Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar Saturday said that Pakistan's commitment and initiatives towards women's empowerment and gender equality are very clear.

“We are committed to protecting women's rights and InshAllah, we will also succeed in the mission of women empowerment. In the establishment of Pakistan, Fatima Jinnah and other women have rendered their services on the frontline and we are proud of them. The role of women in eradicating terrorism and establishing peace in the country cannot be ignored. Maintaining rule of law and order in the country is the first priority of the government and we will not compromise on it.”

He was addressing the "Women Conference for Peace 2022" held in Lahore under the supervision of Provincial Female Ombudsman Nabila Hakim Ali Khan. On the occasion American Consul General William K, social worker Farzana Bari, Provincial Ombudsman Nabila Hakim Ali Khan, Dr. Saboor Ahmed and others were also present.

Governor Sarwar said that protection of women's rights is essential for the development of any country.

“Despite the social and economic hardships we face, the number of women leaders in Pakistan have increased. We had a female Prime Minister and the youngest Nobel Prize winning woman is also from Pakistan. The present government under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan is working to strengthen women and provide them employment opportunities.”

Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar said that besides the Governor SBP and the Speaker of the National Assembly, there are a large number of women ministers, diplomats, judges, high level civil servants and diplomats.

“Our women fly fighter jets and serve in the UN peacekeeping force while one woman has also become a three star general in the army. We need to continue our struggle for achieving the goal of women's empowerment and gender equality in the country. We are fully aware of the difficulties that lie ahead, but we will continue to achieve our goals, moving forward with commitment.”

Governor Punjab said that the present government is giving women their rights and due representation in every project including Ehsaas program. There is no dearth of talent in Pakistani women. Alhumdulilah, today Pakistani women are successfully moving forward in every field including education, health, sports and business and they are making Pakistan proud. The atrocities and injustices perpetrated against women cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.

Provincial female ombudsman Nabila Hakim Ali Khan said that the present government has taken practical steps for the protection of women and now women are also getting their share in property. We take strict action wherever any incident involving women harassment comes to our notice. Those who oppress women will not be able to escape punishment. We have to empower women because it is necessary for the Pakistan’s development.

The US Consul General in Lahore, William Kay, said that I am pleased that the government as well as other organizations and NGOs in Pakistan are working hard for the protection of women. We give them full support wherever there is work for the protection of women and women must be given their rights for peace and strength of any society, he added.