Govt committed to women’s rights: PM
ISLAMABAD: The president’s medals for Fatima Jinnah award were conferred on 21 women in recognition of their contributions in the field of women’s empowerment at a ceremony held here on Friday.
The recipients were selected from the four provinces, Fata, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir and excelled in the fields of agriculture, education, social work, journalism, art and health.
Speaking as chief guest on the occasion, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani reiterated the government’s commitment to work for the economic, political, legal and social rights of women.
He said the enforcement in all ministries and government departments of a law against harassment of women would encourage them to join the public sector and become equal partners in national development.
He said women were moving up the ladder of professional progress and growth by making a difference through their dedication, hard work and commitment as today’s Pakistan represented the realisation of the dreams of the founding fathers about women’s rights.
Paying tribute to Fatima Jinnah, the prime minister said that she symbolised the democratic aspirations of people.
When the people’s right to elect their representatives was trampled upon, she emerged as a strong defender and symbol of democracy by putting up a heroic fight at the age of 71 for restoration of direct polls and parliamentary system, he said.
Other speakers also paid rich tribute to the late Fatima Jinnah for her selfless services during the Pakistan movement and for the promotion of democracy.
A relative of the Quaid-i-Azam, Aslam Jinnah, was a special guest on the occasion.
The annual ceremony, which was suspended in 2005, has now been revived.
Source: Dawn
Date:8/7/2010
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