IN Saudi Arabia, the process of exploiting the true potential of
women for the country’s bright and prosperous future is continuing and doors for them are being opened in every field now. Credit for this holistic approach to gender equality and progressive path definitely goes to the leadership of Saudi King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman.
The Kingdom took yet another important step on Thursday to elevate the status of women when the Saudi King signed the decree ending travelling restrictions on the women. Now the Saudi women can travel abroad without a male guardian’s permission and can apply for a passport without authorization, putting them on an equal footing to men. These changes are also being celebrated by Saudis on the social media, many hailing the 33-year-old Crown Prince, for being behind these positive moves. With the doing away of guardianship policy, the Saudi women can independently take important decisions about their future be it related to education or exploiting job opportunities abroad. Since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, the Saudi authorities have addressed all flaws in the system that prevented women from living their lives securely and free from unnecessary hassles. In recent months, ban was also lifted on women driving and they were allowed to attend football matches in stadiums. As a result of these steps, the participation of Saudi women in economic activities has increased substantially and many of them are now holding high positions in important institutions. The Kingdom would not have realized all of these remarkable achievements without the farsighted vision of its leadership which supports the role of women in the development process. Pakistani nation sees and cherishes the forward movement and success of the holy land in every sphere as its own and we hope the leadership of both countries will expedite their efforts towards building a strong economic and trade partnership.
