THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE POLITICS OF PAKISTAN: AN ANALYSIS OF 12TH NATION ALASSEMBLY (2002-2007)

UNIVERSITY OF GUJRAT

Department of History & Pakistan Studies

By: SYEDA SAJIDA BATOOL

Supervised By: Dr. Muhammad Kashif Ali

Academic Level: PhD

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Abstract

In contemporary democratic systems, acknowledging women’s participation in formal political institutions is perceived as a basic requirement to establish a complete democracy. To facilitate this, quotas have been implemented in many developing countries to increase the representation of women in politics. While these quotas have been successful in boosting women’s political participation, it is important to note that they do not necessarily translate to an improvement in women’s social standing within society. Further action is needed to address the deeply entrenched socio-cultural patterns that contribute to gender inequality and promote broader social change. A study was conducted to examine the performance and impact of women parliamentarians in Pakistani politics between 2002 and 2007. This study aims to explore and bring to the attention of all women parliamentarians in Pakistani politics, particularly between 2002 and 2007. It was found that women have a low status in Pakistan based on socio-cultural patterns, and the same tendencies are evident in the political arena. Women representatives remained unable to empower their communities due to their under-representation in legislative assemblies. Another study revealed that women’s empowerment and political decision-making
are interrelated and interdependent concepts. This study aims to investigate how women have been contributing more than proportionately to general and reserved seats in Pakistan’s 12th National Assembly. The research also emphasizes the constitutional and political measures that might be taken to support women in politics. Women lawmakers have addressed a wide range of topics and shown in discussions and debates that they are knowledgeable about them. Some female legislators gave unmatched performances. Due to their work and perseverance, Pakistani women have gained employment in nearly every field and have been given additional room in the country’s parliament. Overall, the aim of this study is to analyze the role of women in Pakistan’s 12th National Assembly employing the firsthand accounts of female lawmakers and the difficulties they encountered in the traditionally male-dominated profession of politics.

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On the direction of the Chairman Senate/President PIPS Board of Governors, the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), has implemented a comprehensive set of measures aimed at ensuring fiscal discipline, operational efficiency, and responsible utilization of public resources, on the same lines as notified and adopted by the Senate and National Assembly Secretariats.

Under the new measures, the Institute has adopted a four-day working week (Monday to Thursday), while introducing a hybrid working model whereby 50% of staff will perform duties from the office and 50% will work remotely on a rotational basis. Employees working from home will remain fully accessible through digital communication platforms and may be required to report to the office on short notice, ensuring uninterrupted institutional functioning.

Significant steps have also been taken to promote energy conservation. These include a target of achieving up to 70% reduction in energy consumption through minimizing unnecessary use of electricity and ensuring that official meetings, trainings, and events are scheduled during daylight hours. Foreign tours are banned and international meetings are being held virtually.

In the transport section, PIPS has introduced strict measures to curtail expenditure and 70% official vehicles have been grounded as part of this initiative.

As part of broader austerity efforts, 20% reduction has been imposed on the non-ERE budget for the fourth quarter of the current financial year. The officers drawing a monthly salary of PKR 300,000 or more, shall surrendered two days salary or 5% to 30% salary on gross as per Federal Government decision.

The Institute has also discontinued all non-essential procurements with immediate effect. Official functions such as dinners and receptions will not be hosted, except in the case of visiting foreign delegations, and even then, strictly in accordance with austerity protocols.

These measures have been implemented with immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders.

Under the guidance of President PIPS Board of Governors, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, PIPS remains fully committed to maintaining its core functions of parliamentary support, capacity building, and research while contributing proactively to national austerity and sustainability goals.