Planning Minister Vows to Mainstream Women into Pakistan’s National Development
ISLAMABAD — Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, stated today that increasing women’s participation in the workforce is an economic necessity for the country. Speaking at the "National Consultation on Advancing Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment," Iqbal highlighted a stark disparity: while developed nations see female workforce participation exceeding 50 percent, Pakistan currently stands at just 22 percent.
Under the government’s “Uraan Pakistan” initiative, the Minister reaffirmed a commitment to doubling this ratio in the short term. He emphasized that sustainable economic growth is impossible without providing equal opportunities for women in every sphere of national development.
“Uraan Pakistan” and the Fifth ‘E’ of Empowerment
The Minister explained that the fifth “E” of the government’s strategic vision, Uraan Pakistan, is dedicated specifically to empowering women and youth. By transforming them into active contributors, the government aims to unlock the country’s true economic potential.
Iqbal cited Islamic history as a cornerstone for this movement, noting that Hazrat Khadija-tul-Kubra (RA) serves as the ultimate role model for female entrepreneurship and leadership. He argued that creating barriers to women's economic participation in the name of religion is a reflection of ignorance rather than faith.
Education as the "Greatest Equalizer"
A significant portion of the government's strategy focuses on removing social and geographical barriers to learning. Key educational initiatives mentioned include:
High School Access: Striving to ensure every Union Council has a girls’ high school to eliminate distance-based dropouts.
District-Level Campuses: Establishing university branches across various districts to improve access to higher education.
Academic Excellence: Highlighting institutions like the University of Narowal, where women make up 5,000 out of 7,000 students.
The Minister noted that women are already outperforming men in competitive arenas, such as medical education and civil service examinations, proving their readiness for leadership roles.
Financial Inclusion and Legal Protection
To bridge the economic gap, Professor Iqbal emphasized the need for improved access to financial resources. He recalled that during the 2013-2018 tenure, 50 percent of microcredit allocations were reserved for women, a policy intended to strengthen household economies.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Planning has mobilized Young Development Fellows to lead awareness campaigns. These initiatives educate female students on their legal rights and the protections available under Pakistani law, while strictly condemning gender-based violence and discrimination as unacceptable in both religion and culture.
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