9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women begins in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The 9th Ministerial Conference on Women of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) commenced in Islamabad on Friday, bringing together representatives from 57 member states to discuss women’s development and empowerment across the Muslim world.

Speaking at the opening of the conference, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said Pakistan was hosting the OIC Ministerial Conference on Women for the first time, describing it as a matter of honour for the country.

He said the conference would review the role of women in development and deliberate on challenges faced by women across OIC member states.

Tarar said technical sessions are being held on the opening day, while the main ministerial session will take place on Saturday.

He added that the conference will conclude with the adoption of the Islamabad Declaration, which will outline key commitments aimed at promoting women’s development and empowerment.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to address the ministerial session, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is playing a central role in organising the event.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Federal Minister for Women Development Shaza Fatima, ministerial delegations, observers and a large number of women participants are also attending the conference.

Various technical working groups are participating in the event, with observer delegations and ministers expected to join the main session on Saturday.

Tarar said the chairmanship of the OIC Ministerial Conference on Women will be transferred from Egypt to Pakistan during the conference.

He also appreciated the Ministry of Information for its support in ensuring the successful organisation of the event.