LAHORE:Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, has stated that the Women’s Caucus has been established to resolve women's issues on a priority basis. To effectively raise women's issues, the caucus includes representation from women belonging to all political parties.
He expressed these views while addressing a session of the Women Parliamentary Caucus at the Punjab Assembly. Speaker said that the Women’s Caucus is an exceptionally effective forum for presenting women's perspectives. The issues presented at this forum will be addressed through collective efforts by women. He stated that the caucus should be further strengthened and empowered to play an effective role in addressing social and legal challenges.
PA Speaker further stated that through the platform of the Women’s Caucus, connections will be established with other provinces, particularly with the Sindh Assembly and the Azad Kashmir Assembly, so that a joint strategy may be adopted at the inter-provincial level to address women’s issues.
He emphasised that incidents of harassment against women are condemnable and that the caucus must work on an emergency basis to prevent such occurrences. Women in rural areas are in dire need of dignified legal assistance.
PA speaker said that if violence is being committed against women or their rights are being violated, the caucus must play an active role in addressing these issues.
He reiterated that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is paying special attention to women’s issues. When the voice of women is strengthened they will be able to attain their rights, he added. He also referenced the unanimous decision of all political parties that under no circumstances will there be any reduction in women's representation in parliament. During the session, MPAs Mehwish Sultana, Ishrat Ashraf, Zakia Shahnawaz, Uzma Kardar, and Sonia Asher also shared their views.