All government agencies have been encouraged by the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) to make sure that plans are in place for a framework that is safe, secure, unbiased, and non-discriminatory for women and girls to participate in upcoming elections.
The national narrative of women’s empowerment, which is predicated on gender equality, equal rights, and equal chances, must be adhered to in letter and spirit, according to a statement released by NCSW Secretary Khawaja Imran Raza.
The secretary of NCSW stated that since elections are quickly approaching, it is incumbent upon state institutions to protect women’s and girls’ interests. This will ensure that they feel safe and secure enough to freely participate in the upcoming elections on a level playing field that is free from discrimination and offers adequate protection for them to exercise their right to free will.
The statement stated that the state apparatus must ensure that as many women and girls as possible participate in the upcoming elections, taking into account Pakistan’s international obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Womanhood (CEDAW) and as enshrined in Article 25 of the Pakistani Constitution of 1973. All government employees are required to treat all female candidates, supporters, and voters equally and impartially, allowing them to exercise their right to vote.
