MNA Shahida Rehmani. Photo: Facebook
ISLAMABAD:
Women lawmakers — members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and senators — have emphasized the need for greater participation of women in legislation aimed at protecting the fair sex from abuse, harassment and injustice.
The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) of the National Assembly launched its Annual Report 2024-25 at the Parliament House, Islamabad. The launch ceremony, convened by MNA Shahida Rehmani, was moderated by NA Special Secretary Syed Shamoon Hashmi.
The Annual Report 2024-25 highlighted the major achievements, initiatives, and challenges addressed by the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus during the year.
In her keynote address, Shahida acknowledged the contributions of WPC members in advancing gender-responsive legislation, strengthening parliamentary oversight on gender issues, and expanding the outreach of the caucus across party lines.
She reaffirmed the WPC’s commitment to ensuring that gender-sensitive legislation remains a central component of the parliamentary agenda.
Among the notable achievements highlighted was the convening of Pakistan’s first Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Workshop on Gender-Sensitive Legislation after a gap of four years, with participation from international parliamentarians.
The report presentation highlighted several landmark initiatives, including the establishment and strengthening of provincial and legislative chapters of the WPC in all four provincial and legislative assemblies, achieved for the first time in Pakistan’s history.
Speaking on the occasion, Senator Rubina Qaimkhani proposed the formation of parliamentary committees to comprehensively review harassment legislation and address existing gaps.
MNA Tahira Aurangzeb underscored the importance of a non-partisan approach to gender equality and highlighted the role of parents in fostering respect and equality from an early age.
MNA Munaza Hassan stressed improved coordination among national, provincial, and legislative assemblies to ensure cohesion among all WPC chapters.
MNA Samar Haroon Bilour highlighted the impact of terrorism and security challenges on women, particularly those who have lost male family members, and emphasized the inclusion of women lawmakers in economic and security-related decision-making.
She also called for increasing women’s job quotas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other provinces.
Senator Rubina Khalid advocated internship opportunities for deserving law and social science students within parliamentary and legislative bodies.
She emphasized adopting international best practices to curb cybercrime, along with increased Senate representation in the WPC Working Council.
MNA Farrukh Khan highlighted the importance of gender balance and mutual support between men and women for sustainable empowerment.
Senator Khalida Ateeb stressed strict implementation of laws related to the protection, welfare, and rehabilitation of women.
MNA Asma Arbab Alamgir emphasized the need to allocate adequate funds to women parliamentarians and called for the establishment of dedicated government bodies to protect vulnerable women and children, particularly in light of rising human trafficking.
