GILGIT, March 25: Women in Northern Areas have demanded extension of national policy for women of Northern Areas, 33 per cent seats in the Northern Areas Legislative Council (NALC) , establishment of a family court headed by a woman judge and a separate women directorate in the region.

They expressed these views during a recent conference on 'Women Development in Northern Areas'. The Women's Affairs Adviser in NALC, Ms Kaneez Zehra, and NGO women urged the government to set up a crisis centre for women and ensure employment quota in schools.

They demanded establishment of a women technical institute, scholarships for girl students, a Darul Aman, a women police station and a women hostel for female employees in the Northern Areas.

Over 500 women belonging to various NGOs, public and private sector organizations participated in the conference which was addressed by NALC Adviser Hafizur Rahman, Northern Areas Chief Secretary Farid Khan and NALC Member Aqeela Khatoon.