The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) has expressed strong support for women in Gilgit-Baltistan following a meeting with a delegation from the region. The delegation, led by former NCSW member Irum Wali Khan, called for the establishment of an Ombudsperson Office in Gilgit-Baltistan to safeguard women’s rights, particularly relating to property rights, dignity, and protection from harassment.
During the meeting, the delegation also requested the NCSW’s endorsement for the creation of a Commission on the Status of Women specifically for Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as assistance in appointing its Chairperson. NCSW Chairperson Ume-Laila Azhar affirmed full backing for these initiatives, stressing the importance of a robust local government system as a foundation for empowering women in the region. She emphasized that such measures would help address challenges faced by women at the community level.
Azhar additionally highlighted concerns about potential changes to the process for appointing chairpersons to provincial commissions, urging the Gilgit-Baltistan government to maintain transparency and uphold merit-based selections.
The NCSW reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the women of Gilgit-Baltistan, advocating for a society where all women can live, grow, and prosper free from harassment and barriers to their rights.
