Islamabad: The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) launched the latest phase of its consultation conference series titled “The Next Horizon,” aimed at creating a comprehensive National Agenda for Women and Girls in Pakistan. The series continued with the National Conference on Legal Reforms for Women and Girls, organised in collaboration with UNFPA at the Marriott Hotel, Islamabad. Nilofar Bakhtiar, Chairperson of NCSW, opened the session by highlighting the urgent need to address pressing legal issues facing women in Pakistan.
The conference featured thematic working group sessions that delved into various aspects of women’s legal rights. Discussions included the enforcement of women’s property rights, legislation on violence against women and girls, legislation related to women from religious minorities, and pending reforms such as child marriage and rights for women and girls with disabilities. These sessions aimed to identify specific legal challenges and propose actionable strategies for improvement.
The Honourable Law Minister, Azam Nazeer Tarrar, commended the NCSW for their relentless efforts in advocating for women’s rights, stating, “Legal reforms are crucial for ensuring justice and equality for women across Pakistan.” Mukhtaran Mai, renowned activist, ASP Sherbano Naqvi, Country Representative Dr. Luay Shabaneh and Director for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement section Lori Antolinez delivered keynote speeches, emphasising the imperative role of legal reforms in advancing women’s rights.
The proposed recommendations aim to enhance women’s rights across diverse areas in Pakistan. Efforts include digitising property records and simplifying access to legal documentation for women’s property rights. Legal amendments are sought to criminalise domestic violence, improve forensic procedures, and establish specialised police units. Additionally, legislation for religious minority women focuses on enacting marriage and inheritance laws, while measures for women and girls with disabilities prioritise accessibility and inclusive policy frameworks. These steps collectively aim to strengthen legal protections and societal inclusivity for vulnerable groups in Pakistan.
