Define women empowerment in Pakistan? NAVEE.Final.

notes

Women empowerment in Pakistan refers to the process of increasing the social,

economic, political, and legal strength of women so that they can have equal
rights and opportunities in all aspects of life. In Pakistan, this is a crucial issue due
to historical, cultural, and societal challenges that have traditionally limited
women’s role.

1. Meaning of Women empowerment means:

 Giving women the right to make decisions about their lives.
 Providing access to education, health, and employment
opportunities.
 Ensuring legal rights and protection from violence and discrimination.
 Promoting equal participation in political and social activities.

2. Importance in Pakistan:
 Promotes gender equality
 Strengthens the economy
 Improves education and healthcare

3. Current Status in Pakistan

 Despite progress in recent years, Pakistani women still face:
 Gender discrimination
 Limited access to education (especially in rural areas)
 Violence and harassment (including domestic violence, honor killings)
 Lower participation in the workforce
 Weak representation in politics and decision-making roles

4. Way Forward
 Improve girls’ education at all levels.
 Strictly implement laws protecting women.
 Promote awareness campaigns to change mindsets.
  Support women entrepreneurs with skills training and financial help.
 Encourage media to highlight positive women role models.
5. Solutions:
 Quality education for girls
 Effective law enforcement
 Economic opportunities and microfinance
 Awareness campaigns in rural area

Conclusion

Women empowerment in Pakistan is a growing movement, but much remains to

be done. It is not just a women’s issue—it is a national issue. Empowered women
contribute to stronger families, communities, and economies. A truly progressive
Pakistan will be one where women enjoy full rights and respect, side by side with
men.

Question No 2: Pakistan’s Foreign Policy: Principles, Objectives, and Goals?

Definition:

Foreign policy refers to a country’s strategies and decisions a country uses to

interact with other nations in order to safeguard its national interests, promote
peace, and enhance diplomatic and economic relationships.

Basic Principles:

1. Protection of national interest

 Safeguarding sovereignty, independence integrity
2. Peaceful coexistence
 Respecting the sovereignty of other states and avoiding aggression.
3. Support for Muslim countries
 Promoting unity and cooperation among Muslim countries
4. Non-alignment and neutrality
 Not interfering in the internal affairs of other nations
 Maintaining independence in global politics without joining any bloc
5. Respect for UN Charter
  Supporting the UN and following international law

Objectives: Pakistan aims to achieve the following objectives through its foreign
policy:

1. Safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity

 Defending national security and territorial borders.
2. Promote economic cooperation and trade
 Seeking trade partnerships, foreign aid, and investment.
3. Improve global image of Pakistan
 Improving Pakistan image as a peaceful and responsible nation.
4. Build strong relations with neighboring countries
 Promoting peaceful relations with countries like China, Iran, and
Afghanistan.
5. Support for Muslim Causes:
 Advocating for the rights of Palestinians, Kashmiris, and oppressed
Muslim communities.

Major Goals: Pakistan long term foreign policy goals include.

Strengthen ties with Islamic countries.

Expanding relations with major powers (e. g., China, USA, Russia)

Peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute

Active role in OIC and UN

Promote regional peace and security

Question No 3. Governmental Structure of Pakistan?

Type of Government:

Three tiers: Federal, Provincial, Local

Three Main Organs:

1. Legislature (Parliament):
 Structure: Bicameral, National Assembly (Lower House) and Senate (Upper
House)
National assembly: (lower house)
 Members elected by the people (direct elections)
 Five year term
 Responsible for passing laws, approving the budget, and questioning
the executive.

Senate (Upper House)

 Members elected by provincial assemblies

 104 members (now 100 after FATA merger)
 Six-year term (half elected every three terms)
 Ensure equal representations of provinces.

Function:

 Make and pass law

 Represent the public
 Approve budget and financial bills
 Oversight of the executive

2. Executive: (Administrative body)

Head of state:

President of Pakistan:

 Ceremonial role under parliamentary system

 Appoints Prime Minister, Governors, and judges (on advice)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister:

 Real executive authority

 Leader of the majority in National assembly
 Implements laws and policies
Cabinet: Ministers responsible for different departments (e.g., education, finance,
health)

Provincial Executives:

Governor: Appointed by the president (ceremonial head of province)

Chief Minister: Leader of the majority party in Provincial Assembly (real power)

3. Judiciary:
Structure:
Supreme court: Highest court in Pakistan.
High court: One In each province
District and session Courts: Operate at local level
Federal Shariat court: Ensures laws conform to Islamic principles

Function:
Interpret and uphold the Constitution
Ensure justice
Protect fundamental rights

Provincial Governments:

Provinces:

 Pakistan has four provinces: KP, PUNJAB,BALOCH,SINDH

 Each province has its own assembly, chief minister, and ministries.

