed to empowerment of women and making their role more vibrant for progress and prosperity of the nation,” Kaira said.
He said Pakistan was proud to have maximum number of women in its parliament. “This number even cannot be witnessed in parliaments of the countries who claim to champions of women rights.”
“But, still we need to do lot. Our party always struggled for women rights. We had a woman party chairwoman 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 symbol of courage and commitment. She fought all odds for democracy and women rights. Now her daughters, following her footprints are waging struggle for women rights,” he added.
Kaira said it was only Pakistan to have first woman prime minister of 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 to mainstream to ensure a prosperous future for the country,” Kaira said.