Pakistani Women Proving Mettle In All Fields: Begum Mehmooda

ISLAMABAD,(UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 07th Nov, 2016 ) : First Lady Mehmooda Mamnoon Hussain Monday said Pakistani women had proved their mettle in all spheres of life, from politics to sports, and were bringing laurels to the country.

"The state through effective legislation has ensured that no discrimination be meted out to girls and women, and equal opportunities be provided to them," the First Lady said while speaking at an event held here at the President House to mark the International Day of Girl Child.

She said effective legislation had helped discourage negative mindset against women in the country and they were being given economic independence, besides representation in the Parliament. Also, the state does not allow ruthless punishment against women and their under-age marriage, rather believes in providing them equal opportunities of education and health, she added.

Begum Mehmooda said in a Muslim society and Pakistani culture, every day was celebrated and associated with the girl children as they were the source of tranquility for elders. The Islamic society lays emphasis on the role of daughters and safeguarding their rights, she added.

Begum Mehmooda termed the girl child the "pillar of future generation" due to the significant role played by them as grown up in reformation of society in a positive manner. She mentioned that the Constitution of Pakistan also guaranteed protection of rights of women and ensured no discrimination against them in all spheres of life.

"The achievements of the country's women have made us proud and we expect that in future, they will gain success like Malala Yousufzai, Shazia Perveen, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Hadeeqa Shabbir and Samina Baig and bring laurels to the country," she said.

Begum Mehmooda urged the girls and women to continue their journey of success by taking inspiration from the religious and cultural traditions. She said by following the footsteps of the Mother of Nation Fatima Jinnah, the women could contribute to national stability and upholding democracy in the country.

Begum Mehmooda advised the girls to continue making efforts in all fields of life, however, never compromise on religious and national identity. She congratulated Chairman Red Crescent Society Dr Saeed Ilahi on setting up a Women Forum, which she said, would prove a good platform for providing guidance to girls.

Begum Mahmooda Mamnoon Hussain appreciated the Pakistan Red Crescent for successfully holding a Women National Football Tournament for girls. Such healthy activities should be regularly organized for physical and mental growth of women, she added.

She also appreciated Dr Saeed Elahi for organizing the event and for setting up a women forum in his organization to provide a motivational and facilitative forum to girls. She hoped that PRC would continue to take effective measures to further enhance the utility of this forum.

On the occasion, Begum Mahmooda Mamnoon Hussain gave away wheelchairs to female special persons and urged that they should be supported and encouraged to make them realize their full potential. The First Lady also distributed medals and prizes among the winners of Women National Football Tournament.