Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said the targets of development cannot be achieved without bringing women, who constitute a major portion of Pakistan’s population, to forefront.
He said that Pakistani women are very talented and playing an important role in education, health, information technology, banking, engineering and other sectors. He said that the government has taken historic decisions for development of women, protection of their rights as well as economic empowerment. He said that special centres will be set up for providing immediate justice to the women who are subjected to violence and the first centre in this regard is being set up in Multan. He said that women will be deputed at these special centres and police, prosecution, medical and forensic facilities will be available under one roof at these centres. He said that this first and unique centre of South Asia will play an important role in addressing the complaints of women.
He was talking to a delegation of women assembly members of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Sunday.
The chief minister said that women play a key role in the evolution of a society as well as its development. He said that instead of sitting in their homes after completing education, women should join the practical field and contribute to national development and prosperity. He said that more than 50 percent population of Pakistan comprises women and if they enter into practical field, the country will definitely achieve its development targets.
“The revolutionary measures taken for socio-economic empowerment of women are going to have a far-reaching impact,” he said.
He said that employment quota of women in government jobs has been increased up to 15 percent while a 3-year relaxation in age limit is also being given to women for giving them more job opportunities. He said that the government’s decision to give 33 percent representation to women in all decision-making boards and committees will result in their effective participation in decision-making process.
He said that inclusion of a woman member in all recruitment committees of government departments is a commendable step of the government. He said that daycare centres are being set up in all government and non-government institutions with daycare fund while the law regarding protection of women against harassment at work place has also been enforced.
He further said that legislation has been undertaken to ensure the right of women in inheritance. He said that steps will also be taken with the consultation of women for their development and empowerment and such policies will be evolved as will help in empowerment of women.
While speaking on the occasion, women assembly members said that the chief minister has taken commendable measures for the welfare and development of women. They said that the historic steps taken by the government for the development and empowerment of women will yield positive results. They said that provincial government has taken bold decisions and undertaken effective legislation for the protection of women rights and their empowerment besides redressing the grievances of women subjected to violence.
