Islamabad, (Sadat Choudhary) – Pakistan is set to host the 9th Ministerial Conference on Women of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), reaffirming its commitment to promoting women’s empowerment and strengthening cooperation among Muslim countries.

The high-level conference will bring together ministers, senior government officials, diplomats, policymakers, women leaders, and representatives of international organizations from across the OIC member states. The forum will serve as an important platform for advancing dialogue and collaboration on women’s empowerment, education, healthcare, economic participation, social protection, and greater representation in leadership and decision-making.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar will chair the ministerial conference, where participants are expected to deliberate on key policy issues related to gender equality, sustainable development, economic inclusion, and enhanced cooperation among OIC member states.

As foreign delegations began arriving in Islamabad, Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Parliamentary Secretary for National Heritage and Culture, Member of the National Assembly, and President of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) Women Wing Islamabad, welcomed the distinguished delegates at Islamabad International Airport on behalf of the Government of Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Farah Naz Akbar described Pakistan’s hosting of the conference as a significant diplomatic milestone and a source of national pride. She said the event reflects Pakistan’s growing international engagement, its commitment to the advancement of women, and its enduring partnership with the Muslim world.

She highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the government is implementing policies aimed at expanding opportunities for women through quality education, improved healthcare, economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, digital inclusion, and leadership development. She expressed confidence that the conference would further reinforce these efforts by promoting the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and collaborative initiatives among OIC member states.

Ms. Farah Naz Akbar also emphasized that the conference provides a valuable opportunity for participating countries to share experiences, develop joint strategies, and strengthen initiatives that support women’s social and economic development while contributing to peace, stability, and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

She expressed optimism that the conference’s recommendations would lead to meaningful and lasting progress in advancing the rights and opportunities of women across the Muslim world.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to women’s rights, equal opportunities, social justice, and international cooperation, she said hosting the conference further demonstrates Pakistan’s image as a peaceful, progressive, and responsible member of the international community.

The conference is expected to conclude with a set of recommendations aimed at deepening cooperation among OIC member states and promoting practical measures to enhance women’s empowerment and inclusive development throughout the Muslim world.