09 March 2005	Wednesday	27 Muharram 1426

ISLAMABAD, March 8: The National Assembly on Tuesday passed a unanimous resolution, initiated by women members, through which it pledged to ensure women's rights in the country.

The resolution was drafted by women members of the assembly belonging to all political parties present in parliament to mark the International Women's Day.

Through the resolution, the National Assembly members "pledged to ensure social, legal and political rights of women according to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)."

"We will make efforts to uplift the cause of women, abide by the country's laws and constitution, work for the respect of women and provision of justice to women including Mukhtaran Mai and Dr Shazia Khalid," the resolution said.

Earlier, NA Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain suspended proceedings for one hour when women members said that they wanted to attend a meeting of the standing committee to discuss the women issues in connection with the International Women's Day.

Almost all women members, belonging to the treasury as well as opposition benches, supported the demand. The speaker accepted the women's request and adjourned the proceedings for one hour.