Leaders from government, the private sector and civil society gathered at the TransformCare Forum organized by UN Women Pakistan to emphasize that investing in the care economy is essential for Pakistan’s development. The forum highlighted how strengthening care systems can advance gender equality, boost economic growth and promote social equity, and explored how policy commitments can be translated into practical action.
The session was moderated by Sarwat Salahuddin, Chief Ethics & Diversity Officer at Jazz Pakistan. Panelists included Amena Aly, Member Development & Communication at the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives; Musarrat Jabeen, Executive Director of the Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan; Syed Moeez Ud Din, CEO of the Foundation for Ageing and Inclusive Development; and Tauseef Dilshad Khatana, Additional Secretary of the Punjab Labour & Human Resource Department.
Panelists discussed the multiple dimensions of the care economy, from national planning and regulatory frameworks to private-sector engagement and the needs of older adults and other vulnerable groups. Speakers stressed that care work—both paid and unpaid—underpins economic productivity and social wellbeing, and must be recognized and supported through policy, financing and institutional arrangements.
The forum underscored the importance of moving from policy discussion to implementation. Participants highlighted the need for coordinated action across government, business and civil society to integrate care into development strategies, improve protections and working conditions for care workers, and expand services that allow more equitable participation in the workforce.
