The government of Pakistan was fully prepared to host the ninth Ministerial Conference on Women of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on July 12 and 13, welcoming delegations arriving at Islamabad International Airport on Saturday. The conference, titled "Socio-Economic and Political Empowerment of Women in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Countries: Challenges and Way Forward," brought together approximately 190 delegates from the 57 OIC member states, including ministers, senior government officials, and prominent women leaders.
Welcoming Ceremony at Islamabad Airport
Foreign delegations were received at the Islamabad International Airport by Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik, Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights Saba Sadiq, and Parliamentary Secretary for Law and Justice Farah Naz Akbar, along with other senior government officials. Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar celebrated the arrival of the delegates through a post on social media. "Warm welcome to all delegates arriving for the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women in Islamabad. We wish you productive discussions and a memorable stay in Islamabad," he wrote on X.
Pakistan's Leadership Role
Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar was tasked by the government to preside over the women's ministerial conference, ensuring that the country worked closely with OIC member states to advance efforts towards the empowerment of women across the Muslim world. He was also assigned to foster dialogue and build consensus towards the unified cause of gender equality during the two-day conference.
Conference Objectives
The conference aims to empower women by promoting their social, economic, political, and professional participation while advancing inclusive and sustainable development across the Muslim world. Delegates are expected to deliberate on measures to expand women's access to economic opportunities, financial systems, entrepreneurship, technology, and digital platforms, according to an official statement.
Building on Previous Meetings
The conference builds on the outcomes of previous OIC ministerial meetings on women, particularly the eighth session held in Cairo in 2021, which focused on women's empowerment, protection frameworks, and enhancing their socio-economic participation. As the host, Pakistan remains committed to using the conference as a platform to reaffirm its dedication to consolidating cooperation among OIC member states to reduce gender gaps and ensure inclusive development across all sectors.
