ISLAMABAD: National Coordinator for the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) Jawad Ahmad Dogar on Wednesday said sustainability of peace and security was linked to women’s role at every level of decision-making.

He was speaking at the first-ever National Dialogue on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) organised by the NACTA, in collaboration with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW).

The dialogue highlighted women’s leadership and participation in peace building, governance and crisis response, and built national consensus to advance the Women, Peace and Security agenda in Pakistan.

Mr Dogar reaffirmed the government’s dedication to integrating gender perspectives across national peace and security frameworks.

United Nations Resident Coordinator in Pakistan Mohamed Yahya reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting the government’s efforts to advance the Women, Peace and Security agenda, stressing that “the road to sustainable peace is paved by women’s leadership.

“When women have a seat at the table, peace agreements are stronger, communities are safer, and nations move forward together.”

Ambassador of Germany Ina Lepel underscored the global significance of the agenda, emphasising that “as we mark 25 years of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, Pakistan’s leadership in reigniting this agenda reflects a shared global resolve — that peace is only sustainable with full, equal and meaningful participation of women and girls. Empowering women as peace builders is a key prerequisite to success.”

Chairperson of the NCSW Ms Ume Laila Azhar highlighted that “placing women at the heart of peace and security policies is not only about equality. it is about effectiveness. Inclusive leadership builds stronger institutions, resilient communities, and a future rooted in justice.”

Regional experts from Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Jordan shared lessons to help shape a context-specific approach for Pakistan.

International speakers included Indonesian Deputy Minister for Protection of Women’s Rights Desy Andriani, Executive Director, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, Philippines Ms. Susana Guadalupe Marcaida.

The dialogue confirmed a shared commitment to translate pledges into concrete actions that strengthen prevention, expand women’s leadership and participation in decision-making, reinforce protection mechanisms, improve relief and recovery measures responsive to women’s priorities, and enhance coordination, monitoring and reporting across federal and provincial levels to inform a future pathway on Women, Peace and Security.

In the keynote address, Special Interior Secretary Mohammad Dawood Barreach reaffirmed the government’s dedication to strengthening institutional coordination for gender-responsive peace and security, highlighting that “Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability is inseparable from its commitment to gender equality.

“Integrating women’s leadership into security and governance frameworks is vital to ensuring policies that deliver lasting peace and inclusive national progress.”

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2025