KARACHI, March 8: Various women’s organisations and rights groups held different programmes on Thursday to mark International Women’s Day.

Students of Karachi University, AKU University, DHA College, St Patrick’s College, School of Nursing, schools from Korangi, Lyari, members of NGOs and men and women representing different stratas attended a seminar “The public role of Muslim women in the history of Islam” at the Defence Central Library auditorium.

Speaking on the subject Dr Khalid Zaheer, Islamic history scholar, talked of the role played by the women of the Holy Prophet’s family. Regarding the misconception circulating of the subordinate role of womenhe stated that it was a misinterpretation of Quranic injunction

He condemned the Gujranwala incident and decried the polarization of society into the orthodox and the western educated elite.

He felt that the real problem was the ability to think independently and the answer was not to eliminate madrassahs or their teaching but to create a parallel system of religious education based on reflective thinking.

Professor Rubina, a Ph.D scholar teaching in AKU University, said nursing was a commended profession in the region of Saudi Arabia and Hazrat Rufaida was working at the time of Holy Prophet (PBUH) much before Florence Nightingale. The Islamic concept of a Huquqalibad or caring is central to caring for the poor and ailing and thus nursing becomes a major act of caring in the value system of Islam.

Mehtab Rashidi said women role in society was invaluable and with the right kind of convictions and dedication she could perform that role.

Former Ambassador Mehdi Masood describing his experiences of women activism, he emphasized that sacrifices had been made to create Pakistan by an equal number of men and women and therefore it became a responsibility of all Pakistanis to ensure that Pakistan remains a viable entity.

Dr Salima Ahmed said it was her father who was the key person in educating all the women of her family including her mother.

Begum Tazeen Faridi said the war was not between men and women but between limited backward regressive elements and those who upheld honor truth and justice.

Idara-e-Rooh-e-Adab Pakistan organised a seminar on ‘Vague perception of progress without female education’ in which the speakers emphasized on the need for female education in Pakistan.

The Junior Chamber International staged a seminar on women’s empowerment at Rangoonwala Hall, where naib city Nazim Nasreen Jalil was the chief guest.

The Soroptimist International Karachi Central Club, a body of Professional and Career women, staged a walk at the Seaview Beach Front.

A workshop was also held in Rana Liaquat Ali Khan College highlighting issues facing women.

Lawyers staged a demonstration outside Karachi Press Club. The demonstration organised by ‘Attorneys of Human Rights demanded equal rights for women.