ISLAMABAD: Despite constituting nearly half of Pakistan’s population, women occupy only a minimal presence in the country’s federal cabinet. According to a notification from the Cabinet Division website, the current 55-member cabinet includes just three women, representing a mere five percent.

This underrepresentation is not unprecedented. Historically, women were absent from federal cabinets until 1978, when the first female minister was appointed by Chief Martial Law Administrator General Zia-ul-Haq. Progress in women’s parliamentary representation has been noted since 2002, when a policy reserved 17 percent of legislative seats for women. However, women’s participation in government roles has rarely exceeded 12 percent.

The first elected prime minister to include a significant number of women was Benazir Bhutto, whose initial cabinet from 1988 to 1990 saw a 12 percent female representation. This remains the highest proportion among elected leaders. In terms of absolute numbers, nine women served in the administrations of Shaukat Aziz, Yousaf Raza Gillani, and the coalition government led by Shehbaz Sharif.

Pakistan’s lagging performance in women’s representation in government is reflected in the Global Gender Gap Index, where the country ranks the lowest globally. This continued gender imbalance in political leadership highlights an ongoing challenge in achieving gender parity in Pakistan’s governance.