Women being provided opportunities for education, employment & skill development: Saira Atta

Provincial Secretary Women Development Saira Atta on Friday said that on the special directive of Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti, women in Balochistan are being provided opportunities for education, employment and skill development in a dignified and safe environment in the society

QUETTA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Mar, 2026) Provincial Secretary Women Development Saira Atta on Friday said that on the special directive of Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti, women in Balochistan are being provided opportunities for education, employment and skill development in a dignified and safe environment in the society.

She said this while addressing a function organized by the Center for Protection of Women, Children and Minors and Against Gender Discrimination established under the Police Department and various government and non-government organizations on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Provincial Women Ombudsman for Harassment Ms. Tahira Baloch, DIG Headquarters Balochistan Police Hassan Asad Alvi, AIG Gender Israr Ahmed Umrani, Resident Director Aurat Foundation Balochistan Alauddin Khilji, Coordinator Aurat Foundation Balochistan Yasmin Mughal, Provincial Lead UN Women for Balochistan Ayesha Wadood, UNIFPA Shamaila, Manager Benazir Women's Crisis Center Quetta Rubina Zehri, National Commission for Women's Rights Muhammad Ali, BRSP Saima Javed, WJFC Psychologist Uma Atta, Incharge WJFC Shazia Imran, Islamic Relief Rubina Kausar and PDMA's Rabia Zakir were also present at the ceremony. Provincial Secretary for Women's Development, Saira Atta, said that women's rights should extend beyond speeches to practical action, as women are already excelling in many fields.

She said that this historic initiative has provided Pakistan with a credible and standardised gender reporting platform and the journey towards long-term accountability has begun.

She said that the Balochistan Protection of Women from Harassment at Workplace Act, 2016 was introduced with the idea of creating a safe environment within institutions where women and men can work without fear and insecurity.

She said that this law has provided a regular system for registering complaints of harassment, every institution must form an inquiry committee under this law and adopt a clear policy against harassment, this law ensures that incidents occurring at the workplace are investigated in a timely and transparent manner, and justice is provided to the affected individuals. She mentioned that in addition, institutions also have the responsibility to provide awareness to their employees in this regard and promote a dignified, safe, and professional environment. Various steps are being taken regarding women’s rights in Balochistan. However, many problems still exist at the practical level.I

She said that according to statistics, several incidents of violence against women were reported by 2025, including domestic violence, harassment and other crimes.

She said that to solve these problems, not only legislation but also effective implementation is necessary, for the development of women in Balochistan, it is necessary to invest more in the sectors of education, health and employment and include women in the decision-making process, without this, sustainable development is not possible.

Representatives of non-governmental organizations present at the ceremony expressed their views and said that the Avaji Alliance Aurat Foundation, UN Women, Balochistan Rural Support Program, Tarqi Foundation, and Society for Community Strengthening and Promotion of Education Balochistan and Ehsaas PK Balochistan have organized various activities in connection with this day in the year 2026. They said that thus, programs have been organized with young students of different districts on the topic of ending gender-based violence, women's rights, justice and practical steps for this.

These activities aim to make the young generation aware of gender equality, women's rights and the provision of justice.

On this occasion, DIG Police Headquarters Balochistan Police Hassan Asad Alvi said that the province is working to empower women and make the police system people-friendly. Women appointed in senior and class-four positions in the Central Police Office and various districts are performing their important responsibilities with grace and responsibility.

He said that women police personnel are now performing other administrative and decision-making responsibilities in various police stations including complaint officers, deputy muharrar, computer operators. As a result of these appointments, women personnel have started playing an active and dynamic role in hearing and immediately resolving the problems being faced by women and ordinary citizens, including domestic violence, which is significantly increasing public confidence. He said that through these reforms, a safe, dignified and trust-based environment is being provided to all the complainants, including women, in police stations, so that the public could register their complaints without fear or hesitation. Appreciating the services of Pakistani women in various fields, the DIG Headquarters said that women can perform outstandingly in any field with equal opportunities.

He said that our religion islam teaches the protection of women's rights and good behavior. Our social and family values and traditions are the pioneers of creating a civilized society where women get rights, freedom, importance and respect, so that they can utilize their best mental and physical abilities and talents and make full use of the opportunities and facilities available for development and progress in all spheres of life including education, health and employment.

He said that women have a very important place in our society and the role of women in the development of the country cannot be denied. However, women should not be afraid to carry out their affairs in the society without fear or danger.

It is the individual and collective responsibility of all of us to provide a conducive environment for women to feel safe. The protection of women and the immediate resolution of their problems are among the top priorities of the Balochistan Police. Ensuring the respect and dignity of women, protection of their chastity, economic independence and protection from sexual exploitation is our Primary duty. Giving women their rightful place in all positions in society is our primary duty.

At the ceremony, Provincial Women Ombudsman for Anti-Harassment Tahira Baloch said that a large number of women in Balochistan are still deprived of basic facilities, especially in rural areas, the lack of education and health facilities is noticeable. If women are provided with equal opportunities, they can play a full role in the development of society. Government and non-governmental organizations are working on various programs to empower women. These programs aim to provide women with education, skills and employment opportunities so that they can become self-sufficient. Along with this, steps are also being taken to eliminate violence against women and protect their legal rights.

He said that a change in social attitudes is inevitable to protect women's rights. Until women are recognized as equal citizens, real progress would not be possible.

On this day, along with paying tribute to the struggle, sacrifices and achievements of women, the commitment to gender equality, women's rights and ending violence against them is renewed.

He said that institutions exist for anti-harassment and our doors are open to all women and their complaints would be redressed under the existing system for immediate redressal.