Pakistan Hosts OIC Conference to Advance Women's Empowerment

The Government of Pakistan hosted the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women in Islamabad, where officials from member states discussed strategies for the socio-economic and political empowerment of women. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, called on Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) members to move beyond commitments and adopt measurable targets for girls' education, entrepreneurship, and protection against gender-based violence.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz detailed provincial initiatives including the 'Apna Rozgar Programme' for economic self-reliance and the 'Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar' housing scheme. She highlighted the distribution of scholarships and laptops to integrate female students into the technology sector. Other federal ministers, including Azam Nazir Tarar and Shaza Fatima Khawaja, reaffirmed the national commitment to equal opportunities.

On the sidelines of the event, Pakistan and Syria discussed expanding bilateral cooperation on women's rights. Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja offered to partner with OIC member states to develop digital platforms and pilot projects specifically focused on connectivity, secure digital identities, and financial accounts for girls.