ISLAMABAD, April 1: Women parliamentarians from main political parities have decided to collectively work for the uplift of women. The resolve to this effect came during a meeting organized, by the women development ministry.

The meeting, presided over by advisor to the prime minister on women development Nilofar Bakhtiar, was attended by representatives from all major political parities including the PML-Q, the PML-N, the PPP and the MMA.

Bill regarding honour killings, women empowerment bill 2004, Gender Reform Action Plan and non-participation of women in the local bodies elections of Lower Dir District were on agenda for discussion.

Though there was a difference of opinion over the women empowerment bill, consensus was reached among the women parliamentarians on the right to cast their vote and take part in elections throughout the country.

During the discussion on women empowerment bill, which has been moved by the PPP MNA, Sherry Rehman, Ms Bakhtiar said the bill had several clauses pertaining to different issues regarding women empowerment. Therefore, she said, all issues needed to be discussed clause-wise as some needed policy decisions and others legislative work.

However, it was decided that all participating women would go back to their respective party leadership so that they could seek party opinion. During the meeting, a presentation was made on the Gender Reform Action Plan which included political, institutional and budgetary reforms.

Barrister Zafarullah Khan gave a briefing to the participants on the bill of honour killing. However, there was a consensus that the menace should be routed from the society.

The women development ministry officials said all parties had been given representation in different advisory boards of the ministry, but the participation of the members was not up to the mark. Therefore, they must ensure their presence in the board meetings in the national interest.