On the occasion of International Women's Day being observed today, it gives me great pleasure to express that women's empowerment is one of the top most priorities of the present government. I take the opportunity to re-affirm our national and international commitments for protection of women's right with special emphasis on this year's theme "equal rights, equal opportunities: progress for all". Our constitution already guarantees fundamental rights to the citizens without any discrimination.

The government in line with the vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto is taking steps to ensure that women of Pakistan are not only emancipated from exploitation of all forms, but are also empowered in the true sense. Concerted efforts are being made for social, economic, legal and political empowerment of women to secure equal rights and opportunities for women in every field of life. These initiatives include micro-credit facility, skill trainings, rehabilitation of women in distress, mobility services, awareness raising, etc.

I believe our country can not move forward without utilizing 50% of our human resource. Women's legal and economic empowerment is the prime aspiration of the government. We can only ensure this by providing financial security, harassment free working environment and creating opportunities for women. Launching of Benazir Income Support Programme, passage of Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2009 and legislation for Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Bill, 2009 are the landmark in this direction.

Moreover, the government will also review, repeal and amend all other discriminatory laws to safeguard and promote the interests of women and to achieve gender equality in accordance with the constitution and obligations under international commitments and conventions.

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, I assure the women of Pakistan that government will take all necessary measures to safeguard their rights as equal citizen of this country. On this historic day, I would also like to congratulate not just the women of Pakistan but Women all over the world for their relentless efforts and sacrifices which they have made and are still making to free this world from discrimination, oppression and biases.