January 29, 2003	Wednesday	Ziqa’ad 25,1423

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PESHAWAR, Jan 28: Speakers at a seminar on Tuesday urged women councillors and parliamentarians to play an active role for the empowerment of women and solution of the problems confronting the nation.

The seminar, entitled “Role of elected women in strengthening democracy in Pakistan,” was held at the press club by Human Resource Management and Development Centre.

Provincial assembly member from Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid-i-Azam), Dr Semin Mehmood Jan, said it was fortunate that there were 23 women members in the NWFP Assembly, who could play a decisive part in legislation with regard to women’s issues. Islam had given more rights to women, she said.

She said the ban on transfer and employment would be lifted in March and women working in health and education departments would be posted near their homes.

Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal MPA Alia Khursheed claimed that the MMA government would provide the women their basic rights. She said women would soon be seen working side by side with men and the country would progress.

She said a woman minister would be included in the NWFP cabinet soon, which would solidify the commitment of the MMA towards enhancement of the role of women in running the government. The women would be given employment and healthcare opportunities, she said.

Nasim Wali Khan of the Awami National Party urged the women  parliamentarians to work with devotion and sincerity to solve the problems of the people.

She said Islamabad had withheld Rs91 billion payable to the NWFP on account of hydel power profit and another Rs30billion in central excise duty on tobacco, which, if paid, could be channelled towards women’s development and the province could become as developed as Japan.