ISLAMABAD, June 22: President Gen Pervez Musharraf urged women parliamentarians on Wednesday to use their unprecedented political empowerment both within and outside the Parliament for strengthening the democratic institutions as well as contributing to socio-economic development of the country.

"A great responsibility devolves on women parliamentarians not only in promoting women rights but also in contributing to the success of development projects through their pro-active efforts," he said at a meeting with women MPs in his chamber at the Parliament House.

The president said women MPs were a vital part of the political system, having substantive representation in the national and provincial assemblies. "Therefore, a dynamic role of women MPs in the democratic system is of great significance with regard to legislation, promotion of harmony in the parliament and reinforcing the democratic institutions," he underlined. - APP