Country Representative UN Women calls on Riaz Peerzada.

ISLAMABAD -- Sharmeela Rassool Country Representative UN Women, Pakistan was called on Federal Minister for Human Rights Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada at his office here Thursday. Secretary Human Rights Afzal Latif and other senior officers of the Ministry were also present in the meeting. Areas of mutual interest and collaboration for gender equality and women empowerment were discussed in the meeting.

Ms. Rassool briefly shared the progress on multiple ongoing programs in the country by the UN Women in collaboration with different public sector organizations that are aimed at uplifting the women's rights and gender equality to attain sustainable development in Pakistan. She apprised that a number of gender responsive plans and policies have been designed in consultation with various stakeholders for creating conducive and enabling environment for women belonging to every segment of the society. She acknowledged the progressive legislation on women rights in Pakistan but also mentioned the challenges in their proper implementation.

She recognized the role of Ministry of Human Rights for starting work on National Policy particularly on awareness campaigns for ending Violence Against Women that is one of the major hurdles in the fulfilment of international commitments. Further, she requested...