KP govt unveils Women Empowerment policy 2026-2030

PESHAWAR: The KP government has formally launched the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Women Empowerment Policy (2026–2030). The policy was unveiled during a ceremony held in Peshawar in collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women and UN Women.

This policy marks a significant milestone toward strengthening institutional mechanisms for promoting gender equality and empowering women across the province.

The chief guest at the ceremony was Provincial Minister for Law, Human Rights and Parliamentary Affairs Aftab Alam.

The event was also attended by Chairperson of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women Dr Sumera Shams, Secretary of the Commission Shazia Ata, the Chief Khateeb, senior provincial government officials, members of the Provincial Assembly, heads of key institutions, representatives of civil society, academia, the private sector, United Nations agencies, development partners, and other important stakeholders.

Addressing the ceremony, KP Minister for Law, Human Rights and Parliamentary Affairs, Aftab Alam stated that the Women Empowerment Policy (2026–2030) is not merely a document but a practical commitment of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to safeguard women’s rights, dignity, and equal opportunities.

He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to ensure effective implementation of the policy through legislation, institutional coordination, and timely provision of resources.

On the occasion, Chairperson Dr Samira Shams stated that the success of the policy depends on strong institutional coordination and continuous monitoring.

Referring to the vision of PTI’s founding leader Imran Khan to make women equal partners in development, she said the policy reflects a shared responsibility to translate commitments into practical actions.

She added that the Commission will work closely with all relevant departments and partners to ensure transparent, inclusive, and accountable implementation.

During the ceremony, Secretary Shazia Atta delivered a detailed presentation on the Women Empowerment Policy (2026–2030), briefing participants on its key features, priority sectors, and implementation mechanisms.

A representative of UN Women remarked that the policy is an important step toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 and promoting gender-responsive governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

UN Women will continue to support the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through technical assistance, institutional coordination, and the sharing of global best practices to ensure effective implementation of the policy.

The Women Empowerment Policy (2026–2030) aims to strengthen gender-responsive governance, improve women’s access to justice, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, promote meaningful participation in decision-making, and integrate gender perspectives into digital innovation, climate resilience, and social protection systems.

The policy also gives special consideration to the needs of the merged districts and emerging gender disparities identified at the provincial level.

The ceremony concluded with a panel discussion in which experts from social, economic, legal, political, digital, and climate sectors presented practical recommendations to translate the policy into actionable outcomes.

Government representatives reaffirmed their commitment to effective implementation through departmental work plans, budget integration, and monitoring mechanisms. In conclusion, the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and UN Women expressed their joint commitment that the Women Empowerment Policy (2026–2030) will bring tangible and lasting improvements to the lives of women and girls across the province.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026