A panel of senators headed by Senator Rubina Khalid on Tuesday recommended that proper representation should be given to eunuchs at the men and women Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Also comprising Senator Ilyas Bilor and Senator Usman Kakar, the panel met to pursue and finalise the recommendations for improvement in the working of chambers.
Senator Rubina Khalid, the convenor of the panel argued that one seat should be given to eunuchs at each chamber so that they can live with honour. She further proposed that steps should be taken to mainstream small entrepreneurs and skilled persons. The meeting also proposed that 10-20 vocational institutes should be established on the pattern of CSR so that socially skilled persons can be produced. Senator Rubina Khalid maintained that demand for rights has merit but national development and national interest should also be kept in view.
The panel decided to visit the four provincial headquarters and hold meetings with the Chief Ministers of respective provinces. The panel will first visit Peshawar and meet the Chief Minister KP Parvez Khattak with respect to establishment of a women chamber in the province.
Senator Usman Kakar who belongs to Balochistan said the women should be imparted training to enhance their capabilities. He also proposed that one day should be fixed for traditional foods in the country. He further suggested that international companies doing business in Pakistan should be bound to purchase local products. The panel further proposed that federal as well as provincial governments should allocate land for establishment of separate chambers for women. It was also recommended that a separate Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry should be established for women.
He further stated that women entrepreneurs should be included in foreign visits of business delegations.
The representatives of women chambers from Bahawalpur, Peshawar, Hazara, Islamabad and Lahore attended the meeting and apprised the panel of their issues. The committee recommended that finishing, packaging and marketing mechanism should be prepared for products of domestic crafts and skilled persons. For this purpose international experts should be consulted. The committee directed women chambers to submit their recommendations. The panel will also hold another meeting to finalise its recommendations for the main committee of Commerce. The senior officials of Commerce Ministry also attended the meeting.