ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Naureen Lehri Bano, a member from Balochistan, as the acting chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW).

The NCSW in a statement here on Wednesday said Ms Bano’s appointment reflected the government’s commitment to strengthening institutional leadership for the promotion and protection of women’s rights across Pakistan.

The commission acknowledges with appreciation the dedicated services of the outgoing acting chairperson Ume Laila Azhar, who served in this role for around 17 months. Her tenure has been marked by significant contributions towards strengthening NCSW’s advocacy and institutional work.

Ume Laila Azhar will continue to serve the commission as member, Punjab, ensuring continuity in its important work. The position of the chairperson had been vacant following the retirement of former chairperson Nilofar Bakhtiar on July 28, 2024.

The NCSW remains committed to promoting and safeguarding the rights of women in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2026