Islamabad: 11 February 2026: The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) convened its 8th Working Council Meeting at 10:00 AM at the WPC Secretariat in Parliament House, Islamabad. The session brought together members of the WPC Working Council along with policymakers and senior representatives from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination.

The meeting’s primary agenda item was a detailed briefing by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination on “Enhancing Women’s Participation and Leadership in Climate Governance and Decision-Making Bodies,” pursuant to Agenda Item No. 2 of the 18th Speaker’s Conference.

The meeting was attended by Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) Dr. Shahida Rehmani, Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb, Ms. Rana Ansar, Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan, and Syeda Shehla Raza. Senator Dr. Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur also participated in the meeting.

Ms. Nazia Zeb Ali, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, briefed the participants on key climate change initiatives, ongoing programmes, and policy measures undertaken by the Government to address environmental challenges.

Presenters outlined strategic frameworks designed to increase gender inclusion in climate policy, governance, and institutional decision-making mechanisms. Emphasis was placed on removing barriers to women’s meaningful participation in environmental policy formulation and implementation, consistent with national and global climate goals. Members reaffirmed WPC’s role as a cross-party parliamentary forum dedicated to enhancing women’s participation in legislative and governance processes in Pakistan.

WPC Secretary Dr. Shahida Rehmani underscored the critical need for inclusive climate governance and reiterated the Caucus’s ongoing commitment to championing women’s rights and political empowerment across all levels of decision-making. The WPC also announced its plans for National Women’s Day on 12 February 2026, commemorating this important date in Pakistan’s history and legacy of women’s activism. National Women’s Day, observed annually on 12 February, marks the historic struggle for women’s rights in Pakistan and celebrates women’s achievements and contributions to national development.

In recognition of this occasion, WPC will host a “National Dialogue on Strengthening the Parliamentary Quota System for Women in Pakistan.” This high-level dialogue will convene parliamentarians, civil society advocates, policy experts, and gender equality stakeholders to deliberate strategies for enhancing women’s political representation and solidifying quota systems that ensure meaningful inclusion of women in legislative bodies.

The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to advancing gender equality, inclusive governance, and women’s empowerment through sustained legislative advocacy, policy oversight, and collaborative action with government institutions and civil society partners.