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Saturday, 18 January 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Excesses Against Women and Children” organised by Sindh Ombudsman here at the Governor House. The President said that over the past few years, Pakistan has achieved significant milestones in key areas including child health, child education especially the girls’ education, better and greater work opportunities for women, their protection at workplaces and their decision-making roles in the society. He said that the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan guarantees equal rights and equal opportunities to all citizens irrespective of gender.
The President said that Pakistan has also signed and ratified a number of conventions relating to protection of women and children’s rights.
As a responsible member of the International community Pakistan has always strived to fulfill its international and national obligations, he added.
President Mamnoon Hussain said that unfortunately the children and women being the vulnerable sections of society are the worst sufferers of the power imbalance in societies.
He expressed gratitude to the organisers of the seminar and said this event is a great opportunity to speak on a subject of great importance that directly relates to the most vulnerable sections of our society.
He expressed confidence that the seminar would greatly help in raising greater awareness about the issues of the women and children in our society and how the institution of Ombudsman can contribute effectively towards identifying, investigating, redressing and rectifying some injustice which at times take place against these vulnerable groups intentionally or otherwise.
He said that he is also grateful to the Governor of Sindh and the Provincial Ombudsman, Sindh for sharing with him the important details and developments taking place at the government and institutional levels to address the issues of women and children in the province of Sindh.
The President said that the institution of Ombudsman was designed to provide protection to the individuals where there is a substantial imbalance of power.
He said that despite all the efforts and commitments, a lot more needs to be done to ensure an environment where women and children are not only fully protected but are also provided equal opportunities to enjoy their lives and excel according to their capabilities.
In this context the role of Ombudsman is critically important as to ensure that no excesses take place against women and children and that their grievances are redressed properly besides identification of systemic failings and their correction, he said.
He said that it was indeed a matter of great satisfaction for him to note that a Children’s Complaints Office (CCO) has been established at the Secretariat of the Provincial Ombudsman Sindh by way of a partnership between the POS and UNICEF.
President Mamnoon Hussain appreciated the initiative taken by the Provincial Ombudsman and called for further strengthening of this office.
He also expressed gratitude to the Non-Governmental organisations and international bodies who are complementing government’s efforts towards safeguarding the rights of women and children.
The President called upon the media to play even greater role towards identifying the issues of women and children and helping the ombudsman take corrective measures.
Equally important is the role of civil society and other segments of society towards this important cause, he added.
He also appreciated the efforts of the Governor Sindh and the Provincial Ombudsman, who have taken up such an important issue.
Earlier, Sindh Ombudsman, Asad Asharaf Malik said that the department of Sindh Ombudsman is striving to serve the people of Sindh in dispensation of justice.
He said the 15 regional offices have already been established in different parts of Sindh to extend outreach of the department of Sindh Ombudsman.
He said number of cases about excesses against women and children remained unreported due to our culture.
The Sindh Ombudsman expressed hope that the media and justice system will help in achieving objectives of the department.
Chief Child Protection UNICEF, Ms Smranda Popa, Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad and others also spoke.
Later, President Mamnoon Hussain presented souvenirs to Chief Child Protection UNICEF, Ms Smranda Popa, famous writer Dr Anees Haroon and Barrister Qadir Saeed.
