President General Pervez Musharraf has said that the present government has taken a number of initiatives for the emancipation of women with their integration into mainstream of national life.
In his message on the occasion of International Women's Day being observed on Monday throughout the world, President Musharraf said the women have been included in the institutions of decision making and other important departments.
The President said the role of women in national development and political life has been strengthened and consolidated by not only restoring, but increasing their seats at all tiers of the legislature, including Senate, National and provincial assemblies. Pervez Musharraf said special emphasis has also been given to ensure due representation to women in the local governments, in the form of more than 40,000 councillors at District, Tehsil and Union council level.
Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali has emphasised the need to further improve the co-operation and participation of community and government to ensure the rights of women, their betterment and equal status in the society.
In his message on the occasion of International Women Day, being observed throughout the world on March 8th, Monday the Prime Minister said there is need to prepare for the future challenges regarding rights of women.
Referring to the theme of the women day this year. "Gender and HIV/AIDS" the Prime Minister appreciated the measures taken by the Ministry of Women Development to celebrate the day with great fervour, enthusiasm and jubilation.
Begum Sehba Musharraf, the first lady, has emphasised the need to make joint efforts to raise the social status of women in the society, prevent violence and abuse against women at home and in the society as well.
In her message on the occasion of International Women's Day being observed on Monday, she said that awareness campaign should be started to achieve the targets set forth by the government.