The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), in Collaboration with Mustehkam Parlimaan (MuP), and -European Union Funded Project-, conducted an interface session aimed at advancing the women’s rights agenda in Punjab. The Session was held between the Women Parliamentary Caucus of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab and civil Society Organizations on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, at Avari Hotel, Lahore. The event served as a bridge between legislators and civil society stakeholders, fostering dialogue, partnership, and shared understanding on priority issues affecting women.

The session began with recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. Mr. Taj Muhammad, Director (PDP), PIPS moderated the event. Opening remarks were delivered by Ms. Mary Cummins, Team Lead, MuP, who presented an overview of the session’s objectives and the importance of joint advocacy. She was followed by Ms. Brekhna Ajmal, Program Manager for Parliaments & Gender Equality at the EU Delegation, who highlighted the EU’s long-standing support for gender equality initiatives in Pakistan.

Honorable Ms. Begum Ishrat Ashraf, Convener of the Women Parliamentary Caucus, emphasized the vital role of collaboration between lawmakers and civil society organizations in improving women’s socio-economic and legal standing.

Representatives from civil society organizations introduced their ongoing work, outlining priority areas such as women’s safety, political participation, legal awareness, and access to services.

A detailed presentation of the Women Parliamentary Caucus Action Plan was given by Ms. Asfa Khan, Director, Parliamentary Development Unit (PDU) Provincial Assembly of the Punjab. She explained the plan’s core pillars, including legislative reforms, gender-responsive governance, capacity building, and enhanced oversight of women-related policies.

A moderated discussion, led by Mr. Ali Imran, Key Expert Legislative & Parliamentary Affairs, MuP, invited participants to identify concrete areas of collaboration and potential mechanisms for sustained cooperation. Themes such as advocacy campaigns, policy coordination, harmonization of efforts, and community outreach were explored.

The session concluded with renewed resolve from all partners to work collectively toward a more inclusive, equitable, and gender-responsive Punjab, reinforcing the importance of sustained cooperation between the legislature and civil society organizations.