ISLAMABAD: The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) has called for renewed national commitment and concrete action to advance the rights, dignity, and equal opportunities of women and girls across Pakistan on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
NCSW Chairperson Ms Azhar emphasised that although significant progress has been made in strengthening legal protections for women, sustained institutional and societal efforts are still required to ensure that these rights translate into meaningful improvements in the lives of women across the country.
Over the past year, the Commission has contributed to legislative reforms, policy development, and evidence-based advocacy aimed at promoting gender equality. NCSW has also played a key role in supporting initiatives to end child marriage and strengthen legal safeguards for girls. The passage of the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Act, followed by legislative progress in Balochistan and Punjab, has been described as an important step towards protecting the rights and future of girls.
The Commission urged all provinces, particularly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to adopt similar legislation and emphasised the need for strict and effective implementation of child marriage laws across the country.
NCSW also highlighted its work on Pakistan’s first National Gender Parity Report, which is expected to be launched soon. The report provides an evidence-based assessment of gender disparities in key sectors including economic participation, governance, education, health, and access to justice, and is intended to guide policy reforms aimed at closing gender gaps in Pakistan.
During the past year, the Commission has continued to engage with federal and provincial institutions, parliamentarians, civil society organisations, and community leaders to promote women’s access to justice, protection from violence, economic empowerment, and meaningful participation in public life.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson Ms Azhar said International Women’s Day should serve not only as a moment to recognise the contributions and resilience of women across Pakistan but also as a reminder of the need for collective action. She stressed the importance of strengthening the implementation of existing laws, removing structural barriers, and ensuring that every woman and girl in Pakistan can live with dignity, security, and equal opportunity.
The National Commission on the Status of Women reiterated its commitment to working with all stakeholders to advance gender equality and ensure the full protection of women’s rights across Pakistan.
