Women's Day: President, PM, Bilawal, Sherry reaffirm pledge to protect women's rights

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan is committed to advancing women’s rights in line with constitutional provisions and international commitments.

“Over the years, we have taken key steps, including the enactment of laws against domestic violence, workplace harassment, and gender-based discrimination,” he said on the eve of the International Women’s Day, 8th March 2025, which is being observed today (Saturday).

He said Pakistan has taken steps to increase women’s representation in politics, judiciary, law enforcement, and public institutions, besides undertaking economic initiatives to promote financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy for women.

According to the announcement of President’s Secretariat on Friday, President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan joins the world in celebrating International Women’s Day to highlight women’s resilience and their contributions to shaping societies and driving progress. “This year’s theme, ‘For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.’, reinforces the need for collective action to ensure that every woman and girl has equal access to rights and opportunities,” he said.

He said by ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women, we can build a stronger, more progressive, and just society for future generations. “On this International Women’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to empower every woman to help her achieve her full potential,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also gave an important message on the eve of International Women’s Day. “Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength and luminosity of women—the architects of our society, the pillars of our homes, and the changemakers of our future. From classrooms to boardrooms, fields to frontlines, resilient Pakistani women are redefining possibilities to shape a bright future for our nation,” he said.

He said, “This year’s theme, ‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment’, is a call to action, reminding us of our shared responsibility to create a society where women thrive and contribute meaningfully.”

Also, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also paid tribute to the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of women in every sphere of life and reaffirmed his party’s unwavering commitment to the protection and promotion of women’s rights.

“No society can progress without ensuring equal rights, dignity, and opportunities for women,” he said on the eve of International Women’s Day.

Bilawal emphasised that gender equality was not merely a slogan but a fundamental principle of justice and democracy. He paid tribute to Madar-e-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, whose dedication to Pakistan’s independence made her a beacon of hope.

He also paid homage to his grandmother Begum Nusrat Bhutto and mother Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. Begum Nusrat Bhutto rendered great sacrifices and firmly fought tyranny with unmatched courage, he said, adding: “Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s first female Prime Minister, shattered barriers and paved the way for countless women to rise in leadership, inspiring generations of women to fight for their rights”.

And, PPP’s Vice President and parliamentary leader of the party in the Senate, Sherry Rehman, extended her heartfelt wishes to women across the globe, especially in Pakistan, “whose resilience, strength, and contributions continue to shape our society”.

“This day serves the purpose of illuminating and embracing women’s global contributions, services, and fundamental rights,” she said.She said the PPP had always stood at the forefront of championing women’s rights.