13 February 2004	Friday	21 Zilhaj 1424

ISLAMABAD, Feb 12: The government is encouraging women to come forward and participate in all sectors, Senate chairman Mohammadmian Soomro said on Wednesday.

He was talking to Deputy Chairperson of Indian Rajya Sabha Najma Heptullah who is currently visiting Pakistan to attend the third meeting of the Regional Steering Committee for Economic Advancement of Rural and Island Women of Asia Pacific Region.

Mr Soomro pointed out that women were especially active in medical, teaching, banking, telecommunication and information technology. "We also have a number of women ambassadors rendering valuable services to Pakistan," he added.

Regarding political empowerment of women, Mr Soomro said 33 per cent seats in the local bodies and 17 per cent in the Senate and National Assembly had been reserved for women.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interests and cultural exchanges between the two countries came under discussion. They also discussed the initiatives taken for women development and economic empowerment by their respective countries.

The deputy chairperson of Rajya Sabha appreciated the arrangements made by the Pakistani government for the ongoing regional steering committee meeting for economic advancement of rural and island women of Asia Pacific Region.

She extended an invitation to Senate chairman to visit India at a convenient time. Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Shivshankar Menon was also present during the meeting.

Later, the ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Ali Mohammad Al-Shamsi, also called on the Senate chairman at his chamber in the Parliament House.