Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi has said that women are respectable in all of their roles, including those of mother, daughter, sister, and wife, and that the West cannot imagine the rights which have been given to women in Islam, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Wednesday. 

He expressed these views on the occasion of International Women’s Right Day and noted that the last Prophet (PBUH) also advised to treat women with kindness, adding that the life of Syeda Fatima-Tuz-Zahra, the beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the Lady of Paradise, is the best example for Muslim women. 

He added that unconventional women like Fatima Jinnah, Benazir Bhutto, Maryam Mukhtar, Arfa Karim, Malala Yousafzai and Asma Jahangir should be emulated by other women. 

He further maintained that achieving gender equity and justice is crucial for achieving sustainable development and that no nation can progress unless its women stand by the side of men. 

“Punjab government is striving for equal development opportunities and favorable environment for women in every sector,” he continued.

On International Women's Day, he reaffirmed his commitment to protect women’s rights in Pakistan.

CM extends greeting to Hindu community on Holi 

The Punjab CM also extended his greetings to the Hindu community on the Holi festival. 

In his message, he said, “Holi is a festival that brings people together, and the joyous celebration lasts all day.”

He said that the occasion fosters feelings of brotherhood and goodwill and spreads love and peace.

He assured the equal rights to all minorities including the Hindu community and reiterated that they are the equal citizens of Pakistan. 

Reporter: Ali Ramay