Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf stated that the present democratic government is committed to the socio-economic empowerment of women and has also taken various measures as per the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
"Pakistan People's Party, according to the vision of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed, has always been endeavouring hard to afford the women of Pakistan a fair and just environment to help them elevate their socio-economic status in the society," he said.
"The present democratic government has introduced significant legislations for empowering women and protecting their rights," the Prime Minister said in his message on the occasion of Working Women Day being observed on December 22 (Saturday). The Prime Minister said the present government has created a lot of space for the womenfolk to partake in politics, education, business, industry and agriculture. He hoped that these measures will go a long way in making the country's women socially vibrant and economically viable.
"This is, however, not the end. I assure the womenfolk of Pakistan that Pakistan People's Party under the able guidance of President Asif Ali Zardari and with the co-operation of our allies will leave no stone unturned to secure their betterment and welfare and making them equal partners in social life," the Prime Minister added. Extending warm felicitations to the working women on the auspicious occasion of Working Women Day, the Prime Minister said: "Women in Pakistan possess enormous capabilities. They are making useful contributions whether at workplace or at home."
"Pakistani women have demonstrated extra ordinary talent and have excelled in politics, business and other fields of our socio-economic life," he added. The Prime Minister said many talented Pakistani women have earned international acclaim and brought laurels to Pakistan, adding "Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto is one of the finest examples of Pakistani women who are known for her high caliber, extraordinary talent and contributions the world over."
"It is unfortunate that women all over the world and more so in Pakistan have been subjected to varying degrees of gender discrimination and exploitation as a result of prejudice", he said. Prime Minister Ashraf said the situation must, however, change as "we want to establish an egalitarian society wherein everyone enjoys equal rights and opportunities."
He said Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed who was a great champion of women's rights once said: "The discrimination against women can only begin to erode when women are educated and employed. Empowerment is only a right to have political freedom. Empowerment is the right to be independent, to be educated; to have choices in life". Prime Minister Ashraf said: "I once again express my best wishes for the well-being and prosperity of our working women and hope that they will continue to work with even more devotion and diligence not only to promote their own welfare but also of their country."