ISLAMABAD, July 7: The ministry of women development and social welfare is yet to finalize the list of members of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) as almost all its members have completed their three-year terms, Dawn has learnt.

The commission was set up through an ordinance on July 17, 2000. However, it formally started working on September 1, 2000. The NCSW comprised a chairperson and 20 members: two each from four provinces, one each from Islamabad, Azad Kashmir, Northern Areas and Fata, one representative from minorities, three scholars and three ex-officio members - secretaries of the ministries of finance, law and interior.

Interestingly, some members completed their terms in August 2003, but the government has not yet appointed new members, which is seriously affecting the functioning of the commission.

When contacted, NCSW chairperson Justice (retired) Majida Rizvi said except a couple of members - one from the AJK and the other from Punjab - all others have completed their terms.

She said even before the expiry of the members' tenure, the commission had informed the ministry of women development to appoint new members. When asked whether the situation had any adverse effect on the functioning of the NCSW, she said: "Of course, it does have as the quorum to conduct a meeting shall be the half of its membership."

However, she added that the commission had initiated a number of studies and was working on various projects for the betterment of women. An official source at the ministry of women development told Dawn on condition of anonymity that every time the ministry asked for nominations from the respective governments, it received appoint-ments with obvious political leanings.

On more than one occasions, the ministry rejected such nominations and requested the quarters concerned to send women with relevant expertise and exposure. However, so far, the nominations received lacked the professional expertise needed for such a responsibility.

It may be mentioned that the objectives of the NCSW as stated in the ordinance included emancipation of women, equalization of the opportunities and socio-economic conditions and elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.

The commission has also the mandate to review women-related laws, policies and other measures taken by the successive governments for women's development, monitor institutional mechanism, undertake research and interact with civil society and the public.

The commission is also allowed to monitor the mechanism and institutional procedures for redressal of violation of women's rights, individual grievances and facilities for social care and undertake initiatives for better management and provision of justice and social services through concerned forums and authorities.