Pakistani women have shaped future of the globe: FM Qureshi

ISLAMABAD:  Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi Thursday said  Pakistani women had shaped the future of the globe and the nation. 

Qureshi, in his message on the International Women’s Day being celebrated today (March 8),   said that Pakistan celebrates the political, economic,  and social achievements of women across the globe and especially in the country.

The Mnister said: "Pakistani women are known for their resilience, intelligence, perseverance and incredibly strong-will. We honour women’s role and contribution, for our people, society and Pakistan."

He said from political leaders, members of the armed forces, to sports, entertainment, and in defending human rights, our women have only made Pakistan proud.

Highlighting the role of Pakistan's women, Qureshi said that Madr-e-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah was a part  of the Pakistan Movement,  while  Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto assumed twice the highest political office of Pakistan, adding that Asma Jehangir was an impeccable defender of human rights.

Malala Yusufzai has  become a household name and promoter of education across the globe. Twenty-three years old Samina climbed the Mount Everest, while Ayesha Farooq, a girl from Bahawalpur, decided to fly fighter jets and joined the Pakistan Air Force" , said The Minister.

"Our women have given birth to arts and literature, Bapsi Sidhwa, Bano Qudsia, Sheherezade Alam and Zubeida Agha are few names among many. Also, with Nighat Dad, founder of Digital Rights Foundation, Jehan Ara, President of All Pakistan Software House Association and Kalsoom Lakhani, CEO of Invest2Innovate, Pakistani women have scaled heights in technology and entrepreneurship," he said.

He said Pakistan has taken a number of progressive policy initiatives and legislative measures for women emancipation and empowerment.

At the national level, these included reserving seats for women representatives at all levels of political governance. We have established a National Policy for Development and Empowerment of Women and enacted a number of laws that reflect our commitment to promote a gender sensitive society where women have opportunities to participate in all walks of life as professionals, home makers and take part in policy formulation as well as its implementation," he said.

He said Pakistan's direction, commitment and actions are clear.

"Pakistan will continue to traverse and make progress on the road to women empowerment, mindful of the challenges but resolved to further build on our achievements," he said.