Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday underscored the need to bring women into the mainstream, stating that Pakistan could only become a great nation if women were given equal opportunities in all sectors.

Addressing a ceremony at the Prime Minister’s House on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Mr. Sharif said that women played a pivotal role in strengthening the country’s economy and that federal and provincial governments were jointly implementing initiatives to empower them.

“We have to ensure the participation and training of women in all walks of life,” he said, adding that the CM Women Empowerment Program was now being implemented at the federal level as the PM Women Empowerment Package.

The premier said national development was not possible unless women were provided opportunities to work alongside men in every sector, including import and export. “The government is committed to empowering women, but it is a long journey. We need to work hard, harder, and hardest to achieve this goal,” he remarked.

Highlighting women’s contribution to the economy, he said half of Pakistan’s population comprised women, many of whom worked in agriculture, handling tasks from sowing and harvesting to operating machinery. He also acknowledged the growing presence of women in urban professions and stressed the need for further progress.

‘Islam Advocates Women’s Rights’

Referring to the status of women in Islam, Mr. Sharif said the religion was the greatest advocate of women’s rights and did not prohibit them from working within the bounds of Shariah.

“Our Holy Prophet (PBUH) would rise in respect of his daughter Hazrat Fatima Zahra (RA), and Hazrat Khadija (RA) was herself a successful trader,” he noted.

The prime minister reiterated the government’s resolve to continue legal and policy interventions to safeguard women’s rights, stating that Pakistan had made significant strides in gender equality, but there was still much to achieve.

“When we invest in women’s education, health, and economic empowerment, we uplift not just individuals but entire generations,” he said.

Tribute to Women Leaders

During his address, Mr. Sharif also paid tribute to prominent Pakistani women, including former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, Kulsoom Nawaz, and philanthropist Bilquis Edhi, for their contributions to the nation.

He emphasized the importance of mothers in shaping future generations and urged society to support women’s empowerment.

“Let us reaffirm our collective resolve to build a Pakistan where every woman’s potential is realized, and every daughter’s dream is within her reach,” he said.

The premier also lamented the issue of child labor, recalling that during his tenure as Punjab chief minister, the provincial government had successfully removed over 19,000 children from brick kilns and enrolled them in schools.

He also lauded the Rescue 1122 emergency service, initiated by a previous government, stating that his administration had expanded the project across Punjab instead of discontinuing it.

“Unfortunately, good initiatives in this country often fall victim to political rivalry. This trend must end,” he added.