MANSEHRA: Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women Nilofar Bakhtiar has said the commission’s effective initiatives and campaigns has significantly improved the women’s rights in the country.

“Now, women have a better understanding that they are half of the population and without their effective contribution, this country can’t be among developed nations,” she told a seminar organised by the Hazara University here on Friday.

The event titled ‘extremism of youth in national integration and peace’ was attended by academics, educationists, researchers and students.

Ms Bakhtiar, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said the NCSW had helped pave the way for major changes to the laws for women’s empowerment and development.

“You are the future of Pakistan and should never follow the extreme ideologies and should help the country address economic and political challenges,” she said.

The NCSW chairperson said the commission was striving to address the issues blocking the women’s development.

“An educated woman as a mother promise the development of a family and thus, contributing to the society’s prosperity,” she said.

Director-general of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Centre of Excellence in Countering Violent Extremism Kashif Arshad said the students could play a better role to end the extreme ideology in society.

“Students should join hands with progressive forces of the country to fight extremism and violent ideology,” he said.

Published in Dawn, October 1st, 2022