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ISLAMABAD: On International Women’s Day being observed on March 8th, organizers of Women March in Islamabad gathered outside the National Press Club and vowed to hold s march to D Chowk even though the district administration did not issue them a no-objection certificate.
The organizers of the march, which has become an annual feature with its participants chanting objectionable slogans, had earlier demanded that the government should declare a public holiday on March 8th.
The women rights activists said that despite government hurdles in the way of their peaceful march they would continue their struggle to attain equal rights for women in the country.
In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said women’s education in Pakistan was a challenge to which several steps were taken to address it.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif issued messages highlighting the importance of women in society.
President Asif Zardari said that Pakistan is committed to the promotion of women’s rights and it is in the interest of the entire nation to bring women forward in education, economy and leadership.
The President said women still face challenges such as violence and discrimination, and more measures are needed for women’s protection and economic independence.
He said that Pakistan had taken steps to protect women’s rights, adding special courts and helplines had been established for the protection of women. Pakistan has taken steps to increase the representation of women in politics, judiciary, law enforcement and other government institutions.
Asif Zardari said that work is underway on policies for the inclusion of women in economic activities, reiterating the commitment to empower every woman today, Pakistan is committed to promoting women’s rights in accordance with constitutional provisions, international treaties.
Addressing a special ceremony held at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad on International Women’s Day, Prime Minister Sharif said that women’s education was challenging in Pakistan, especially in southern Punjab.
He said women are working side by side with men and the role of women in strengthening the country’s economy was important.
Addressing the ceremony, Law Minister Nazir Tarar said that women are the builders of the nation, the role of women in any society is important.
He said women have always played a key role in the development of Pakistan. Fatima Jinnah, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, Asma Jahangir, Arfa Karim and Malala Yousafzai are examples of determination.
