In Islamabad, UN Women Regional Director Ms. Christine Arab met with Federal Minister for Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, joined by UN Women Country Representative Mr. Jamshed Qazi, to discuss accelerating efforts on Gender Equality and women’s empowerment across Pakistan.
The minister outlined a multifaceted national approach rooted in constitutional guarantees, international commitments and recent legislative reforms. He highlighted collaboration between the Ministry of Human Rights, the National Commission on the Status of Women and the National Commission for Human Rights to strengthen legal protection and access to services for women.
Discussion focused on concrete measures including laws against child marriage, the National Gender Policy Framework and the National Policy on Ending Violence Against Women, all supported by UN Women. Participants also reviewed technology-enabled solutions to address gender-based violence and the development of the National Gender Data Portal to inform policy and service delivery.
Senator Tarar spoke about social protection mechanisms and helpline 1099 as vital components of a nationwide safety net, while UN Women representatives praised Pakistan’s engagement with international processes such as CEDAW, the Universal Periodic Review and the Beijing Platform for Action. The meeting underscored the need for continued policy implementation and data-driven interventions to advance Gender Equality.
Both sides welcomed the National Strategy for Male Engagement aimed at enlisting men and boys as active allies in preventing violence and promoting inclusive social norms. Ms. Christine Arab reaffirmed UN Women’s support and encouraged sustained collaboration to close remaining gaps in financial empowerment, legal protection and civic participation for women.
The conversation concluded with a shared commitment to accelerate reforms and practical initiatives that enable women to participate fully in national life and contribute to Pakistan’s social and economic development.
