LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that the Punjab government has taken solid steps for the socio-economic empowerment of women.
“Women have a key role to play in every sector for the development of the society; therefore, they should come into the practical field after completing their education,” the chief minister said while talking to Provincial Minister for Women Development Hameeda Wahiduddi when she called on him on Tuesday.
Shahbaz Sharif said that the Punjab government had taken historic steps during the last three years for the social and economic empowerment of women.
He said that special centers are being set up for providing prompt justice to the women subjected to violence and police, prosecution, medical and forensic facilities would be available at these centers.
He said that the Punjab government has also adopted revolutionary measures for providing due share to women in inheritance and protection of their rights besides enhanced their job quota to 15 per cent.
Shahbaz Sharif said that women constitute 50 per cent population of the country and can play an important part in the process of progress and prosperity of the country.
He said that Pakistani women are educated, talented and hardworking and have proved their mettle in different sectors. He said that women have to play an active role for the development of the country and formation of a peaceful society.
Also, a high level delegation of European Union led by Director Development & Economic Cooperation Marc Vanheukelen met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, here on Tuesday.
Matters regarding implementation of various conventions relating to GSP Plus status were discussed in the meeting.
The chief minister, talking to the members of the delegation, expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the death of foreign diplomats in Naltar tragedy. He said that he was deeply shocked and grieved over the death of two ambassadors and wives of two other ambassadors in the helicopter crash.
The CM said that awarding of GSP Plus status to Pakistan by the European Union is a good omen and is resulting in strengthening of Pakistan’s economy.
He said that the EU countries have extended all out help in the granting of GSP Plus status. Effective measures are being adopted for fully benefiting from GSP Plus status and a cabinet committee has been constituted for the implementation of the conventions with regard to GSP Plus.
“The Labour Department has been given the task of elimination of child labour from brick kilns within six months. Necessary legislation has also been undertaken for the empowerment of women and minorities. Women are being given interest-free soft loans on priority basis for providing them job opportunities while 50,000 vehicles are being given to the youth including women under Self-Employment Scheme,” the CM held.
He said that steps had also been taken for socio-economic empowerment of women. He said that government is working on various projects of power generation through traditional and alternative sources for overcoming shortage of energy.
Members of the delegation appreciated the steps taken in Punjab with regard to GSP Plus status Acting head of European Union in Pakistan Stefano Gatto and other senior officials were included in the delegation.
