ISLAMABAD, JAN 20 /DNA/ – Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that women’s economic empowerment is not only a question of equity but a strategic necessity for Pakistan’s sustainable development. He was addressing the 4th All Pakistan Women Chambers Presidents International Conference as Chief Guest at a local hotel in Islamabad.
Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said the conference was more than a gathering of business leaders; it represented a national movement for inclusive growth, where women are recognized as key architects of Pakistan’s economic transformation. He paid tribute to the courage, resilience and determination of women entrepreneurs who, despite social and structural barriers, continue to break stereotypes and create new pathways in commerce and industry.
Highlighting the progress made over the years, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani noted that the establishment of more than 30 Women Chambers of Commerce and Industry across Pakistan marked a fundamental shift in the perception of women’s role in nation-building. However, he stressed that the journey must now move from mere establishment to tangible impact, with chambers evolving into strong, professionally governed institutions capable of driving entrepreneurship, innovation and employment.
The Chairman Senate paid glowing tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, describing her as a trailblazer whose vision for women’s empowerment continues to inspire Pakistan. He recalled her historic achievements, including the establishment of Women Studies Centers at universities, creation of the First Women Bank, introduction of a quota for women in public sector jobs, and the launch of the Lady Health Workers Programme. He said Benazir Bhutto firmly believed that a nation could not achieve its full potential if half of its population was excluded from economic and social life.
Sharing reflections from his own public service as Speaker of the National Assembly, Prime Minister, and now Chairman Senate, he said women’s participation strengthens democratic institutions and accelerates development. He noted that during his tenure as Prime Minister, women were entrusted with key ministerial portfolios, reaffirming the Pakistan Peoples Party’s long-standing commitment to inclusive governance.
He underscored the important role of the Senate of Pakistan as the House of the Federation in addressing women’s economic, social and legal issues across all provinces. Under his chairmanship, he said, the Senate would continue to support legislative reforms, simplify business procedures, reduce regulatory barriers, expand access to public procurement and strengthen legal protections to promote women’s entrepreneurship.
The Chairman Senate acknowledged that despite immense potential, women’s participation in the formal economy remains far below capacity due to structural and social constraints. He termed this gap a loss of national opportunity, emphasizing that every woman-led enterprise contributes to economic growth, job creation and intergenerational empowerment.
Appreciating the leadership role of the Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he lauded its initiative to mentor emerging women chambers across the country. He said such collaboration, handholding and sharing of best practices would create a multiplier effect for women-led economic development nationwide.
He also welcomed international collaboration, particularly with the Azerbaijan–Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and urged Women Chambers to facilitate global trade linkages, participation in international exhibitions, and development of export-oriented products and services.
Concluding his address, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani called upon the presidents and leadership of Women Chambers to view themselves not merely as office-bearers but as leaders of a national movement. He urged them to strengthen governance, expand outreach, build mentorship networks, forge partnerships and document measurable impact.
“I envision a Pakistan where women entrepreneurs are central to economic growth, where Women Chambers are respected partners in development, and where every young girl sees entrepreneurship as a viable and valued future,” he said.
The Chairman Senate saluted women entrepreneurs across Pakistan for their courage and contribution, expressing confidence that collective action would lead to a more inclusive and prosperous Pakistan.
