Women’s role vital for national uplift, economic stability

LAHORE: Islam is the beacon of women's rights, having raised its voice against the cruel tradition of burying newborn girls alive, a practice that was ended by the religion and bringing the gift of life to women. Women across the world are facing challenges side by side with men in every field and in Pakistan where women make up half of the population, by neglecting them the national development and economic stability is impossible.

These views were expressed by Principal Ameer Uddin Medical College Prof. Dr. Al-Fareed Zafar during his address to the participants of a prestigious ceremony held at Lahore General Hospital (LGH) on International Women's Day. On this occasion, prominent figures from the medical field, including Dr. Nasira Shaukat, Dr. Almas Bashir, Prof. Shahina Asif, Dr. Shabana Haider, Prof. Rubina Sohail, Prof. Asif Bashir, Prof. Farooq Afzal, Principal of the Nursing College Rubina Inam, MS Lahore General Hospital Dr. Faryad Hussain and MS PINS Dr. Umar Ishaq also spoke extensively about women's rights.

Prof. Al-Farid Zafar highlighted that Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the first female Chief Minister of Punjab is a shining example for other women. She has contributed significantly to national progress within a year through her hard work and we all pay homage to her on this. Prof. Al-Farid Zafar and Prof. Asif Bashir stated that under the special instructions of CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz, every possible facility is being provided to the female staff working in the institutions. They further emphasised that practical efforts to safeguard and uphold women's rights will continue. They mentioned that a large number of female staff at LGH and PINS are dedicated to serving the suffering humanity and they are held in high regard by all. The speakers also paid tributes to the women worldwide from various walks of life. Talking to the media, Prof. Al-Fareed Zafar told that the purpose of today's ceremony was to understand the importance of recognizing women's contributions. Whether urban or rural, educated or uneducated, working outside the home or within or belonging to any social class or remote area, women work on multiple fronts at the same time and it is our moral duty to recognize and encourage their services, he added. Principal LGH also stated that women are seen excelling in various sectors, including flying Fighter Jets, Judiciary, Health, Education, Information & Technology, Law & Enforcement. He emphasised that women are the backbone of the health sector in Pakistan, nursing responsibilities largely shouldered by women. The ceremony also provided awareness about women's rights protecting working women. The event was attended by Prof. Nudrat Sohail, Prof Amna Ahsan Cheema, Dr Laila Shafiq, Dr Misbah Javed, Dr Amara Akhtar, Dr Saira Zeeshan, Nursing Superintendent PINS Asiya Khanum, Shehnaz Dar as well as medical students, nursing staff and college nurses.