ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Pakistan’s warm hospitality, efficient organization and commitment to advancing women’s empowerment drew widespread appreciation from delegates who attended the 9th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ministerial Conference on Women. Attendees described the gathering as an essential platform for strengthening cooperation and shaping a collective roadmap for the socio-economic and political empowerment of women globally.

Held in the federal capital, the two-day ministerial conference brought together ministers, senior officials and representatives from across the Muslim world, along with international organizations and partner institutions. The delegation aimed to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities facing women in the Islamic world and explore ways to strengthen collaboration through shared policies and initiatives, much like the broader efforts discussed in Pakistan’s ongoing economic development discourse.

Reflections from International Delegates

Speaking on the sidelines of the conference, Syrian Minister for Social Affairs and Labour Hind Kabawat described her visit to Pakistan as both memorable and symbolic, noting that Syria’s participation marked the return of Syrian women to an international conference after many years. She praised Pakistan’s warm hospitality and the excellent arrangements, stating, “Pakistan made us feel at home from the very first moment.” Kabawat emphasized that digital transformation and women’s affairs remain key priorities, expressing confidence that the conference would generate fresh ideas to strengthen partnerships among OIC member states.

Echoing these sentiments, an OIC delegate noted that Pakistani women welcomed the visiting delegations as sisters and members of one family, reflecting the nation’s generosity and spirit of Islamic brotherhood. Representative of the Maldives delegation, Mariyam Raya Ahmed, described the event as a vital opportunity to reinforce cooperation on women’s development and gender equality. She commended Pakistan’s role in convening OIC member states, particularly those from the Asian region.

Commitment to Policy and Development

Secretary-General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Family Affairs Council, Dr. Maimouna Al Khalil, stated that the conference reflected the OIC’s firm commitment to placing women’s issues at the highest policy level. Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s progress in advancing women’s economic participation, she urged member states to intensify efforts to strengthen the role of women in national development. The need for such policy-driven discussions is often highlighted in broader contexts, such as those reviewed by the Petroleum Pricing Committee regarding transparency and stability.

Director Planning and International Cooperation at the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (OIC), Dr. Alhagi Manta Drammeh, termed the conference a timely initiative to promote women’s empowerment while addressing misconceptions regarding the role of women in Islam. He emphasized that men and women have complementary responsibilities in building prosperous societies.

Regional Leadership and Future Outlook

Secretary at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare of The Gambia, Isatou Jobe, noted that the conference highlighted Pakistan’s leadership role within the Muslim world. Similarly, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, stated the conference arrived at a significant time as Nigeria continues to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening women’s socio-economic empowerment. She underlined the importance of placing women at the center of national development through legal and social protection measures.

The 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women was held under the theme “Socio-Economic and Political Empowerment of Women in the OIC Countries: Challenges and Way Forward.” It sought to promote cooperation among OIC member states in expanding women’s participation while exchanging successful national experiences.

The event was attended by Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani as the chief guest, alongside Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar, who assumed the chairmanship of the conference. Other prominent attendees included Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian, Cultural and Social Affairs of the OIC Ambassador Dr. Tarig Ali Bakheet, Executive Director of the Women’s Development Organization Sarah Al Shoura, President of Egypt’s National Council for Women Amal Ammar, President of the Women’s Consultative Council of the 8th OIC Ministerial Conference Ambassador Naela Gabr, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and Members of the National Assembly Saba Sadiq and Wajiha Qamar.