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| | GEO Pakistan | | PM praises women for efforts in nation building | Updated at: 1107 PST, Monday, March 08, 2010
 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani lauded women for making relentless efforts and sacrifices in creating a just and fair society in Pakistan.
In his message on the occasion of International Women’s Day to be observed on Monday, the Prime Minister said, “he would like to congratulate women of Pakistan and the world over for their relentless efforts and sacrifices, they have and are still making to free this world from discrimination, oppression and biases.”
The premier said women’s empowerment is one of the top most priorities of the present government.
“I take the opportunity to re-affirm our national and international commitments for protection of women rights with special emphasis on this year’s theme “equal rights, equal opportunities: progress for all.”
“Our constitution already guarantees fundamental rights to the citizens without any discrimination,” he said.
He said the government in line with the vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto is taking steps to ensure that women of Pakistan are not only emancipated from exploitation of all forms, but are also empowered in the true sense.
Concerted efforts are being made for social, economic, legal and political empowerment of women to secure equal rights and opportunities for them in every field of life, he said adding these initiatives include micro-credit facility, skill training, rehabilitation of women in distress, mobility services and raising of awareness.
Gilani underlined that Pakistan can not move forward without utilizing 50% of its human resource and women’s legal and economic empowerment is the prime aspiration of the government.
“We can only ensure this by providing financial security, harassment free working environment and creating opportunities for women,” he added.
He mentioned launching of Benazir Income Support Programme, passage of Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2009 and legislation for Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Bill, 2009 as landmarks in this direction.
He assured the government will review, repeal and amend all other discriminatory laws to safeguard and promote the interests of women and to achieve gender equality in accordance with the constitution and obligations under international commitments and conventions.
“Acknowledging the challenges ahead, I assure the women of Pakistan that government will take all necessary measures to safeguard their rights as equal citizens of this country,” he added. |  |
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