Dr. Talat Wizarat (IR Expert): Pakistani women have been contributing in all fields of life and for the development of the country. Female participation in all segments of life plays a vital role in uplifting socio-economic conditions of the country. Their services would be even more valuable if they were provided with more opportunities to move forward. It is right time to actively integrate and engage skilled women in various jobs and policies, so that the pace of development and progress in Pakistan could be enhanced. Imparting education to women is essential to move forward and it is the moral duty of men to address the issue and strive to protect women’s honour and dignity. The president has rightly emphasized on women empowerment through better health and education, inheritance and financial independence.

Momi Saleem (Environmentalist): Women empowerment in Pakistan improved due to policies adopted by successive governments. Now, the women have been serving in armed forces, foreign service, journalism and other sectors. It is a good development that many Pakistani women have become a role model at international level.

Shamim Shawl (Hurriyet Leader): Kashmiri women have been fighting at frontline against the Indian illegal occupation in Kashmir and sacrificed their lives in this regard. The role played by the Kashmiri women in freedom movement is a cherished chapter as they have been standing shoulder to shoulder with menfolk. The fact is that any nation whose women are playing their role in the freedom movement along with men and sacrificing their lives cannot be deprived of freedom for a long time. I am confident that Kashmiri women on both sides of LoC will continue their struggle to get their right to self-determination in accordance with the UN resolutions.

Nausheen Yousaf (Journalist): The women in the field of journalism are very professional and not less in capability than their male colleagues. It is a proud moment that Pakistani women are facing the challenges courageously. Although it is difficult for a woman to maintain balance between her profession and home responsibilities, yet Pakistani women are playing both roles efficiently. I would like to convey to women interested in the field of journalism that never be hesitant from hard work as it is key to success in any professional career.

Dr. Saira Aqil (IR Expert): This is a welcoming statement from the United States that Biden administration wants to accelerate the ongoing peace process in Afghanistan. Another positive development is that the present US administration wants to take all stakeholders including Russia, China, Pakistan and Iran on board regarding the peace process. It has provided a new lifeline to Afghan peace process. Afghan Taliban want the Biden administration to stick to the terms and conditions of US-Taliban peace agreement signed by Trump administration which foresees withdrawal of US troops in 2021. Afghan President should also express flexibility towards the settlement of intra-Afghan dialogue. Pakistan has to safeguard its own national interests and must make the world realize that without the support of Islamabad, withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan is not possible. Pakistan should broaden the horizon of its foreign policy and work for normalizing relations with the United States on one hand and strengthening its ties with China and Russia on the other.