The Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR) briefed members on the legal and policy framework addressing GBV and femicide, emphasising that there can be no justification for killing in the name of honour, social or tribal prestige.

Secretary WPC Dr. Shahida Rehmani, MNA, welcomed participants and appreciated MoHR’s briefing. She also congratulated Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights Ms. Saba Sadiq, MNA, on the successful 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, hosted by Pakistan in Islamabad on 12–13 July 2026, in partnership with the OIC and MoHR.

Members of WPC called for:

• A comprehensive review of honour-killing laws and reforms to address gaps in legislation, implementation, prosecution and victim protection.

• Reconsideration of the term “honour killing”, stressing that there is no honour in taking a human life and every such act must be treated as a serious crime.

• Stronger implementation of pro-women legislation and improved coordination among law-enforcement and relevant institutions.

• Greater availability of safe, affordable and accessible girls’ hostels, particularly for students and working women from underserved areas.

• Legislation and a comprehensive policy framework for girls’ hostels, including public-private partnerships (PPP), new facilities and upgradation of existing government hostels.

The General Assembly also adopted a Resolution commemorating Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, paying tribute to women who contributed to the Pakistan Movement and to successive generations of Pakistani women who have advanced the country’s political, social, economic, educational and professional development.

The resolution also honoured the sacrifices of the families of Pakistan’s Shuhada and Ghazis, particularly mothers, wives, daughters and sisters, and called for continued efforts towards gender-responsive legislation, women’s participation in decision-making, education, skills, technology, entrepreneurship and leadership.

The WPC reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s rights through parliamentary dialogue, legislative scrutiny and policy advocacy, stressing that protection from violence, education, safe accommodation and meaningful participation are essential for a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Pakistan.

The meeting was attended by Ms. Shahida Begum, MNA/Treasurer WPC; Ms. Saba Sadiq, MNA/Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights; Ms. Rana Ansar, MNA; Ms. Tamkeen Akhtar Niazi, MNA; Ms. Zahra Wadood Fatemi, MNA; Ms. Sofia Saeed Shah, MNA; Ms. Kiran Imran Dar, MNA; Ms. Saira Afzal Tarar, MNA; Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training; Ms. Erum Hamid, MNA; Ms. Ghazala Anjum, MNA; Ms. Shumaila Rana, MNA; Ms. Mahjabeen Abbasi, MNA; Ms. Zainab Baloch, MNA; Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan, MNA; Ms. Neelam, MNA; Ms. Samina Khalid Ghurki, MNA; Ms. Mussarat Rafique Mahesar, MNA; Ms. Rabeea Hadi, Director General Human Resource; and Dr. Humera Jamal, Representative, National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW).