Joint framework agreed for safeguarding inheritance rights, enhancing women’s participation in parliamentary system, and promoting institutional cooperation

Islamabad (Izhar Khan Niazi): A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the National Assembly Secretariat and the Ombudsman Secretariat of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to protect women’s rights, promote inheritance rights, ensure effective participation of women in the parliamentary system, and prevent harassment at workplaces.

The MoU was signed by Acting Secretary National Assembly Saeed Ahmed and Ombudsperson of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Barrister Rabab Mehdi during a ceremony. Special Secretary for Special Initiatives Syed Shamaun Hashmi, senior officials from the National Assembly Secretariat, and the Provincial Ombudsman Secretariat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were also present on the occasion.

Under the agreement, both institutions will adopt a joint framework for the protection of women’s rights, safeguarding women’s inheritance rights, enhancing women’s representation in the parliamentary system, ensuring effective implementation of the Protection Against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2010, providing a safe environment, strengthening institutional cooperation, improving coordination, and facilitating information sharing.

According to the MoU, a comprehensive framework will be developed for exchange of information, capacity building, consultation, and technical support. Both institutions will ensure full respect for their constitutional mandates, institutional autonomy, and parliamentary privileges.

The agreement will also expand cooperation with the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus to raise public awareness regarding women’s inheritance rights, encourage effective participation of women in parliamentary processes, ensure implementation of laws protecting women from workplace harassment, and strengthen legislative oversight, consultation, and dialogue.

Speaking on the occasion, officials stated that the MoU reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to strengthen the protection of women’s constitutional and legal rights through coordinated and effective strategies, promote better governance, enhance institutional harmony, and create a safer and more empowered environment for women.