Ensuring active women participation in national development is key priority of the government: Ahsan Iqbal

Islamabad, February 13, 2014 (PPI-OT): “Active Participation of women across all social sectors is critical for the sustainable development of the country”, said Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for planning, Development and Reforms while talking to Ms. Katherine Russell, Ambassador at Large US Embassy for Global Women’s Issues, when she called on Minister.

The Federal Minister said “Government fully cognizes the fact that societies and countries cannot move forward without empowering women. Prime Minister has directed to ensure 50% participation of women in PM’s Youth Loan Scheme in this regard. 22% parliamentarians are female who get equal chance in policy making process as their counterpart do.

In Pakistan female participation in nation development is growing in all fields. In education sector, girls are shinning and outperforming boys. The enrolment of girl students is growing at double rate then boys”. Federal Minister further enlightens the delegate about plans for women empowerment as envisioned in 11th five year plan and vision 2025. Federal Minister acknowledged US support for providing, youth of Pakistan, opportunities to study in US institutions through scholarships and hoped for further increase in such opportunities, particularly for women.

Ms. Catherine Russell appreciated Minister for his keen interest and focus on the uplift of status of women through 5 year plan and vision 2025. She showed immense pleasure on the steps taken by the Government for empowering women and recommended that equal opportunities may be provided to women belonging from remote areas.

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