MULTAN: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has been asked to cancel the registration of all such political parties which try to prevent women from participating in the political process.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday in connection with chalking out activities for International Women Day being observed across the world on March 8, Pattan Development Organisation coordinator Abdul Saboor demanded of the government to ensure women’s representation and provide them with security and funds in what he called the existing system of “gender inequality”.

He condemned the killing of Zill-e-Huma and demanded forthwith conviction of the accused and tight security for all women politicians.

He asked the political parties to ensure the development of their women cadres and appoint women office-bearers instead of setting up separate women wings or units.

Saboor also demanded the government should allocate at least 50 per cent constituencies for women at the provincial and national levels and start a direct election procedure for women.

About International Women Day, he asserted it is observed in memory of women who fought for their rights in the 20th centaury.

Different colourful activities and ceremonies have started in Multan in this regard.

The event started off with the holding of a three-day theatre festival at the arts council here, in which groups from Lahore, Islamabad and Multan are performing under a theme of gender inequality.

A big gathering of poets will be held today (March 7) in this aspect, which will be chaired by Kishwar Naheed at the PDO office.

A countrywide seminar on the topic of “Electoral Reforms, Base for Women Politics” will also be held at the Divisional Sports Ground on March 8 and women representatives from Multan, Jhang, Muzaffargarh, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Lahore, Chakwal, Attock, Islamabad, Dera Ismail Khan, Dir, Mardan, Peshawar and Hyderabad will take part in the moot.

Criticising political parties, the PDO office-bearer said women should bring change to gender politics, take responsibility for social change and come forward to change the present system.

Source: The News

Date:3/7/2007