Pakistan assumes chairmanship of OIC Ministerial Conference on Women in Islamabad

Islamabad (Web Desk): Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on Monday assumed the chairmanship of the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the socio-economic and political empowerment of women across the Muslim world through stronger cooperation and collective action.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the conference, organised by the Ministry of Human Rights, Tarar welcomed delegates from OIC member states and said Pakistan had accepted the responsibility of leading the forum with dedication, inclusivity and respect for all 57 member countries.

Held under the theme, “Socio-Economic and Political Empowerment of Women in the OIC Countries: Challenges and Way Forward,” the conference aims to transform shared commitments into practical initiatives that improve opportunities for women throughout the Islamic world.

The minister said women across OIC nations continue to make valuable contributions in business, governance, science, education, peacebuilding and humanitarian work, but many still face challenges that prevent them from reaching their full potential.

“Empowering women is not only a social imperative but also an economic necessity, a governance priority and a cornerstone of sustainable development,” he said, stressing that no country could achieve lasting progress while half of its population lacked equal opportunities.

Referring to Islamic teachings, Tarar said Islam recognised the dignity, rights and legal identity of women more than 14 centuries ago, with justice and human dignity remaining its guiding principles.

He also underlined the importance of ensuring that the digital era, including artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, creates greater opportunities for women and girls instead of widening existing inequalities.

The minister said the OIC provides an important platform to strengthen cooperation through the OIC Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women and the Women’s Development Organisation, allowing member states to exchange experiences and accelerate progress while respecting their legal and cultural diversity.

He said Pakistan considered its chairmanship a responsibility to encourage dialogue, build consensus and turn shared goals into meaningful outcomes for women across OIC countries.

Highlighting domestic efforts, Tarar said women’s empowerment remains a national priority under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and is being promoted through constitutional protections, policy measures and institutional reforms.

He said the Ministry of Human Rights, in coordination with provincial governments, Parliament, the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, civil society and international partners, is implementing the National Gender Policy Framework, Vision 2025 and the Prime Minister’s Women Empowerment Package.

Pakistan, he added, has introduced major legislation, established Gender-Based Violence Courts, expanded legal aid and rehabilitation services, strengthened women’s protection institutions, launched dedicated helplines and reinforced bodies such as the National Commission on the Status of Women and the National Commission for Human Rights.

The minister noted that Pakistani women are serving prominently as parliamentarians, judges, diplomats, entrepreneurs, civil servants, academics, scientists and members of the armed forces, reflecting the country’s commitment to increasing women’s participation in every sector.

He stressed that lasting progress also depends on the active involvement of men and boys in promoting equality and shared responsibility.

Expressing solidarity with women and girls affected by conflict and displacement, Tarar referred to Palestine, Afghanistan and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, saying they deserve protection, justice and dignity.

He further said that digital innovation and artificial intelligence offer significant opportunities to improve education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and financial inclusion, provided they are developed in an equitable and inclusive manner.

As conference chair, Pakistan will work closely with the OIC General Secretariat, the Women’s Development Organisation and member states to deepen cooperation, exchange successful practices and advance practical measures for women’s empowerment.

Pointing out that women make up nearly 940 million people, or around 49.3 percent of the OIC population, Tarar urged member states to move beyond discussions and deliver tangible results that improve women’s lives.

He said the conference’s true achievement would be measured not by its declarations but by the real progress made after delegates return to their respective countries.

The minister also thanked the OIC General Secretariat, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Information and Human Rights, the organising committee and all supporting partners for their role in successfully hosting the conference.