**Chairman Senate Calls for Comprehensive Reforms to Tackle Terrorism and Empower Women Through Education**
Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has underscored the critical need to address poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy, identifying these as the root causes of terrorism and extremism in Pakistan. He called for the formulation of a holistic strategy to mitigate these underlying issues, particularly through empowering youth and promoting women’s education, to drive national development and prosperity.
Presiding over the inaugural session of the Senate of the Kalam Bibi International Women Institute in Bannu, held at the Parliament House, Chairman Gilani emphasized the transformative potential of the newly established institute. He stated that the institution would significantly advance higher and professional education opportunities for women in the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a region historically challenged by backwardness and limited access to educational resources.
The session was attended by notable dignitaries, including Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Vice Chancellor of the Institute Professor Dr. Aurangzeb Khan, Member National Assembly Shahida Akhtar Ali, and other senior policymakers and officials.
Commending the establishment of the institute, Chairman Gilani stressed the importance of equipping it with modern facilities, including the latest technology and reliable internet access, to ensure its effectiveness and accessibility for female students. He directed the HEC to expedite these enhancements, emphasizing that education and health remain central to his vision for Pakistan’s future, and that steps to empower women and integrate minorities into the national mainstream are among his foremost priorities.
Highlighting the entrenched social and economic challenges in the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, Gilani recommended leveraging initiatives such as the Benazir Income Support Program to establish support centers in disadvantaged areas. He also shared a personal note, mentioning his daughter’s role as a goodwill ambassador for women’s empowerment, underlining his longstanding commitment to the cause.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed enthusiasm over the inauguration, reaffirming his party’s dedication to improving women’s education. He stated that the institute would serve as a catalyst for integrating the southern districts into mainstream development, while helping to resolve various regional disparities. Governor Kundi also advocated for the modernization of campus facilities, increased use of technology, and the provision of scholarships for deserving female students.
Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Aurangzeb Khan briefed attendees on the institute’s objectives, its current challenges, and future plans. He noted the significant obstacles faced by women in the region in pursuing education, and expressed hope that the new institute would provide much-needed opportunities. He also presented information about newly launched courses and covered key legal and administrative matters relevant to the institution’s functioning.
The event concluded with a collective resolve among the nation’s leaders and educators to make meaningful strides toward improved education and equal opportunity for women in southern Pakistan, recognizing it as essential to the broader fight against extremism and socio-economic stagnation.
