ISLAMABAD (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 6 March 2026) Senate President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday said that democracies can only flourish when women participate in decision-making on equal terms.
He expressed these views during his speech at a national event organized by the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus at Parliament headquarters Pakistan The Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS) celebrates International Women’s Day 2026.
The event was held under the global theme “Rights. Justice. Work. For All Women and Girls.”
Gilani said that the Senate will continue to support the social, economic and political empowerment of women in line with its constitutional, legislative and oversight responsibilities.
He welcomed the launch of the Pakistani Parliamentary Leadership Portal, describing it as an important step towards institutional cooperation, knowledge exchange and comprehensive political participation.
The event brought together national and regional legislators, representatives of women’s parliamentary caucuses, civil society members, development partners and other stakeholders to discuss ways to enhance women’s political participation and leadership in Pakistan.
Jilani said that the theme of Women’s Day this year was not just a slogan but a call to action. “Delaying equality means denying justice,” he added, adding that comprehensive representation is a democratic demand and a national necessity.
He stressed that achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals requires the involvement of women and youth in development processes through meaningful political and economic empowerment.
He also highlighted the responsibility of parliamentarians to remove structural barriers and introduce laws and policies that ensure inclusive and just governance.
Referring to his tenure as Prime Minister, Gilani mentioned several laws that were introduced to protect women’s rights, including the Protection from Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2010, the Anti-Acid Crimes and Prevention Act, 2010, the Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Act, 2011, and the Women in Distress and Detention Fund (Amendment) Act, 2011.
He also referred to the launch of the Benazir Income Support Programme, describing it as a major initiative that strengthened women economically by providing them with direct financial support. He said the program helped move from charity to empowerment.
The President paid tribute to prominent women leaders who played a key role in Pakistan’s democratic journey, including Fatima Jinnah, Rana Liaquat Ali Khan, Shaista Ikramullah, Jahanara Shahnawaz and Benazir Bhutto.
Emphasizing the Senate’s commitment, Gilani said that the Senate will continue its efforts to promote women’s empowerment in all fields.
“Rights must be protected. Justice must be served. Action must be taken now,” he said, urging all stakeholders to work together for a more inclusive and just democratic system.
Those present at the event included Dr. Shahida Rahmani, Ghazala Gula Begum, Ishrat Ashraf, Syed Shamoon Hashmi, Tanzila Umi Habiba, along with other distinguished guests.