ISLAMABAD: The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), with support from UNFPA, UN Women, Group Development Pakistan, and the Embassy of the Netherlands, has concluded a two-day national consultation to finalise a unified framework for Pakistan’s first-ever National Gender Parity Report, set to be launched on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2026.
For the first time, Pakistan’s gender data will be synchronised at the national level and aligned with international standards. This milestone is expected to improve Pakistan’s ranking in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report and strengthen national policies on women’s empowerment.
Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, described gender discrimination as the greatest obstacle to progress, emphasizing that national development cannot be achieved without women’s equal participation. He pledged full government support to ensure the new framework is integrated into laws, policies, and institutions.
NCSW Chairperson Ume Laila Azhar stressed the importance of credible and timely data to project Pakistan’s true image globally. She urged both federal and provincial governments to become responsive partners by providing data that meets international standards, noting that without reliable information, policies cannot effectively address gaps in education, health, political participation, and economic empowerment.
The consultation concluded with consensus on a lean, sustainable, and comparable framework. In her closing remarks, NCSW Secretary Humaira Zia Mufti acknowledged all partners and appreciated Minister Tarar’s commitment to reforms.
This historic initiative marks the beginning of Pakistan’s journey towards credible, standardised gender reporting and long-term accountability.
