ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Mr. Mohammad Naciri, Chief of Staff to the Executive Director of UN Women, called on H.E. Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights, to deliberate on strategic pathways for strengthening the longstanding partnership between the Government of Pakistan and UN Women. The discussions centered on advancing gender equality, the empowerment of women and girls, and the promotion of inclusive governance, echoing broader national efforts such as the PM Shehbaz Reviews Pakistan Railways Transformation Plan and Key Projects framework for institutional development.

Delegation and Collaborative Objectives

The UN Women delegation was led by Mr. Mohammad Naciri and included Mr. Jamshed M. Kazi, Country Representative for UN Women Pakistan, alongside Ms. Fahmida Iqbal Khan, Deputy Country Representative. Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar welcomed the delegation, expressing the government’s appreciation for the sustained technical and policy support provided by UN Women in fostering an equitable society.

National Policy on Ending Violence Against Women

A primary focus of the meeting was the progress regarding the draft National Policy on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG). This critical framework, developed with technical assistance from UN Women through consultations with civil society and provincial stakeholders, aims to fortify the national response to gender-based violence. The Minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to finalize a comprehensive policy that improves protection and prevention mechanisms.

Regional Cooperation and Global Commitments

The representatives also examined the significance of the upcoming SAARC Conference as a pivotal platform for regional cooperation on women’s rights. Furthermore, discussions turned toward enhancing Pakistan’s gender data ecosystem to bolster evidence-based policymaking and streamline reporting obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Beijing Declaration. Such efforts align with the country’s broader pursuit of institutional accountability, similar to the standards seen in the Election Commission of Pakistan Mandates Annual Financial Statement Submission Deadline.

Economic Empowerment and Technological Inclusion

In addition to legal frameworks, both parties discussed cooperation regarding women’s economic empowerment, digital inclusion, and strategies to mitigate technology-facilitated violence. Mr. Naciri presented a letter of appreciation from the Executive Director of UN Women, commending Pakistan’s successful leadership during the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women and its subsequent assumption of the Chairmanship. Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar concluded by emphasizing Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to deepening these international partnerships to secure a sustainable future for women and girls.