05 January 2004	Monday	12 Ziqa'ad 1424

KARACHI, Jan 4: The establishment of a separate women's enclosure at the DHA Sunday Bazar will help many needy, but enterprising, women come out of financial difficulties.

So said the provincial minister for women's development at the inauguration ceremony of a women's enclosure at the Defence Sunday Bazar. Dr Saeeda Malik said the needy women who wanted to stand on their own two feet could benefit greatly from the enclosure.

"The standard of living of these women would get better and for this the organizers of this Sunday Bazar should be praised." Visiting the various stalls set up by women, she urged them to prove, through their diligence, that they were a capable lot.

The bazar could soon become a model, which might be replicated in other localities as well as cities. Dr Malik said those who loved other people kept undertaking positive works for their betterment at all times.

The minister was of the view that setting up of a separate women's enclosure was in line with the teachings of Allah as it was akin to giving the women of the city their due rights. She pointed out that the opening of the enclosure had been made possible by the efforts of various people, including those from her ministry.

"In the history of Pakistan, the government of President Gen Pervez Musharraf is the first one to set aside 33 per cent of the seats in the legislatures for women," said Dr Malik. "Now the women should work alongside men and endeavour to play their due role in the economic development of the country."

She said her ministry would cooperate fully with the organizers of the Sunday bazaars. The Department for Women's Development would soon be unveiling its projects, added the minister.

Director of the Women's Development Department, administrator of the Defence Housing Authority and secretary of the department also spoke on the occasion. Representatives of the bazaar's organizers also expressed their views.