Provincial Minister for Finance Dr.Ayesha Ghaus Pasha has said that no society of the world can make progress economically, socially and politically by ignoring its half, which is responsible of fifty percent of the country’s economy. That is why Punjab Government is paying special attention to the welfare and development of the women, she added. Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha said that interest free loans are being provided to the women for their self sufficiency. She said that vocational as well as special training of business is being imparted to the women. She said that business incubation centers are being setup under chambers of commerce & industries in eight big cities of the province for this purpose. She said that SME business training is being provided to more than 16600 women interprenures.The Provincial Minister said that after amendments in inheritance and violence laws, enforcement of these laws is being ensured so that safe atmosphere could be provided to the girls inside and outside the homes. She said that today’s Punjab is safe and full of opportunities’ for mothers, sisters and daughters ever before.
She expressed these views while addressing a ceremony of Fatima Jinnah Civil Award 2016 held under the aegis of Provincial Women Development Department today. Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha has said that Punjab Government does not believe in quota system and gender discrimination with women, rather it is willing to provide equal opportunities’ to them on merit basis. However, it is essential that the girls after getting higher education should not limit themselves in the houses, she added. She said that like responsible citizen of the country, the women should also fulfill their national responsibilities as our religion as well as society also gives its permission. The Provincial Minister said that women development and self sufficiency mean to make them educated, healthy, safe and economically independent. She said that various projects have been launched for providing best facilities of health and education and making them self sufficient to the women which included Chief Minister’s Zever Taleem Programme, Education Endowment Fund, Rurler Health Programme, Skills Training and Micro Financing. Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha said that launching of Fatima Jinnah Award by Provincial Women Development Department in recognition of services of capable women being rendered in various sectors is a good omen which will not only encourage them but also motivate other women to come forward and play their due role in country’s development. She informed the participants that due to Provincial Women development Department and Punjab Commission of Women status, incidents of injutices due to gender discrimination have decreased consdierably for which both departments deserve congratulation. Provincial Secretary for women development Bushra Amaan told the Provincial Minister that Women Development Department under women Empowerment Programme has decided to award cash prizes to three categories of women and girls playing prominent role in education. Sports, cultural and social activities which included Fatima Jinnah Women of the year award, Fatima Jinnah Youth Award and Fatima Jinnah Excellence Award. She told that according to the unanimous decision of Fatima Jinnah Award Committee, Dr. Tahira Hussain and Dr. Shahla Javed Akram are being awarded Excellence Award, zahida hameed Women of the year award and Shumaila Nazir and Hushna Sohail Youth Award. Secretary Women Development also announced Rupees Two Lac each for the award winners. Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha gave away awards to the selected women and congratulated them on their achievements. She said that women are our pride and Punjab Government will also fully encourage them in future. She said that more projects will also launch for the welfare of women.
