Pakistan urges gender perspective in counter terrorism strategy

NEW YORK: Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations (UN) Maleeha Lodhi apprised the annual session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, about the steps being taken by Pakistan to inject a gender perspective in its counter terrorism strategy.

The Pakistani diplomat told delegates from around the world at a well-attended side-event that the Pakistani people and their security forces have braved the challenge of terrorism with “exemplary courage” to turn back the terrorist tide.

“Over the past several decades, Pakistan has seen the spread of terrorism in our region as a consequence of endless conflicts and turmoil, driven primarily by foreign interventions and the existence of unresolved disputes in our neighborhood.”

Noting that women and girls, whether as victims or perpetrators, were disproportionately affected by responses that failed to incorporate a strong gender perspective, Ambassador Lodhi said Pakistan’s rehabilitation approaches focus on training programmes for women to create economic opportunities in the post-incarceration phase in partnership with civil society.

“We view credible community actors, including media and religious leaders, as vital partners,” she said. Religious leaders, mobilized by the government, had been encouraged to issue ‘Fatwas’ which unequivocally condemn terrorism and promote the concept of a plural society with equal rights for women and girls.

Pakistani police women were being encouraged to assume leadership roles in an effort to promote trust and engagement between female affectees or victims and local law enforcement personnel, Ambassador Lodhi said. At a broader level, efforts were underway to create conditions that support greater female participation in the country’s security forces.

Turning to the broader goal of empowering women, the Pakistani envoy said her government had set up with support from NGOs de-radicalization and rehabilitation centers which employ various tools to reintegrate young boys and girls back into societies as well as support the families of former militants . One such center, she said, was Sabaoon, a female-led organization, which could serve as a useful model for others.

Technical and vocational training centers, being managed with support from NGOs, were taking steps to strengthen the resilience of communities and create an environment that discouraged any resurgence of violent extremism.

 

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