Punjab Minister for Social Welfare Begum Zakia Shahnawaz on Saturday said that government believes in potential of women entrepreneurs therefore various steps have been taken to empower them.
Speaking at inaugural session of Islamabad Expo 2015, organised by Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI), she said that government is encouraging women participation in all walks of life is necessary for sustainable development.
“This is our national duty to protect the interests of women and provide them equal opportunities without any discrimination to make them valuable citizens and productive members of the society,” she said. She added that the government has taken measures to ensure women’s rights and continuously undertaking reforms so as to enable women to participate in all walks of life with their full abilities.
Shahnawaz said that Pakistan had enacted effective legislation to address women’s issues with a view to safeguard their rights.
Speaking at the occasion, Canadian High Commissioner Heather Cruden said that Pakistani women were participating in all sectors and many of them had excelled in their respective fields, not only in Pakistan, but also on the international level which is very encouraging.
Others who spoke on the occasion included founder president IWCCI Samina Fazil, IWCCI President Dr Zakia Hashmi, KPK CCI Preisdent Fawad Ishaq, ICCI President Muzammil Sabri, FPCCI Coordination Chairman Malik Sohail and others.
They lauded the initiatives of IWCCI aimed at women empowerment and efforts of the government to create an enabling environment for women.
From education to armed forces, the women are serving the nation and proving that they are equally strong and able to serve the country.
Allocation of 50 percent share for women in the Prime Minister’s Youth Loan Scheme reflects the government’s trust and commitment to provide them maximum opportunities, they noted.
