ISLAMABAD: In recognition of its progressive gender policies and best practices for empowering women at work, Pakistan Telecommunication Limited (PTCL) has been awarded the ‘EFP Award for Excellence in Women Empowerment 2017’ at the International Women’s Day Conference. The conference was organised by the Employer’s Federation of Pakistan (EFP) in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Karachi. The event was chaired by Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Chairperson Marvi Memon, while Punjab Finance Minister, Ayesha Ghous and the US Consul General Grace Shelton attended the conference as guests of honour. Speaking on the occasion, Syed Mazhar Hussain, chief human resource officer at PTCL, said: “It is an honour for us to stand out as one of the greatest women empowerment organisations in the country, and win this prestigious award. The PTCL has duly implemented the ILO conventions, C-100 and C-111 that were ratified by the government of Pakistan to provide gender equality, equal remuneration and a discrimination-free and harassment-free environment to working women. We are deeply committed to building an inclusive and diverse culture, and have been at the forefront in introducing employee-friendly policies.” He added, “We will continue to foster a progressive culture with a challenging, innovative and flexible work environment, having equal opportunities for women to succeed and grow. We want to appreciate the EFP and the ILO for encouraging a healthy competition amongst organisations through such awards.”