Ms. Christine Arab, UN Women Regional Director, accompanied by UN Women Country Representative Mr. Jamshed Qazi, met Federal Minister for Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar during her visit to Islamabad to discuss concrete steps for advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment across Pakistan.
The minister outlined a comprehensive approach that links constitutional guarantees and international commitments with on-the-ground legislative reforms and policy frameworks to strengthen protection and inclusion. He highlighted the role of national institutions such as the Ministry of Human Rights, the National Commission on the Status of Women, the National Commission for Human Rights, social welfare centers and helpline 1099 in delivering legal, social and financial support to women and girls.
Ms. Arab acknowledged recent legislative milestones including stronger laws against child marriage, the rollout of gender policies and the adoption of technology-enabled measures to respond to gender-based violence. The development of the National Gender Data Portal was welcomed as a tool to inform policy and track progress on gender equality across provinces and sectors.
Discussion also covered policy initiatives supported by UN Women, including the National Gender Policy Framework and the National Policy on Ending Violence Against Women, alongside the National Strategy for Male Engagement that seeks to involve men and boys as allies in preventing violence. Both sides agreed that sustaining momentum on economic empowerment, legal protection and social participation is essential to consolidate gains.
The minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to active engagement with international instruments such as CEDAW, the Universal Periodic Review and the Beijing Platform for Action, while Ms. Arab assured continued international support. The meeting emphasized ongoing collaboration to accelerate gender equality and build a more inclusive society where women can fully participate and thrive.
