March 9, 2006	Thursday	Safar 8, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, March 8: Speakers at International Women’s Day functions here on Wednesday stressed inclusion of women in all spheres of life for national development and promotion of democracy in the country.

Minister of State for Information Anisa Zeb Tahirkheli said there was no concept of democracy without women’s participation.

Speaking at a women health seminar, she urged women to come forward and play their due role in national development.

“No society can flourish without equal participation by its women, and in order to play their role responsibly and suitably women have to be fit physically and mentally,” she added.

She said women should neither seek to get their rights as a privilege nor should be given these rights as a privilege. She stressed that these rights have been given to them by Islam.

There is a need to implement women rights, she said, adding that the government was commitment to providing equal opportunities to women and elevating their status in society.

She said time had come for both men and women to start working hand-in-hand for the betterment, prestige and development of the country.

The minister highlighted government’s efforts for improving women’s health and ensuring adequate health facilities for them in remote areas.

Ayesha Haroon spoke about the role played by the press in highlighting and addressing women health issues.

She said the press had played an important role in drawing the attention of the public and policy makers towards the grave issue of women health.

Dr Rezzan Khan, a nutritionist, referred to two major diet- related problems of the Pakistani woman - malnourishment and obesity.

She explained the importance of balanced diet, healthy lifestyle and moderate exercise for maintaining good health and physical fitness.

Dr Fawad Kaiser, a psychiatrist, highlighted the psychological aspect of women health and emphasized the importance of a sound mind.

He said discriminatory behaviour towards girl child, underage marriages, multiple pregnancies, hormonal disturbances and social pressures added to the risk of psychological disturbances among women. This results in low self esteem, negative self image, lack of self confidence and other serious psychological diseases.

NILOFAR BAKHTIAR: Adviser to Prime Minister Nilofar Bakhtiar stressed the need for making concerted efforts to include women in every government department for prosperity of the country, adds APP.

She was speaking as chief guest at a function organized by United Nations Population Fund to mark the International Women’s Day here on Wednesday.

“Women have to be brought alongside men in every sphere in the larger interest of the nation. We are united against all hurdles thwarting progress on this front,” She said.

The government is pursuing several measures to empower women socially, politically and economically, she said, enumerating her ministry’s projects like ‘women political schools’ and ‘Jafakash Aurat’, etc.

“We are proud of government policies aimed at envisaging an elevated status for women.” She said appointments like the first woman governor of the State Bank and promotion of two women to the rank of major-general in the Pakistan Army were a testimony to the government efforts.

WALK: Minister of State for Information Anisa Zeb Tahirkheli Prime Minister’s Adviser Nilofar Bakhtiar led a walk by thousands of women to mark the Day.

Girl students and members of Pakistan Muslim League as well as women from various sections of society participated in the walk from China Chowk to parliament house.

They were carrying placards calling for equal share in all spheres of life.

The participants chanted slogans like “Long live Pakistani women” and “We are united under one flag.”

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Tahirkheli said on this special day women should pledge to be united to achieve prosperity for themselves and the whole nation.

Nilofar Bakhtiar said the day was important to remind policy- makers of doing more for empowerment of women.

Referring to Hudood laws, she said Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz had asked the ministries of women development and law to jointly prepare a report on resolving the issue in an amicable manner.