PWPA to be placed under Home Dept

LAHORE:Punjab Women Protection Authority (PWPA) is set to be placed under the administrative control of the Home Department, according to an official decision.

Chairperson PWPA, Hina Parvez Butt, met Punjab Home Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal at the Civil Secretariat. The meeting was also attended by Additional Secretary (Judicial) Imran Hussain Ranjha, Deputy Secretary General Tasneem Ali Khan, and other officials.

According to a spokesperson for the Home Department, the decision aligns with the chief minister's vision for women's protection. Chairperson Hina Parvez Butt emphasised that ensuring justice at the doorstep of victims is the state’s responsibility, and eliminating violence against women and vulnerable groups is a top priority of the chief minister. She reassured women that they are not alone, as all state institutions are actively working for their protection.

Home Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal stated that the department is working on legislation to curb acid attacks and regulate the sale and purchase of acid. He highlighted that forensic reports in cases involving women are being prioritised, ensuring 100% merit-based implementation in all cases.

Proper legislation to protect women’s rights stressed

Bonded Labour Liberation Front (BLLF) Pakistan organised a programme on the eve of International Women’s Day 2025 on Friday in which the speakers called for immediate legislation to protect the rights of women workers.

Syeda Ghulam Fatima, BLLF Pakistan President Martha Parveen, Programme Manager Mahar Safdar Ali, Programme Coordinator M Shahbaz, Nursing Association Social Security Institution Punjab President Zarqa Sohail and Brick Kiln Workers Association Sheikhupura President Nusrat Bibi addressed the ceremony.

Addressing to the programme, Syeda Ghulam Fatima said the current legislation is inadequate to protect and promote the rights of women workers and is contrary to the socio-cultural and religious values of our society. She demanded recognition of women’s work and equal pay and benefits for equal work. She further stressed on ensuring the registration of women workers as workers and their access to social security services.

Mahar Safdar Ali said that women’s participation in the unionisation is too low to count despite 33 % mandatory under Industrial Relation Act 2010. He also urged for the conducive environment for increased female representation in the trade unions.

Meanwhile, Search for Justice and Climate Action Now (CAN) marked International Women’s Day with a panel discussion highlighting the link between women’s economic empowerment, gender equality, and climate resilience. Experts, activists, and girls emphasised the need for inclusive policies ensuring financial independence, climate-smart initiatives, and protection from gender-based violence.

Ameena Haroon from NGO 'CAN' stressed equipping women with skills and resources for climate resilience. Rashida Qureshi (Search for Justice) called for stronger protections against gender-based violence, while entrepreneur Kynat Raza urged greater support for women’s participation in the economy. Participants also demanded digital safety measures to combat online harassment. The discussion reinforced the urgent need for systemic reforms, investment in women’s empowerment, and gender-responsive policies for a sustainable future.