Dar reaffirms commitment girls' education, digital inclusion
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to investing in girls’ education, entrepreneurship, digital literacy and inclusion, saying that women’s empowerment was among the most valuable investments for any nation.
Speaking at a cultural evening and dinner hosted ahead of the conference, he said the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women’s Empowerment showed the shared commitment of OIC member states to build societies where women can fully contribute to the progress of their countries.
He thanked the OIC Secretariat, the Assistant Secretary General of the OIC, and women delegates for their efforts in finalizing the conference outcome documents, including the Islamabad Declaration.
The Deputy PM said empowering women means strengthening the foundation of society, adding that investing in women is an investment in future generations.
He said that Islam had granted women dignity and rights more than 14 centuries ago. He said the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), through his teachings and example, emphasized women’s rights to education, property, inheritance, business and participation in society.
He added that Pakistan’s Constitution also guarantees these rights and ensures women’s participation in all sectors of national life.
Ishaq Dar said he was proud to see Pakistani women working alongside men in every field and contributing to the country’s development.
He said the OIC had already taken important steps for women’s advancement and stressed the need to turn commitments into practical results.
The Deputy Prime Minister also expressed concern over the situation of women in Palestine, especially in Gaza, and said Pakistan stood with them during this difficult time.
He also highlighted the plight of women in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), saying they continued to face serious human rights violations. He urged the interim authorities in Afghanistan to restore the rights of women and girls to education, employment and meaningful participation in society in accordance with the true teachings of Islam.
Expressing confidence in the conference, Ishaq Dar said its discussions would strengthen cooperation among OIC member states, encourage the exchange of experiences and produce meaningful outcomes for the benefit of the Muslim world.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar said the conference would provide an important platform for dialogue and cooperation while promoting friendship, shared values and unity among OIC member states.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026