Punjab Social Protection Authority organized a Breast Cancer Awareness session under the theme ‘Stand Together This Pinktober Act Now Live Strong’ to highlight the importance of early detection, prevention and collective action. The event was chaired by Jahan Ara Manzoor Wattoo, Vice Chairperson PSPA, with keynote contributions from Member Provincial Assembly and PSPA board member Syeda Salma Saeed Hashmi and Sidra Humayun, UN Women Programme Coordinator for Punjab.
In her address, Jahan Ara Manzoor Wattoo cited worrying global and national figures, noting that breast cancer affects around 2.3 million women worldwide, with roughly 90,000 new cases reported in Pakistan each year and an estimated 40,000 annual deaths. She underlined that one in nine women in Pakistan faces a breast cancer diagnosis and stressed that timely diagnosis and regular screenings make the disease highly treatable, reinforcing the urgency of Breast Cancer Awareness across communities.
Jahan Ara Manzoor Wattoo also highlighted PSPA’s broader commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment, pointing to an inclusive workplace with equal female representation and a portfolio of women-focused initiatives. She described how programmes such as Zewar-e-Taleem support girls’ education while Aghosh and Khud Mukhtar offer maternal support, financial inclusion and entrepreneurship opportunities designed to strengthen women’s economic and social resilience.
Syeda Salma Saeed Hashmi praised PSPA’s awareness work as both a public health necessity and a social responsibility that complements efforts to empower women. Sidra Humayun welcomed the collaboration, noting that partnerships between government bodies and development organizations are essential to advance women’s health and sustained collective action, especially during Pinktober campaigns that drive screening and education.
The session closed with a renewed pledge from PSPA and participants to continue advocating for women’s health, increased screening opportunities and greater public awareness. By keeping Breast Cancer Awareness at the forefront, PSPA aims to build a stronger, healthier Punjab where early detection and community support reduce the burden of the disease.
