Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan. – Photo by APP

SIALKOT Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has said an independent and effective election commission is necessary for holding fair, free and transparent elections in the country.

Addressing a big public meeting in Sialkot on Sunday, she said the functioning of a free and independent election commission would pave the way for bringing about revolutionary changes in the political setup of the country.

The information minister said the basic concept of launching the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) across the country was to provide employment opportunities to women and bring them into the mainstream so that they could play their instrumental role in the development of the country.

“The PPP leadership is making adequate efforts to accomplish Shaheed Benazir Bhutto's vision aimed at bringing women into mainstream and a dream of national development could not be materialized without the involvement of women in overall development of the country,” she added.

Dr Firdous said it was Benazir Bhutto who struggled for the cause of womens rights and ensured them of a respectable status in society.

“The PPP-led government is striving hard for ensuring socio-economic justice and protection of people's rights in the country,” she said.