ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan was committed to advancing women’s rights in line with its constitutional provisions and international commitments.

In a message on International Women’s Day celebrated on March 8, he said, “Today, Pakistan joins the world in celebrating International Women’s Day to highlight women’s resilience and their contributions to shaping societies and driving progress.”

This year’s theme, “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”, reinforced the need for collective action to ensure that every woman and girl had equal access to rights and opportunities, he added.

The President said, “Women constitute almost half of our population and empowering them is essential for our national progress. Societies that provide equal rights and opportunities for women are more prosperous, peaceful, and resilient.

He said, “Over the years, we have taken key steps, including the enactment of laws against domestic violence, workplace harassment, and gender-based discrimination. Similarly, specialised courts and helplines for survivors of gender-based violence have strengthened protections. Pakistan has taken steps to increase women’s representation in politics, judiciary, law enforcement, and public institutions, besides undertaking economic initiatives to promote financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy for women.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on the International Women’s Day, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to empower women and promote gender equality.

“On this day, let us reaffirm our collective resolve to intensify our efforts to further advance respect for women’s rights and build a Pakistan where every woman’s potential is realized and every daughter’s dream is within her reach”, the prime minister said in his message on the occasion of women’s day.

“Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength and luminosity of women—the architects of our society, the pillars of our homes, and the change makers of our future. From classrooms to boardrooms, fields to front-lines, resilient Pakistani women are redefining possibilities to shape a bright future for our nation,” the prime minister remarked.

He highlighted that this year’s theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”, was a call to action, reminding us of the shared responsibility to create a society where women thrive and contribute meaningfully.