Senior judge of the Islamabad High Court, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, has emphasized the indispensable role of women in society, stating that a house cannot function without them.
Addressing a seminar at the Islamabad High Court, he highlighted the nation's failure to achieve true gender equality despite constitutional guarantees. "If you live without a mother, wife, daughter, or sister for a day, you will understand. As Pakistanis, we have not been able to understand gender equality," he remarked.
Justice Kayani questioned why women were not granted equal representation in the Judicial Commission, pointing out that only one woman is part of the commission formed under the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
"The Judicial Commission is made up of educated people, judges and parliamentarians," he remarked, and criticized the judiciary and legislature for their lack of commitment to promoting gender equality and called for urgent reforms.
"No reforms have been implemented at the national level to ensure women's equality," Justice Kayani remarked. He expressed concern that Islamabad has yet to appoint a single woman prosecutor, reflecting systemic gender disparities.
Justice Kayani stressed that merely enshrining gender equality in the Constitution is insufficient to eliminate discrimination. "We need a lens through which this gender discrimination can be eradicated," he said.
He proposed the creation of a distinct merit policy for women judges, alongside a dedicated quota for women in promotions and appointments. He also called for the provision of childcare facilities for women working in offices and suggested the introduction of a special allowance for working women.
Justice Kayani highlighted the challenges faced by women requesting maternity leave, noting that departmental action is often taken against them. "I don't know if women have the facility to take care of children while on duty or not," he shared.
He stressed the importance of creating a supportive work environment where women can balance professional and familial responsibilities.
Justice Kayani pledged to vote in favour of a working women's allowance whenever he has the opportunity. He also announced plans to ensure that women judges receive facilities within the e-court system, enhancing their ability to perform their duties effectively.
"If this is the situation at the highest level, then what about the common man?" he questioned, urging collective efforts to eliminate gender-based discrimination and promote women’s empowerment.
