Minister of State for Finance and Revenue, Bilal Azhar Kayani, held a consultative meeting with Presidents, Vice Presidents and representatives of Women Chambers of Commerce and Industry from across Pakistan at the Finance Division. The meeting brought together representatives from approximately 40 Women Chambers, including delegations from Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Peshawar, Abbottabad, Sargodha, Karachi and other cities.
The delegation, led by FPCCI Vice President Ms Qurrat ul Ain, engaged in a constructive discussion with the Minister on issues relating to the federal budget-making process, women’s economic inclusion, entrepreneurship, and measures to further strengthen the role of women in Pakistan’s economy. The participants shared their perspectives on challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and discussed proposals aimed at increasing women’s participation in economic activity and public policymaking.
During the meeting, the representatives shared their views on greater inclusion of women in mainstream policy and decision-making processes. They highlighted the importance of skill development, enhanced access to Special Economic Zones, increased opportunities for women-led enterprises, and greater participation of women in human resource development initiatives. The delegation also shared recommendations for consideration as part of the ongoing budget preparation process.
Bilal Azhar Kayani appreciated the valuable contribution of women entrepreneurs to the country’s economic development and acknowledged the increasingly important role being played by women across various sectors of the economy. He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the Government remains committed to expanding opportunities for women and promoting their meaningful participation in economic and social development. He further observed that women are already making important contributions through various consultative boards, committees and advisory platforms, and emphasized the Government’s resolve to further strengthen their representation and engagement.
Kayani listened to the concerns and suggestions put forward by the participants and assured them that their proposals would be carefully considered as part of the policymaking process. He reiterated his support for initiatives aimed at women’s economic empowerment and assured the delegation of the Ministry’s continued cooperation in addressing issues affecting women-owned businesses.
Among those who attended the meeting were Ms. Qurrat ul Ain (Vice President FPCCI), Dr. Shehla Javed Akram (Founder President LWCCI), Ms. Samina Fazil (Founder & President IWCCI), Ms. Rubina Amjad (Founder President FWCCI), Ms. Shamim Aftab (Founder President Sargodha Women CCI), Ms. Qurrat ul Ain (President Peshawar Women CCI), Ms. Zara Imtiaz (KPK CCI), Miss Naima Ansari (IWCCI), Ms. Falak Anjum Naz (Rawalpindi CCI), Ms. Saima Rizwan (Abbottabad Women CCI), Ms. Rabia Armghan (Sialkot Women CCI), Ms. Sahabzadi Maheen Khan (Korangi Women Chamber Karachi), Ms. Falahat Imran (LWCCI), and representatives of Women Chambers from across the country.