Islamabad, July 13, 2026: Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, while addressing as the Chief Guest at the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, urged the Muslim world to move beyond declarations and translate commitments into concrete actions for the economic empowerment of women, describing it as both an Islamic obligation and an indispensable prerequisite for sustainable development.
Welcoming ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and delegates from member states to Pakistan, the Chairman Senate said that Islam had established the principles of justice, dignity and equal opportunity for women more than fourteen centuries ago by guaranteeing their rights to education, property, inheritance, economic participation and social respect. He said the teachings of the Holy Quran and the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) continue to provide a timeless framework for ensuring women’s dignity and meaningful participation in society.
Addressing the conference held under the theme “Women’s Economic Empowerment for Sustainable Development,” Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani paid tribute to the invaluable contributions of Muslim women in education, governance, business, science, diplomacy and public service. He also paid glowing tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, describing her as the first woman Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Muslim world whose vision of women’s empowerment continues to inspire generations across the Islamic world.The Chairman Senate emphasized that women constitute nearly half of the population of OIC member states and that no nation can achieve inclusive growth while excluding half of its human capital from economic and political participation.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment through education, entrepreneurship, digital inclusion, financial access and employment opportunities.Highlighting Pakistan’s achievements, he said the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and Waseela-e-Taleem initiative have transformed the lives of millions of women by strengthening their economic security and improving girls’ education. He also highlighted initiatives promoting women-led enterprises, access to finance, digital skills and e-commerce, enabling Pakistani women to emerge as successful entrepreneurs and contributors to national economic growth.
Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani underscored the importance of increasing women’s participation in public life and decision-making, noting that women today are serving Pakistan with distinction as parliamentarians, judges, diplomats, civil servants, entrepreneurs, journalists and academics.The Chairman Senate stressed that economic empowerment cannot flourish without ensuring women’s safety and protection. He highlighted Pakistan’s strengthened legal and institutional framework, including legislation against workplace harassment, domestic violence and harmful traditional practices, alongside the establishment of women protection centres, helplines and gender-responsive support mechanisms. He also referred to the launch of the Pakistan Women Parliamentary Leaders’ Portal as a significant step towards strengthening parliamentary collaboration and inclusive political participation.
Recalling his tenure as Prime Minister, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani highlighted landmark reforms introduced under his government, including the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, the Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Act, 2010, the Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Act, 2011, and the Women in Distress and Detention Fund (Amendment) Act, 2011. He noted that these landmark measures laid the foundation for advancing women’s rights, dignity and protection in Pakistan.He described the launch of the Benazir Income Support Programme as one of the most transformative social protection initiatives in Pakistan’s history, stating that by placing financial resources directly into the hands of women, millions became empowered economic decision-makers. He also recalled that his government declared December 22 as Working Women’s Day and established the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, reaffirming Pakistan’s democratic commitment to keeping women’s issues at the centre of parliamentary policymaking.
The Chairman Senate stressed that education and healthcare remain the cornerstones of sustainable women’s empowerment, highlighting Pakistan’s continued efforts to expand girls’ education through scholarships, stipends and targeted initiatives, alongside investments in maternal health and community healthcare services.Expressing concern over the challenges faced by women affected by conflict, occupation, displacement, poverty, climate change and humanitarian crises, he called for stronger cooperation among OIC member states to exchange best practices, mobilize resources and develop innovative policies that respond to the evolving needs of women across the Muslim world.As the Founding Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Congress (ISC), Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in addressing shared global challenges and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with OIC member states and the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) to advance a common agenda for women’s empowerment rooted in shared Islamic values.
Concluding his address, the Chairman Senate called upon OIC member states to establish measurable targets for expanding girls’ education, increasing women’s participation in leadership and the workforce, strengthening protection against gender-based violence, promoting financial inclusion, investing in digital skills and entrepreneurship, and ensuring robust accountability mechanisms to translate commitments into meaningful progress.He expressed confidence that through unity, determination and collective action, the Muslim world can unlock the immense potential of millions of women and build a more prosperous, inclusive and peaceful future for coming generations.
