WPC visited the NCSW for strengthening the institutional efforts
A delegation of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC), led by Secretary WPC Dr. Shahida Rehmani, visited the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) in Islamabad today and held a detailed discussion on strengthening institutional efforts for the protection, empowerment and advancement of women’s rights.
Ms. Noureen Bano Lehri, Interim Chairperson NCSW, welcomed the delegation and briefed members on the Commission’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029, National Gender Parity Dashboard, bilingual awareness initiatives and other priorities, including the longstanding issue of pending appointments to the Commission.
Dr. Shahida Rehmani appreciated NCSW’s efforts to promote gender equality and advance women-related legislation, stressing that laws and policies must translate into effective action at the grassroots level, particularly for underserved and vulnerable women. She emphasized the importance of institutional coordination, accountability and outcome-based approaches to ensure meaningful implementation.
The delegation also expressed deep concern and strongly condemned the brutal murder of Ms. Hina Javed, an NITB employee deputed at the National Assembly Secretariat. Dr. Shahida Rehmani reiterated the WPC’s commitment to pursuing justice for Ms. Hina Javed and called for a free, fair, transparent and impartial investigation. She stated that NCSW is being taken on board by the WPC to engage all relevant institutional mechanisms, ensure transparency throughout the investigation, and ensure that all those found responsible are brought to justice and awarded severe punishment in accordance with the law.
The meeting also focused on stronger coordination between NCSW and NDMA to address the disproportionate impact of climate change and natural disasters on women, alongside the need for accurate and gender-disaggregated data for evidence-based legislation, policymaking, budgeting and parliamentary oversight.
Members emphasized targeted measures for rural women, including improved access to education, healthcare, justice, economic opportunities and information about their rights. They also proposed incorporating women’s rights and gender equality into primary school curricula and strengthening awareness of women’s legal rights and protections through the Nikahnama.
The delegation comprised MNAs Ms. Sofia Saeed Shah, Ms. Huma Akhtar Chughtai, Ms. Zahra Wadood Fatemi, Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan, Ms. Tamkeen Akhtar Niazi, Ms. Mah Jabeen Abbasi, Ms. Neelum, Ms. Asia Naz Tanoli and Ms. Akhtar Bibi.
