By Ali Imran
ISLAMABAD: National Assembly (NA) Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said National Women’s Day holds great significance in the annals of history owing to the undeterred struggle of Pakistani women for democracy in the face of dictatorship.
He, in a message on the occasion of National Woman’s Day, paid rich tribute to women and remarked that they were a metaphor for unparalleled bravery, great talent and indomitable courage.
The speaker further said, “Madar-e-Millat Fatima Jinnah, Madar-e-Jamhooriat Nusrat Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto are role models for the world as they stood strong and expressed great commitment in the testing and difficult times.”
He also emphasized that the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan guarantees equality, representation, protection and opportunities for the development of women.
The parliament would continue to make all-out efforts to ensure full implementation of these constitutional rights, he maintained.
On the other hand, President Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) Asif Ali Zardari Sunday paid tribute to the women who raised their voices for the Constitution and democracy during the Zia dictatorship on National Women’s Day.
“Mother of democracy, Begum Nusrat Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto were the torchbearers of the struggle for freedom and democracy among the womenfolk of the country,” he added.
He said Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto defeated the powerful dictators through democratic struggle.
Asif Zardari said the women leaders and workers of the PPP endured imprisonment in the Shahi Fort in the struggle for the restoration of democracy. “PPP ensured the participation of women in all sectors,” he said, adding that it is important for a dignified and civilized society that women should have equal rights.
