HYDERABAD, Jan 25: Former federal information minister Javed Jabbar has expressed concern over the issue of ‘missing’ persons and said that the issue has become complicated because people do not have access to information.

Taking to journalists after attending a workshop for media people on "Importance of gender in political process" on Thursday, he called on civil society to play its due role in the efforts to ensure a halt to the phenomenon of ‘disappearances.’

He was talking about a number of ‘missing’ people believed to be in intelligence agencies’ custody for their alleged links with Jihadi outfits and the Balochistan Liberation Army.

Answering a question, Mr Jabbar said that the way the issue had been taken up in the country, there was a ‘ray of hope’ that the situation would improve and the concerned state institution, if it had any role in it, would mend its ways.

He said that people could disagree with present regime but it was a fact that it had ensured 33 per cent representation to women in parliament.

However, he added that the representation only would not redress women's grievances but even then it was a good ‘beginning.’

For a democratically and political viable society, he said, women's empowerment was essential and every government must ensure women’s equal participation in politics.

He hailed the idea of Youth Parliament and said that the government was right when it reduced voter's age to 18 years from 21.

Earlier, addressing the workshop, Mr Jabar called for empowerment of women in democratic and political process.

He said that bias against women was witnessed not only in Pakistan but also in other parts of South Asia where people killed baby girls at embryonic stage after ultrasound examination.

He added that else where in the world, only those countries had become strong which had empowered women.

Ibrahim Joyo said in his speech that it was against democratic norms that voters were forgotten by their elected representatives after elections.

He said that disparity in their society was due to unequal distribution of which had rendered the system of vote ineffective.

He added that ruling class always wished to continue its rule and that disparity always denied people their right to enjoy life.

He said that ever since religion became part of politics, it had led people to move backward. He said that every one must have right to vote but thanks to strong propaganda campaign launched during elections, an ordinary voter got confused regarding exercise of his right of franchise.

He said that mere voting would not solve problems and the people would have to be empowered and provided of basic rights.

PML MNA Gul-i-Farkhanda said that when President Gen Pervez Musharraf gave 33 per cent representation to women, certain circles raised hue and cry saying it was being done under dictates of foreign powers to bring women out of their homes.

She emphasized the need for participation of women in politics because they constituted half of the country's population.

She said that the government wanted to have more legislation concerning women's issues. She said that President Musharraf had spoken against old and outdated customs concerning women. She expressed the hope that in future legislation relating to Vani and other issues would be introduced.