The provincial cabinet on Tuesday gave unanimous approval to the Punjab Commission on the Status of Women Ordinance 2013 after a few amendments.
The commission will “help solve problems faced by women, besides taking immediate action over violence against women, and inhuman treatment”, said Chief Minister Najam Sethi.
At least half of the commission’s members will be women of whom at least one will be from a minority community. Other members will include the leader of the house or his representative, the leader of the opposition or his representative and two women parliamentarians.
Addressing the meeting, Sethi said that the establishment of the commission would empower women and ensuring their welfare. He said that the country would not prosper until women are brought into the mainstream.
The cabinet reviewed the draft ordinance for a Noor International University charter. A five-member committee, headed by the law minister, was directed to review the draft and submit its recommendations.
The cabinet also reviewed various suggestions regarding a reduction in entertainment tax. Final recommendations would be submitted in the next meeting.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 1st, 2013.