Representatives of 40 women's chambers share budget proposals with government

Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani on Sunday met representatives of around 40 Women Chambers of Commerce and Industry from across Pakistan to discuss federal budget proposals, women’s economic participation and support for women-owned businesses.

Presidents, vice presidents and representatives of chambers from Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Peshawar, Abbottabad, Sargodha, Karachi and other cities attended the consultation.

The delegation was led by Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry Vice President Qurrat ul Ain.

Participants presented recommendations for consideration during the ongoing preparation of the federal budget and highlighted challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.

They called for greater representation of women in mainstream policymaking and decision-making forums, along with increased opportunities for women-led enterprises.

The representatives also sought skills development programmes, improved access to Special Economic Zones and greater participation of women in human resource development initiatives.

Kayani said women entrepreneurs were contributing to Pakistan’s economy across different sectors and assured the delegation that their recommendations would be considered during the policymaking process.

He said the federal government, under Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, remained committed to expanding economic and social opportunities for women.

The minister noted that women were already participating in consultative boards, committees and advisory platforms, adding that the government intended to strengthen their representation and engagement.

He also assured the chambers of the Ministry of Finance and Revenue’s continued cooperation in addressing issues affecting women-owned businesses and supporting women’s economic empowerment.

Those attending the meeting included Qurrat ul Ain, Vice President FPCCI; Dr. Shehla Javed Akram, Founder President LWCCI; Samina Fazil, Founder and President IWCCI; Rubina Amjad, Founder President FWCCI; and Shamim Aftab, Founder President Sargodha Women CCI.

Other participants included Qurrat ul Ain, President Peshawar Women CCI; Zara Imtiaz, KPK CCI; Naima Ansari, IWCCI; Falak Anjum Naz, Rawalpindi CCI; Saima Rizwan, Abbottabad Women CCI; Rabia Armghan, Sialkot Women CCI; Sahabzadi Maheen Khan, Korangi Women Chamber Karachi; Falahat Imran, LWCCI; and representatives of other Women Chambers from across Pakistan.