Pakistan investing in girls' education: DPM Dar

Islamabad  (Web Desk): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said Pakistan is making significant investments in girls' education, women's entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and their overall empowerment.

He expressed these views while addressing a state banquet hosted in honour of delegates attending the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women in Islamabad.

The deputy prime minister praised the OIC Assistant Secretary General, the OIC Secretariat, and women delegates for their valuable contributions to the conference.

Ishaq Dar said empowering women is not merely about uplifting one segment of society but about strengthening the very foundation of a nation. He noted that Islam elevated the status of women by establishing principles that continue to guide societies today.

He said the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWW), through his teachings and personal example, upheld the dignity and rights of women. He added that Islam guarantees women the rights to education, property, inheritance, entrepreneurship, and active participation in society, while Pakistan's Constitution also ensures women's equal role in every sphere of national life.

The deputy prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's solidarity with the women of Palestine, particularly those in Gaza, who continue to face immense hardship amid the ongoing conflict.

Referring to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), he said Pakistan cannot remain indifferent to the plight of Kashmiri women, who continue to endure serious human rights violations.

He also urged Afghanistan's interim authorities to restore Afghan women and girls' fundamental rights to education, employment, and meaningful participation in public life, saying these rights are fully consistent with the true teachings of Islam.

Addressing the gathering, Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar said the OIC Ministerial Conference on Women provides a valuable platform for meaningful dialogue and enhanced cooperation, while strengthening the bonds of friendship, shared values, and unity among OIC member states.