Federal Minister for Human Rights Senator Kamran Michael has said Government has taken several legislative, programmatic and administrative steps for well being of women which demonstrate it’s strong political will and commitment towards women empowerment.

He said in his message on the occasion of International Women’s Day observed every year on March 8, “It is our national duty to protect the interest of Pakistani women and provide them equal opportunities without any discrimination.”

He said Pakistan is commemorating International Women’s Day along with international community adding that this day also provides us with an opportunity to acknowledge the social and political undertakings of women in different walks of life in line with the national and international commitments. Minister Kamran Michael said there is no denying the fact that participation of the women at all level is imperative for socio-economic development of a society. He said the incumbent democratic government is committed to implement Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Shareef’s vision for empowerment of women in its true spirit. “We have taken a number of legislative, political, economic and administrative measures and reforms in this regard. The biggest contribution of the federal government is various laws enacted or tabled in the Parliament to protect women’s rights, including Anti Rape, Honor Killing, Criminal Bill Amendment Act 2016, Hindu Marriage Act, Christian Marriage and Divorce Bill, Child and Women Protection Bill, etc. The National Commission on the Status of Women has been empowered through an Act of Parliament.”, he added.

Kamran Michael said the federal government is committed to extend support and assistance whichever is required to protect and promote women’s rights at all level.