Political inclusion of women imperative for stable democracy & proactive Parliament: Raja Pervez Ashraf

ISLAMABAD, July 19 (SABAH): Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that no society can develop without inclusion and active participation of women in all segments of society. He also said that societies remained backwards and under-develop where women are not encouraged and promoted. He said that Pakistani women are talented and taking active part in politics.

Raja Pervez Ashraf expressed these view while addressing the closing ceremony of Round Table of Political Parties on Women’s Manifesto organized by Women Parliamentary Cacus( WPC) in collaboration with UN Women in Islamabad on Wednesday. While mentioning the proactive role of women parliamentarians, he said that women parliamentarians have been at forefront to be proactive active in legislative process. He also said that constitution also discourages gender based discrimination. He also said that women empowerment should be central goal of manifestos of all political parties.

NA Speaker Raja Pervez has said that stable politics and strong Parliament is interlinked with political empowerment of women. He also said that women comprise more than fifty percent of population and their representation in politics would strengthen Parliament and democracy. He extended felicitation to organizer of this successful Round table conference. He also appreciated the consensus evolved in manifesto is praiseworthy.

Ms. Shahida Rehmani General Secretary WPC said that WPC has always been at the forefront to legislate for protection of fundamental women’s rights. She said that political participation of women is vital for progress and development of country. She also said that all political parties are in unison to represent women at every political forum. She also said that empowerment of women and ensuring their participation in Next 16th National Assembly is essential for their economic and social empowerment.

Freeha Omar UN Women Representative in Pakistan said that political participation of women is pivotal for empowering women. She appreciated the support of Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf and General Secretary WPC for organising this successful conference.

Shaista Pervaiz Malik Ex General Secretary of WPC has appreciated support of Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez for always promoting women participation in legislative arena. She said that all parties will remain committed to their manifesto. MNA Farrukh Khan- Representative Q-League praised the role of Speaker National Assembly Raja Parvez Ashraf and Ms Shahida Rehmani, Secretary Women Parliamentary Caucus for their role in promoting and supporting Women Parliamentary Caucus. She further encouraged the women representatives of all parties to strengthen women around them and upscale them so that they live better lives.

Farhatullah Khan Babar, Secretary General Pakistan People Parties said that WPC represents all women across the country. He also stressed on need to include suggestions for political empowerment in manifesto of all political parties. He said that women representation should be enhanced in Parliament House. He said that women general seats should be at least 18percent.

Ms. Bushara Rindh representative of Balochistan Awami Party emphasized that Pakistani women are the most talented in the world. She said that good governance and education for girls is key to empower women. Jamal Dawar Representative of National Democratic Movement stressed on need to organise such conference at regional and provincial level. He also highlighted the efforts of his party to empower women locally.

Ms. Aysha Syed, representing Jaamat-e-Islami said that Islam is a comprehensive religion. She said that Islam stressed upon ensuring provision of fundamental rights to all humans equally including women. She also stressed upon eliminating all kinds of discrimination against women.

Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, Ex-Chairman Senate Secretary General Pakistan People Party Parliamentarian stressed that it is PPP which has been at forefront to take all Initiatives to empower women. He highlighted that it is honour of PPP to have first Women Prime Minister, First women Speaker National Assembly and first Women Deputy Speaker GB Legislative Assembly. He stressed on women to contest elections on General seats. Two days Round Table of political parties on Women’s Manifesto unanimously adopted Women Manifesto to empower women in all walks of life. The Manifesto outlined the significance attached with political participation. Women Representatives of all political parties agree upon to include agenda of women empowerment in their political manifestos.