ISLAMABAD: Only one in four women in Pakistan is involved in the nation’s labor force despite a 50 percent increase in women’s participation rates over the past 15 years, a United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN Women) survey found.
UN Women and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released the findings of a study into women’s representation and access to decision-making roles in the civil service on Friday. The survey was carried out under UNDP’s global Gender Equality in Public Administration (GEPA) initiative.
The GEPA study was one of 15 in-depth surveys conducted around the world with UNDP support and using methodology developed in collaboration with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The study found that social barriers still limit women’s representation and advancement in the civil service in Pakistan. With promotions based on years in service, gender stereotyping and social norms, women tend to be concentrated mainly in entry-level positions.
The UNDP’s Pakistan deputy director, Naoko Takasu, said: “It is commendable that women’s labor force participation in Pakistan has increased by 50 percent in the past 15 years. However, only one in four women participates in the labor force, meaning that there is a treasure trove of talent that is not utilized. As one of the largest employers in the country, the public sector is an important entry point for women.
“Enhancing women’s role in leadership and decision-making will have an immense impact on gender equality and on Pakistan’s development goals,” she said.
UN Women country representative Jamshed Kazi said: “Pakistan is committed to achieving a 30 percent representation of women in leadership positions. This study shows that to achieve this, action is needed to address the barriers they face.”
Public sector barriers hinder Pakistani women, survey shows
Public sector barriers hinder Pakistani women, survey shows
Pakistan opposition ends protests, PTI forms ‘Imran Khan Release Force’ for jailed ex-PM
- Opposition alliance ends week-long protests over Khan’s health concerns
- Party announces nationwide membership drive for “peaceful” mobilization
ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani opposition alliance on Wednesday called off nationwide sit-ins held over jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s health, while his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party announced a new mobilization campaign, including the formation of an “Imran Khan Release Force.”
Pakistan has faced months of political confrontation between Khan’s party and the government since his arrest in 2023, with repeated protests, court battles and accusations by PTI that authorities are attempting to sideline its leader from politics, allegations the government denies.
Tensions have intensified in recent weeks after concerns emerged about Khan’s health in prison. Khan’s lawyer told Pakistan’s Supreme Court last week that the ex-cricketer had lost significant vision in his right eye while in custody, while a medical board said the swelling had reduced after treatment and his vision had improved. Since last week, the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP) opposition alliance has been holding a days-long sit-in at Parliament House over Khan’s health concerns.
“All sit-ins including the one at parliament have been called off,” Hussain Ahmad Yousafzai, a spokesperson for the alliance, told Arab News.
Separately, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi told reporters the party was preparing for an organized political movement to demand their leader’s release.
“After continuous violations of court orders, an organized public struggle has now become inevitable,” Afridi said, announcing the creation of an “Imran Khan Release Force,” with membership open to youth across the country.
Afridi said the organization would include PTI’s student, youth, women, minority and professional wings and would conduct a “completely peaceful struggle,” adding that Khan himself would dissolve the body after his release.
He said membership cards would be issued within days and supporters would take oath in Peshawar after Eid, with a formal chain of command operating under leadership designated by Khan.
“This struggle is for real freedom, supremacy of the constitution and law, democracy and free media,” Afridi said.
Imran Khan, 73, a former cricket star who served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022, was removed from office in a parliamentary vote of no confidence that he says was orchestrated by political rivals with backing from the military. Both the government and armed forces deny the allegation.
Khan has been jailed since August 2023 after convictions he and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party call politically motivated.
Broadcast outlets have been restricted from airing Khan’s name and speeches or even showing his image. Only a single court photograph has been publicly available since his imprisonment.
PTI swept to power in 2018 and retains a large support base across key provinces.
