The event brought together business leaders, academia, and social influencers, including LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol and Parliamentary Secretary of the Punjab Women Development Department Salma Saadia Taimoor, who served as the chief guest. The gathering reflected a shared vision: women are not just participants but catalysts of progress.
Addressing the audience, Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol underscored that women form the backbone of society, juggling household responsibilities while excelling in business, education, and industry.
‘When women thrive, the nation thrives,’ he said, highlighting that limited access to financial resources and professional guidance remains a hurdle for many aspiring women entrepreneurs. Saigol announced a special International Women’s Day celebration at the Lahore Chamber on Friday to honor women’s achievements and inspire broader participation in business.
Chief Guest Salma Saadia Taimoor lauded the resilience and talent of Pakistani women, noting that government policies now place women’s development, safety, and economic empowerment at the forefront.
She outlined numerous initiatives, including virtual police stations, a panic button system under the Safe City Project, dedicated women’s helplines, free electric bus travel, e-taxi and e-bike schemes, skill development programs, and women incubation centers designed to create a secure and enabling environment for women across the province.
Taimoor further emphasized practical support such as working women hostels, daycare centers, IT and vocational training, easy access to bank accounts, and legal aid, ensuring women can engage fully in the economy without fear or restriction.
Speakers collectively stressed that fostering women’s empowerment requires a collaborative effort between government, private sector, and civil society. By opening doors to education, employment, and business opportunities, Pakistan can harness the full potential of its women, driving both social progress and economic growth.
As the session concluded, the message was clear, women’s empowerment is not just a social responsibility, it is a national imperative.
