National development linked to women’s empowerment: President FPCCI

Lahore: President FPCCI Mian Muhammad Idrees on Wednesday said progress and prosperity of Pakistan is linked to women’s empowerment therefore we will extend all out support of women entrepreneurs.

Empowerment of women is a key to attaining the goal of a tolerant, moderate and progressive society where all of its citizens enjoy equality in rights, equitable opportunities and reach excellence in their chosen professions, he added.

Mian Muhammad Idrees said this while speaking to a ceremony arranged in his honour by Islamabad Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI).

President IWCCI Dr. Zakia Hashmi, VP FPCCI Mian Akram Farid, Chairman Coordination FPCCI Malik Sohail and others were also present on the occasion.

President FPCCI Mian Muhammad Idrees called for collective efforts to provide equal opportunity to women and curb all kinds of discrimination against them as economic revival is tied to active participation of women in economic activities.

Only empowered women can bring about a real change in society as country could not progress without empowering them who comprised over 50 per cent of the population, he added.

The business leader said that all the facilities and links of the FPCCI would be used to support businesswomen and that TDAP would be asked to provide stalls to them on subsidised rates in exhibitions.

Government had done a lot for the women’s welfare but the womenfolk deserve more to lift themselves out of poverty in presence of institutional bias and prejudicial mind-set.

Mian Idrees said that he has stopped inclusion of those businessmen in the foreign delegations whose sole aim was to enjoy the foreign trip. I will personally select and send those who deserve to represent Pakistan after detailed interview, he informed.

Earlier, Dr. Zakia Hashmi highlighted problems faced by women entrepreneurs and sought active support of FPCCI.

Malik Sohail lauded setting up of Punjab Working Women Endowment Fund, three year’s special relaxation to women in age limit for employment and other steps by Punjab which will help women to display their talent and abilities in the practical life.