Local Government:

 Municipal corporations, district, councils, union councils

 Responsible for local-level services: water, sanitation, roads, etc

4. Salient Features of the 1973 Constitution

 Introduction: The 1973 constitution was passed on April 12, 1973 and
enforced on August 14, 1973. It is the third and current Constitution of
Pakistan after the 1956 and 1962 constitutions.

Key Features:
1. Federal System
 Powers are divided between the federal government and the
provincial governments.
 Each province has its own legislature, executive, and judiciary.
2. Parliamentary Form of Government
 The Prime Minister is the head of government and holds real
executive powers.
 The President is the ceremonial head of state.
 Cabinet is responsible to the National Assembly.

3. Islamic Provisions

 Pakistan is declared an Islamic Republic.

 No law can be made against the teachings of Quran and Sunnah.
 Council of Islamic Ideology ensures laws conform to Islamic principles.
 The President and Prime Minister must be Muslims.

4. Fundamental Rights

 Guarantees basic rights and freedoms to all citizens:

 Freedom of speech
 Freedom of religion
 Right to education and employment
 Equality before law
5. Independent Judiciary
 Judiciary is independent from the executive and legislature.
 Courts have the power of judicial review.
 Judges appointed on merit and tenure protected.
6. Bicameral Legislature
 Parliament consists of:
  National Assembly (Lower House) – based on population.
 Senate (Upper House) – equal representation for provinces.
7. Adult Franchise
 All citizens aged 18 and above have the right to vote, regardless of gender
or status.
8. Written and Rigid Constitution
 The Constitution is a written document consisting of 280+ Articles and 7
Schedules.
 It requires a two-thirds majority in Parliament for any amendment.

9. Urdu as National Language

 Urdu is declared as the national language, though English is also used for
official purposes.
10. Single Citizenship:
 Pakistan allows only one citizenship for its citizens.
11.Directive Principles of State Policy
 Guidelines provided to the state for achieving Islamic justice, economic
equality, and welfare.

12. Emergency Provisions

President can declare emergency in case of:

 War
 Internal disturbance
 Financial crisis
 During emergency, fundamental rights may be suspended.

QUESTION NO 5. Amendment Procedure According to the 1973 Constitution

A constitutional amendment is a formal change or addition made to the

Constitution. It helps the Constitution stay relevant with changing political, social,
and economic needs.

Need for Amendments

  To correct weaknesses in the system
 To grant new rights or responsibilities
 To respond to changing political realities
 To decentralize or reallocate powers

Procedure for Amendment (Article 239 of the Constitution)

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Initiation of Amendment

 A constitutional amendment bill is introduced in either house of the

Parliament (Senate or National Assembly).
 Can be proposed by a member or the government.

2. Approval in National Assembly

The bill must be passed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the total membership of
the National Assembly.

3. Approval in Senate

 After passing the National Assembly, the bill is sent to the Senate.
 It must also be passed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the total
membership of the Senate.

4. Presidential Assent
 Once passed by both houses, the bill is sent to the President of
Pakistan.
 The President must give assent (approval).
 The President cannot reject a constitutional amendment.

5. Becomes Part of the Constitution

After the President signs it, the amendment becomes an official part of the
Constitution.

Important Amendments in History

Amendment Year Key Features

8th 1985 Gave strong powers to President (Article 58(2)(b))

13th 1997 Removed President’s power to dismiss PM and dissolve Assembly

17th 2003 Legalized Musharraf’s Legal Framework Order (LFO)

18th 2010 Restored parliamentary supremacy, ended 58(2)(b), gave provinces

more power

21st 2015 Established military courts for speedy trial of terrorists

Features of the Amendment Process

Democratic: Requires approval from elected representatives

Rigid: Cannot be changed easily—needs two-thirds majority

Federal in nature: Protects provinces’ rights by requiring their consent on

sensitive matters