Islamabad, The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Parliamentarians, through its Secretary General Syed Nair Hussain Bukhari, has announced the commencement of the application process for party tickets for the upcoming Senate elections. This initiative aims to identify and support candidates representing the party across various regions of Pakistan.
According to Pakistan Peoples Party Media Office, the call for applications covers a total of 46 seats, with 12 seats each designated for Sindh and Punjab, 11 seats each for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, and 2 seats for Islamabad. Aspiring candidates have until March 10 to submit their applications, which must be addressed to the President of the Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians. Additionally, a bank draft of one hundred thousand rupees, payable to the Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians, is required to accompany each application.
Syed Nair Hussain Bukhari has further instructed that applications for general seats, as well as those for technocrats, women, and minorities, should be directed to Zardari House in Islamabad or Bilawal House in Karachi. This structured approach to the application process reflects the party’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity in the selection of candidates for the Senate elections.
Karachi, The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi hosted its “Fifth Women’s Conference” to commemorate International Women’s Day, featuring an impressive lineup of speakers, including Muhammad Ahmed Shah, Muneeza Shamsie, Zubeida Mustafa, Zehra Nigah, and Dr. Jafar Ahmed. The conference began with vibrant music, theater, and dance performances, showcasing the talents from the Arts Council Academies, and highlighted the significant strides made by women in various fields over the decades.
According to Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, President Muhammad Ahmed Shah remarked on the evolution of women’s roles in society, recalling a time when it was inconceivable for women to participate in public forums such as poetry recitals. He applauded the efforts of women who have worked tirelessly for women’s rights through education and literature, acknowledging the challenges they faced to secure these rights.
The conference underscored the fact that women now constitute the majority in universities and medical colleges, and are making their mark in traditionally male-dominated fields such as the police force and aviation. Shah called for recognition of women’s achievements and the ongoing struggle for their rights, urging the younger generation to continue this legacy of empowerment.
Renowned poetess Zehra Nigah shared her memories and stressed the importance of imparting diverse skills to children, highlighting the revolutionary potential within education to transform societies. She also performed poetry that resonated deeply with the audience.
The event also honored education expert Zubeida Mustafa for her contributions to women’s empowerment, emphasizing that her award symbolizes the collective struggle of all women striving for progress in the face of adversity. Mustafa reflected on her journey, noting the support from women in her field and emphasizing the importance of making society more conscious and educated about women’s issues.
Muneeza Shamsi’s keynote speech highlighted the political participation of women, citing examples of female leadership in Pakistan and discussing the challenges women face, including victim-blaming and the need for education as a tool for family and societal development.
The Women’s Conference included various sessions and an art exhibition addressing contemporary challenges faced by women, with topics ranging from personal stories to the measures of success. A theatre play titled “Kamla,” directed by Uzma Sabeen, was also part of the event’s lineup, further enriching the discourse on women’s roles and rights in society.
The 5th Women’s Conference at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi stands as a testament to the progress and resilience of women, serving as a platform for dialogue, celebration, and continued advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment.