ISLAMABAD
Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has said that for national development, the active participation of women in all sectors, including business, is essential, as no nation can progress by sidelining half of its population. He stated that gender is not a barrier to progress and cited Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto as an example, saying that by becoming the first Muslim woman Prime Minister, she proved that women can excel in every field.
He was addressing a gala dinner held in honor of the participants of the Pakistan Women Chambers Presidents International Conference as the chief guest. Chairman Senate said that during his tenures as Speaker, Prime Minister, and Chairman Senate, he always ensured equal opportunities for women and prioritized women’s empowerment.
Highlighting the economic role of women, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that women have demonstrated their capabilities not only at small-scale levels but also in large industrial projects, and today they have become a key pillar in strengthening the country’s economy. He added that the struggle and determination of businesswomen are a source of pride for the nation, and they should be provided with access to capital, markets, and technical training at every level so they can further expand their businesses.
He emphasized that to promote women-led businesses, the public and private sectors must jointly create opportunities where women can avail loans on easy terms, marketing support, and export facilities. Chairman Senate further stated that the current government is striving to address the challenges faced by women and resolve their issues, ensuring women’s empowerment.
He said that equal rights and an equal role for women are essential for the country’s development and prosperity. Referring to several important laws passed by the Senate for the protection of women’s rights, he said these laws aim to provide women with security in every field and help them move forward.
Earlier, Patron-in-Chief of the Azerbaijan–Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, in his address highlighted the need to promote international partnerships and trade opportunities for women. He said that the efforts of Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce President Samina Fazil in organizing the conference are commendable, and her struggle to address the challenges faced by women deserves appreciation. He assured that the Azerbaijan–Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce would continue its full support.
Talking about issues in the country’s business environment, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari said that during several foreign visits to Azerbaijan, the UAE, and Thailand, efforts were made to bring investment to Pakistan; however, high electricity costs, business expenses, power tariffs, and taxes have discouraged investors. He urged the government to improve the business climate by reducing taxes, power tariffs, and interest rates.
He also requested the Chairman Senate to convene a meeting of commercial counselors in the Senate to take steps to increase Pakistan’s exports. He suggested that the government announce incentives for women-led businesses to boost GDP and reduce the revenue shortfall.Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce President Samina Fazil, in her address, said that women choosing business as a new path and making progress in it is encouraging.
She paid tribute to Zafar Bakhtawari for his support and said that under the leadership of Ahsan Bakhtawari, the Azerbaijan–Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce has played an important role in promoting international business linkages in a short period of time. She further emphasized that women-led businesses should be supported for national development, incentives should be announced for them, facilities should be provided to chambers, and more business leaders should be included in this mission.
A large number of presidents of women chambers participating in the conference, prominent business personalities, and distinguished guests attended the gala dinner. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting women’s business development, global cooperation, and creating new opportunities, expressing hope that the conference would prove to be a milestone for women’s economic inclusion and the country’s development.
During the ceremony, shields were also presented on behalf of the Prime Minister to businesswomen and women chambers office-bearers. More than 30 presidents and office-bearers of women chambers from across the country participated in the conference. — DNA
