Report : Tazeen Akhtar | Camera : Raja Ghulam Farid
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.
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.
Advisor to Chairman Senate Ms Misbah Khar, Founter Chairperson Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce Ms Samina Fazil , Chairman Pakistan Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce Zafar Bakhtawry, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawri, Women Presidents of Chambers of Commerce from different cities of Pakistan were also present.
Ambassadors of Germany and Philippine, Commercial Consulars from Embassies of Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Iran, Indonesia, Kenya, Rwanda and other countries also participated in the event.
United Business Group, D-Watson, Capacity Analytics, De Rein, FlorMar were among the sponsors of this event. Naima Ansari mastered the event in a befitting manner. A sumptuous dinner and musical performances were also part of the conference at the end of the event for the amusement of the guest who came from other cities of Pakistan.
Samina Fazil , in her welcome address, apprised the Chairman Senate and foreigner guests about the struggle of women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. She said women business leaders are doing their best at their front to help the country in strenthening the economy of the country. She said, we look forward the reciprocal approach from the government to support women business leaders.
Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawri , in his address, briefed the Chairman Senate about the hardships the business community is facing due to highest rates of electricity and other matters that are making the production impossible in Pakistan.
He suggested to reform the tax system that is another big obstacle in the way to increase the production for manufacturing sector and thus creats hurdles in enhancing the exports of Pakistan. Chairman Senate took notes and assured his full cooperation in this regard.
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.
Chairman Senate, at the end of the conference, appreciated the services of the women business leaders who were present from across the country. He presented shields to the women Presidents of Chambers of Commerce.
