IHC Judge underlines importance of gender equality in society

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani highlighted the critical need for gender equality reforms during a seminar on Wednesday.

Expressing his views, Justice Kayani remarked, “I am happy to see uniformed women present here at the event. We as Pakistanis could not understand gender equality as this concept could not be included in our attitudes”.

He stressed women’s indispensable role, saying, ” If you live a day without the presence of your mother, wife, daughter, or sister is enough to realize how a household cannot function without them. Yet, structural reforms ensuring equality for women remain largely absent.”

Justice Kayani pointed out disparities in the judiciary, stating “Structural reforms have not been made on the level of equality of women. There are 3300 judges and 40,000 staff across the country”

Referring to the recent 26th constitutional amendment, he noted that the Judicial Commission established under this reform includes only one woman. “Shouldn’t women also be equally represented on the Judicial Commission? Why aren’t they being nominated for judicial appointments at the same level?” he questioned.

Justice Kayani criticized both the judiciary and Parliament for neglecting gender equality. “Without women in policy-making, who will advocate for equal rights?” he added.

He also raised concerns about workplace conditions for women, asking whether sufficient facilities are available for women to balance their professional and caregiving responsibilities.