ISLAMABAD, Aug 7: Pakistan is among the countries which has been accused of “opposing the empowerment of girls in birth control and marital relations”. This criticism was aired at a meeting held recently in New York to evaluate the progress made by the 191 member-states of the United Nations in achieving the goals set in the Declaration of Commitment (DoC) on HIV and AIDS adopted by them in 2001.

When asked for comments, Federal Health Minister Mohammad Nasir Khan, who was a key speaker at the meeting, told Dawn the other day that Pakistan was “unreservedly” for the empowerment of women.

“It is just a few non-government organisations (NGOs) which have certain views,” he said, asserting that the New York meeting had appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to fight AIDS.

“We have a strong programme. If we continue it for the next five years, tremendous results will come in,” he added.

“We are a conservative society and there are certain things we cannot candidly say over television or in words. There are social, cultural and religious sensitivities that require caution and careful handling”, the minister explained.

“But it is not that we don’t understand the issues. Our women, our sisters, our daughters are conscious that they should posses the knowledge and information to protect themselves.”

In its annual report the UNAIDS noted that women in greater numbers than ever are being infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, or dying of illnesses related to the disease.

The infection rate has grown rapidly in Asia, which is now second to Africa in the number of HIV positive people.

The DoC sought to ensure that by 2010 at least 95 per cent of young men and women have access to information and education. However, women groups monitoring the UNGASS Review Process, were outraged over countries, including Pakistan, opposing “empowerment for girls” in birth control and marital relations.

They demanded that governments must intensify efforts to increase the capacity of women and adolescent girls to protect them from the risk of HIV-infection.

The governments must ensure that the girls have the right to decide freely on all matters related to reproductive health, ensure access to comprehensive health care and services, including male and female condoms, and access to comprehensive information and education, including sex education.

“Civil society groups worked tirelessly with the United Nations to draft the text through working groups, consultations, task forces, e-mail discussions, community meetings etc”, commented Tasneem Ahmar, Director Aks Resource Centre, who also attended the meeting.

Pakistan’s viewpoint was considered very important along with Bangladesh as members of OIC and being South Asian countries, but Pakistan was not very well represented. “We tried to influence the Pakistan mission but meeting them was a difficult task”, she added.

Ms Ahmar said universal access, including access to information and treatment, was the main issue at the high level meeting.

Pakistan mission said they couldn’t commit to universal access due to lack of resources. “The government seriously needs to follow the resolution. Until they agree to universal access, they cannot tackle the situation”, Ms Ahmar said. They need to find resources, tap opportunities and explore possibilities with donors. Though we show a lot of concern but it’s not the government’s top priority.