Pakistan PM pledges steps to end violence against women

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has pledged to take all possible steps to seek an end to violence perpetrated against women.

In a message on the occasion of International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, the prime minister said, “I urge all stakeholders, including women activists, political leaders, religious scholars and opinion leaders to come forward and play their due role in this regard.”

He said Pakistan was proud to join the world community to observe the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25.

He said the day highlighted the various forms of violence and harassment that women had to face in the society to move up the social, economic and political ladder.

“The day draws our attention to the need for accelerating our efforts and joining hands for the resolution of problems facing womenfolk and seeking an end to the practice of violence against them in a creative and proactive manner,” he added.

Gilani said there was no denying that no nation could progress and realise its moral and material objectives without its women joining their men to achieve national development.

“The history of freedom struggle bears witness to the fact that women participated in the Pakistan movement and played a great role to achieve an independent homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent,” he added.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\11\25\story_25-11-2010_pg7_36