Civil society, NGOs laud PA for passage of bills to protect women rights

Representatives of civil society and NGOs lauded the Punjab government for passing eight Bills to safeguard and protect the rights of women at a meeting held at the Assembly Committee Room on Thursday.
The meeting was presided over by Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Rana Mashhood and was attended by Aurat Foundation, South Asian Partners, WISE, SPO, Shirkat Gah, National Commission for Justice and Peace, Working Women Organisation, WAR, Bonded Labour Organisation, Arman, Godh, Finex Research Foundation, Homenet and others.
Addressing the meeting, Mashhood appreciated the role of NGOs and civil society in ensuring legislation for women. He said NGOs were playing a vital role in providing valuable services for the guidance and welfare of society. He stressed the need for greater mutual liaison to ensure progress of society and election of true public representatives. He said everyone’s loyalties were with Pakistan and we had to strengthen our country and institutions. Mashhood said public welfare and prosperity is the true vision of Punjab government. He said Punjab government did not believe in empty slogans but in taking practical steps to bring women into the national mainstream, which is reflected by the fact that the provincial legislature had approved eight Bills aimed at protection and promotion of women rights. He said promoting democratic traditions is part of democracy and following democratic values is essential for all of us.