Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and former president Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday felicitated women on the occasion of World Women’s Day, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, said that respect for women and the protection of their rights were not only the symbol of nation’s dignity but also part of a Muslim’s faith. 

He went on to say that the status given by Islam to women is matchless. “The religion has given all rights to women, including the right to inheritance,” he said, adding, “Similarly, the constitution of Pakistan has guaranteed to women their rights.”

PM said that Pakistan was the first Muslim country to have a woman as its prime minister and a woman as its National Assembly speaker. “Women are playing an important role in all the fields; be it medical, teaching or sports,” he said.

Miss Fatima Jinnah, the premier added, was at the forefront of the Pakistan movement. “The role played by late Benazir Bhutto and Begum Kalsoom Nawaz cannot be forgotten either,” he added. 

Former president Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, said that the late Nusrat Bhutto and late Benazir Bhutto (BB) were torchbearers for other women. “BB had ensured the women’s participation in state affairs,” he said, adding, “All her life she struggled against ignorance.”

Former president went on to say that PPP was striving to build Pakistan on the lines as was envisioned by late Benazir.