Pakistan‍ Economic Survey Highlights Women’s Role,Empowerment ​Initiatives

‌ Updated June⁣ 10,2025

ISLAMABAD –⁢ Pakistan’s Economic survey 2024-25 emphasizes teh critical ‍role of women and the​ importance⁤ of gender ​parity for the nation’s⁤ socio-economic advancement. the ​survey details several initiatives aimed at women empowerment, ⁣financial inclusion, and skills development.

According to the‌ survey, 250 women are currently enrolled in boxing training through the Prime Minister’s ‌youth Programme. In fiscal year 2025, a total ‌of⁤ 2,981 women registered for​ various sports, including cricket,‍ handball, and judo, in ‌addition ‍to ‌boxing.

The Economic survey⁤ also identifies limited autonomy and restricted opportunities⁣ for women as ⁤significant factors contributing to high fertility and population growth⁣ rates. It notes that improving access to education and ​reproductive health services is crucial ⁢for enabling women to​ make informed decisions about⁢ family planning.

⁤ ‌ ⁣ economic Survey says 20M active bank accounts held by women; 12,000 female ‍entrepreneurs supported ‌by incubation centers

The government is actively implementing the ‘Prime⁣ Minister’s Women Empowerment Package 2024’ nationwide. This package ‍includes interest-free ​loans, skills training programs, and the establishment of day-care centers for working women. Initiatives like the Women Pink⁢ bus Service and the Women on Wheels Project aim to enhance women’s mobility and safety, especially in urban areas.

The‌ survey also ⁤underscores the need ⁣for gender-sensitive safety policies, especially for ‍women engaged in domestic and agricultural work. The National Financial ⁣Inclusion Strategy​ 2023 has already surpassed its target, with over 20 million active bank accounts held by women.

To further promote‌ digital inclusion, the IT ministry ‌and PTA have launched Pakistan’s⁣ first digital gender inclusion strategy, designed to address barriers that limit women’s access to mobile and⁤ ICT⁤ services. National Incubation Centers have supported over 1,900 startups ⁣as of March 2025, empowering more ⁤than 12,000 women entrepreneurs.

The National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) reports empowering 650‌ women through the ‘She Fixes’ initiative, ​providing⁣ training in ⁣various trades. Additionally, the family Planning and Primary Healthcare Programme (PHC) has recruited ‌over 3,068 Lady Health Workers (LHWs) ⁤in Azad Jammu ‍and Kashmir (AJK), covering 67% of the population and delivering essential health services to women and children.

Social protection‍ programs also play a key role.The ‘Benazir Nashonuma program’ (BNP) continues to provide targeted assistance, including cash transfers and nutritious food, ‌to pregnant and lactating women, as well as children under 2 years old. The Pakistan Poverty‍ Alleviation Fund (PPAF) has disbursed Rs2.19 ‌billion,with 68% of the borrowers being women.

The ‘Benazir Income Support Programme’ (BISP) ⁢remains a flagship initiative, disbursing Rs385.64 billion to approximately ​9.87 million beneficiaries ​as of ​March 31, 2025. women Empowerment Centers have invested Rs477.85 million in training 26,706 widows, orphans, and underprivileged girls in trades ‌such as tailoring, sewing, computer skills, ⁢and embroidery, providing free materials for these courses.

What’s next

Pakistan aims to build on ‌these initiatives to further⁢ enhance women empowerment and gender equality, recognizing their vital contribution ⁤to the nation’s progress.