Inclusive Development

Inclusive Development 2013-2018

Excellent arrangements were made for Hajj and Umra
Ziyaraat of various holy places were facilitated
An Act has been passed by Parliament to provide for compulsory teaching of the Holy Quran in Muslim schools
A new radio station, FM 93.4 Sautul Quran, was launched that broadcasts Quranic recitation
The Hindu Marriage Bill was passed to regulate marriages and divorces in Hindu community
A Bill was prepared for Christian Marriages and extensive consultations were held with various denominations to obtain consensus
Pakistan Penal Code was amended to curb forced marriages in non-Muslim communities
Enacted The Punjab Anand Karaj Act 2017, making Pakistan the first country in the world to introduce legislation for registration of Sikh marriages
Pakistan Penal Code was amended to curb forced marriages in non-Muslim communities
A National Commission for Minorities was constituted
The President and Prime Minister attended cultural functions of
Christmas and Holi to express solidarity
National Action Plan for Human Rights was launched for protection of human rights including rights of minorities

Safeguarded Fundamental Rights

Passed Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act 2016 and Protection against Harassment of Women in Workplace (Amendment) Act, 2014 to guarantee the physical security of women
Enacted Punjab Sound System Regulation Act, 2015 and Punjab Vigilance Committee Act, 2016 to monitor instances of hate speech for the protection of religious minorities
Monitored and controlled instances of hate speech to mitigate religious discrimination
Implemented gender-sensitive curriculum to create awareness regarding gendered issues amongst the youth of Pakistan
Enacted The Punjab Anand Karaj Act 2017 making us the first country in the world to introduce legislation for registration of Sikh marriages

Improved access to Justice

Amended the Pakistan Penal Code to clamp down on forced marriages in non-Muslim communities
Created Violence Against Women Centers (VAWCs) to rehabilitate survivors of violence under a one window operation
Formed a national commission for Minorities to protect their rights

Enhanced women’s participation

Initiated the Women-on-Wheels program to increase women’s mobility and access to public spaces
Introduced maternity leaves, day care centers and entrepreneurship financing schemes to create ease of access for women into the workforce
Passed the Punjab Fair Representation of Women Act by ensuring 33% representation of women in all public sector organizations and committees