Women empowered as per vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto: Dr. Firdous

ISLAMABAD: – Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said on Tuesday that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)-led government through legislations has ensured protection to women rights and empowered them as per vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. Addressing the participants of a training course titled ‘Decent Transport’, she said, “My leader Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was a beacon of inspiration for women all over the world, especially Pakistani women. Benazir Bhutto was the flag-bearer of women rights”.

The training course was jointly organized by International Labour Organization (ILO) and National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP).
During the tenure of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, she said, the first women bank, women police stations and a programme of women health visitors were launched for the betterment of the lot.
The minister said, “It is a matter of pride for me to be a part of the democratic government which has taken several measures for women’s betterment during the last four years”.
Firdous said numerous legislations have been passed in the National Assembly and the Senate for making the lives of women more secure and protected in the country.
“These initiatives needed a firm and strong resolve and the democratic government’s display of these qualities is indicative of the fact that under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, we are following the path shown by our great leaders.”
She said it is very encouraging that the Motorway Police in collaboration with ILO have imparted training to police staff to facilitate women travelling through public transport.
“I congratulate ILO and Motorway Police on their collaboration for making up one of the most important issues that is to bring comfort for working ladies traveling on the public transport.”
The Minister said the Motorway Police over the years have delivered services which have been recognized at all levels. This is a department which makes us feel proud, she added.
She said Motorway police are contributing tremendously in bringing road discipline to ensure road safety.
The minister said she has also started transport service for women in Sialkot.She said like Iran, Pakistan would also introduce public transport service for women.
Dr Firdous said no country can make progress and prosperity without involving the women. She said women are around 52 percent of population and without their active participation the dream of progress and prosperity cannot be materialized.
DIG Motorway Police Wajid Durrani and Officer Incharge ILO Pakistan Margaref Reade Round also spoke on the occasion.
The minister distributed certificates among the participants of the training course.(KMW News)