ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday launched the national gender policy framework on International Women's Day to improve the lives of almost half of the country's population in a systematic manner.
In an official handout circulated a day before, Pakistan's planning ministry acknowledged that the country had one of the lowest rankings in the world in terms of gender equality, though it added that the government was fully cognizant of its constitutional responsibility to protect women's rights.
"National gender policy framework being launched by ministry of planning today, which is also the international women's day," planning minister Asad Umar announced in a Twitter post. "It provides a structured framework with clear cut objectives and responsibilities assigned for improving the lives of the women of Pakistan."
He emphasized the importance of a robust local government system, saying it would result in greater inclusion of women in the country's overall system.
The ministry also pointed out in its official statement that women comprised nearly half of Pakistan's population.
"Ensuring appropriate deployment of nearly half of the total population has a vast bearing on the growth, competitiveness and overall economy of the country," it maintained.
The ceremony to launch the policy was held at the auditorium of the planning ministry and was attended ministers Dr. Fahmida Mirza and Shireen Mazari.
Other participants included Kanwal Shauzab, Lieutenant General Nigar Johar, Pakistan's first ever female army general, and several other dignitaries from different walks of life.
The foreign office of Pakistan also issued a statement on International Women's Day, saying the country was fully committed to the promotion and protection of women rights.
"We would like to pay special tribute to the remarkable Pakistani women in our diplomacy for their exemplary service, hard work and dedication in contributing to our foreign policy objectives and ably representing Pakistan across the world," it added.
