**National Assembly Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming Highlights Urgent Need for Reforms and Celebrates International Day of Parliamentarism**
The National Assembly’s Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming, under the leadership of Dr. Nafisa Shah, has expressed deep concern over Pakistan’s low ranking of 148 in the 2025 Global Gender Gap Index. While acknowledging that data collection and reporting flaws contribute to this poor ranking, the committee emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and policy interventions to bridge gender disparities across the country. Additionally, the committee celebrated the International Day of Parliamentarism, reaffirming its commitment to promoting gender equality and parliamentary excellence.
During the meeting, the committee reviewed the lack of implementation of its previous recommendations aimed at advancing gender equality in Pakistan. It stressed the importance of establishing a Cabinet Committee on Gender Mainstreaming at the federal level, which would help secure political ownership of women’s rights initiatives. The committee also called for greater inclusion of women parliamentarians in budgeting and development processes to ensure gender-sensitive policymaking.
In a unanimous resolution passed in observance of the International Day of Parliamentarism—a celebration endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly and observed annually on June 30—the committee emphasized the pivotal role of parliaments worldwide in fostering peace, development, and democracy. The Inter-Parliamentary Union’s campaign, ‘Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action,’ was highlighted, focusing on three key themes: promoting parity in parliamentary representation, encouraging gender-sensitive institutions, and combating gender-based violence and discrimination.
Furthermore, the committee established a Sub-Committee tasked with reviewing existing laws related to family and inheritance rights within the Islamabad Capital Territory. Chaired by Senator Saadia Abbasi and comprising members Ms. Munaza Hassan, Senator Fawzia Arshad, and Ms. Shahida Begum, the Sub-Committee was assigned the responsibility of suggesting amendments to laws including the Dowry and Bridal Gifts (Restriction) Act, 1976; West Pakistan Family Court Act, 1964; Muslim Marriage Act, 1939; and the Guardian and Ward Act, 1880. The sub-committee is expected to submit its report within one month.
The meeting saw active participation from various members of the National Assembly and officers from relevant ministries and divisions, underscoring the government’s focus on legislative reforms and gender equality initiatives. This session marked both a call to action and a reaffirmation of parliamentary commitment to fostering inclusive policies that empower women and promote gender parity across Pakistan.
