Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, National Assembly Speaker, said that women had always been part and parcel of socio-economic development of the country. He said that the constitution had always made sure that all fundamental rights are provided to each Pakistani woman. He added that introducing women-inclusive economic policies would furthur ensure women empowerment in the country.
He expressed these views during his meeting with the United Nations Women’s Country Representative Sharmeela Rasool in Parliament House. Ashraf also stressed the need to provide education, health and economic opportunities to all women. He said CNIC was the basic right of identity and he would meet the chairman of NADRA to eliminate all hurdles for issuing CNIC for women, especially those who belonged to far-flung areas.
Member of National Assembly Wajiha Qamar was also present in the meeting. She said Women Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) was playing an important role in ensuring women-friendly legislation. She also said that the WPC would issue a consensus-based Manifesto for ensuring the provision of basic fundamental rights to all women.The UN Women’s country representative appreciated the NA speaker’s vision for ensuring women-inclusive policies. She also appreciated the role played by WPC for ensuring women-friendly legislation. She furthur added that the UN in Pakistan would keep on supporting Pakistani women specifically in the domain of employment and economic independence.
