Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, a senior judge at the Islamabad High Court, has stressed the vital role of women in society, declaring that a house cannot function without them. Speaking at a seminar at the Islamabad High Court, Justice Kayani reflected on the nation’s failure to achieve true gender equality, despite the constitutional guarantees for equal rights.
“Imagine living a day without a mother, wife, daughter, or sister. It is only then that you would truly understand their significance,” he remarked, adding that Pakistan has yet to fully comprehend and implement gender equality.
The judge raised concerns about the limited representation of women in key institutions, specifically questioning the gender imbalance within the Judicial Commission. He pointed out that, under the 26th Constitutional Amendment, only one woman is included in the commission, a body composed of educated individuals, judges, and parliamentarians.
Justice Kayani criticized both the judiciary and the legislature for their lack of commitment to gender equality, calling for immediate reforms. “No reforms have been made at the national level to ensure women’s equality,” he said, further expressing concern that Islamabad has yet to appoint a single female prosecutor, highlighting ongoing systemic gender disparities.
He emphasized that simply enshrining gender equality in the Constitution is not enough to end discrimination. “We need a framework that actively addresses and eliminates gender inequality,” he asserted.
To address these issues, Justice Kayani proposed creating a dedicated merit policy for women judges, along with a quota system for women in promotions and appointments. He also advocated for the introduction of childcare facilities at workplaces and a special allowance for working women.
Justice Kayani drew attention to the challenges women face when requesting maternity leave, noting that departmental actions are often taken against them. “I am unsure if women are provided with the necessary facilities to care for children while on duty,” he shared.
He stressed the need for a supportive work environment that allows women to balance their professional and familial responsibilities. In his remarks, he committed to supporting a working women’s allowance whenever possible and pledged to ensure that women judges have access to the necessary facilities within the e-court system, improving their ability to perform their roles.
“If this is the situation at the highest level, then what about the common man?” Justice Kayani asked, urging collective efforts to eliminate gender-based discrimination and empower women in all sectors of society.
