Islamabad (Web Desk): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has called on Muslim countries to join hands in ensuring that every girl can receive an education, every woman has equal opportunities, and every mother and daughter can live with dignity, safety, and hope.
Speaking at the 9th Ministerial Conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Women in Islamabad, she said empowering women is essential for sustainable development and social progress.
She stressed that women should not only benefit from development initiatives but also play a central role in shaping them, adding that government policies must effectively reach the women they are designed to support.
Highlighting the Punjab government's efforts, the chief minister said women have been given equal opportunities in education, employment, entrepreneurship, healthcare, digital technology, public safety, and economic participation.
Maryam Nawaz said women account for 60 percent of the recipients under the provincial scholarship and laptop programmes, enabling thousands of female students to continue higher education and build careers in the digital economy.
She added that initiatives including Apni Chhat Apna Ghar, interest-free business loans, digital and freelancing training, livestock distribution schemes, and e-commerce support are helping women become financially independent and improve their living standards.
The chief minister said the provincial government has also strengthened healthcare services for women through Clinics on Wheels, field hospitals, and maternal health programmes, while more than 60,000 female health workers are delivering medical services at the community level.
She further said a range of measures has been introduced to enhance women's safety, including the expansion of Safe City projects, Women Protection Centres, virtual women police stations, mobile police units, women's safety applications, and emergency-equipped safety zones.
Maryam Nawaz said the principles of women's empowerment are firmly rooted in Islamic teachings, which emphasize the dignity, rights, and respect of women.
Concluding her address, she invited delegates attending the conference to visit Punjab and experience Pakistan's cultural heritage and renowned hospitality.