The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar addressed the High-level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, held on 22 September 2025 in New York.

In his remarks, the DPM/FM recalled the historic pledges made in Beijing thirty years ago and emphasized that today’s commemoration was a call to renew those commitments with bold, measurable actions. He underscored that for Pakistan, the empowerment of women has been a guiding principle under the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who proclaimed that no nation can rise to glory without women standing shoulder to shoulder with men.

Highlighting Pakistan’s achievements, the DPM/FM noted that women hold leadership roles across politics, judiciary, civil service, law enforcement, and the armed forces of Pakistan. Holding the distinction of electing the first female Prime Minister in the Muslim world, Pakistan also recently witnessed the election of the first woman Chief Minister of Punjab. 

The DPM/FM also drew attention to Pakistan’s institutional and legislative measures, including National and Provincial Commissions on the Status of Women, gender-based violence courts, women police stations, and progressive laws to safeguard women from violence, harassment, and discrimination. Social protection programs, such as the Benazir Income Support Program and the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, are helping women overcome poverty, access finance, and seize entrepreneurial opportunities.

While recognizing progress, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed that global and national efforts remain uneven. He called for accelerated transformation under the Beijing+30 Action Agenda, urging scaled-up financing through national budgets, international cooperation, and innovative partnerships to ensure that commitments translate into meaningful change.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s steadfast dedication, he declared that the Beijing Declaration remains the boldest global compact for women’s rights. He urged the international community to act with urgency, courage, and solidarity to ensure that every woman and girl lives free from poverty and violence and is empowered to contribute to inclusive and sustainable development. 

Islamabad
22 September 2025