President Dr Arif Alvi Wednesday while calling for women’s active participation and struggle for their rights, said the country could never achieve development until its women enjoyed their due rights as well as financial and digital empowerment.
The president, addressing the Kamyab Khatoon ceremony held by the Kamyab Jawan Programme in connection with the World Women’s Day, also advised the girls and women to show their leadership skills to claim their rights guaranteed by Islam as well as the constitution.
Criticizing the tendency of brothers getting their sisters’ inheritance as a gift, the president told the gathering that the women could now approach the Ombudsman Office or courts as the government had made necessary legislation to protect their inheritance rights.
President Alvi urged the women to avail the facility of online bank account opening through a mobile application without visiting the bank, as it would empower them financially. Referring to the “shameful incident” of killing of a week-old daughter in Mianwali by her own father”, the president advised the women to focus on moral training of their kids to sensitize them towards women rights.
Similarly, he said women’s social protection was also equally essential to give her a sense of protection while moving outside her home. Begum Samina Alvi assured the participants of her continuous role for women rights and reiterated her resolve for standing by the women in their course of empowerment and rights’ protection.
Special Assistant to the PM Usman Dar spoke high of the incumbent government’s initiatives of Ehsaas, Kamyab Jawan, Kamyab Pakistan and Naya Pakistan Housing Programme believing that those would transform the country.
Mentioning the disbursement of over Rs 150 billion through Ehsaas, interest-free business loans of Rs 0.5 million each, housing loans and education scholarships, he said the women had been given special focus in the welfare initiatives.
Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul highlighted the historic role and sacrifices by the women in Pakistan as well as the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
SAPM Sania Nishtar said the government had ensured 100% budget utilization in all 16 programmes under the Ehsaas umbrella, besides ensuring merit and transparency.
Deputy Governor of State Bank Seema Kamil also addressed the event and highlighted the central bank’s efforts for women’s financial inclusion.
Earlier, the president along with other dignitaries cut a cake in connection with the World Women Day and also distributed shields, certificates and cheques among the beneficiaries of the Kamyab Jawan Programme, Ehsaas and Naya Pakistan Housing Programme.
