RAWALPINDI: State Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb on Wednesday paid tribute to the women who played a key role in freedom and prosperity of Pakistan. She was addressing the International Women’s Day ceremony organised by the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce. She recognised the sacrifices made by the women whose brave sons and daughters were martyred fighting for the sovereignty of nation since 1947. The minister paid tribute to slain PPP chairwoman Benazir Bhutto for being a trailblazer and role model of strength and intellect for women across the world. She also honoured the strength and commitment of the mothers and daughter of Kashmir. She said that women are helpful in maintaining the most delicate balance in any society with their natural nurturing and intuitive instincts. “Evidence shows that different societies at different stages and you can clearly see the advancement of societies that have made women equal partners in the social construct,” Marriyum said. She added, “I would encourage women to pursue what they are passionate about. Girls should first believe in their abilities, ready to complete and be resilient in the face of muted discrimination and build their capabilities…” She said, “Although equal rights for women are enshrined in the constitution we need to do more as it is our shared responsibility to exalt our women to highest level of our society.” She said the government has taken a number of steps to provide women their due rights and Maryam Nawaz is earnestly committed to translating Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s vision of women’s empowerment to a reality. The minister said that the Holy Quran has dedicated myriad of verses on women’s rights. Separately, addressing an event at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the minister said, “The prime minister’s vision of women’s empowerment is manifested in the PM’s youth programme as it outlined 50% women’s share, PM’s Pakistan’s First health care programme with 50% share for women, new electoral reform includes 10% party ticket dispensation as a minimum threshold allocation for women to contest direct election and constituencies where vote casted will be less than 10% of the total votes casted. Furthermore PM education reform programme also has a complete transport infrastructure for girls.” “Pakistan has robust legislation and policies in place to promote women’s empowerment across the country. This is a reinforcement of the fact that Pakistan as a nation and society prioritises women’s issues and is becoming more sensitive and responsive towards women empowerment.”