Introduction:
Pakistan was created for its citizen to be free of discrimination and deprivation they had suffered in the past. Citizens included women; and it was stated that they should stand side by side with men as their companions in all spheres of life. This sentiment was reflected in the constitutional proposals subsequently made. (Articles 25 and Article34).
In practice however the promise of equality has not only been ignored, it has been blatantly violated. In 1995, nearly a half-century after the creation of Pakistan, the National Report for the Fourth UN World Conference for Women had to admit that women ‘continue to suffer in the face of oppressive patriarchal structures, rigid Orthodox norms and stifling socio-cultural customs and traditions’. Adherence to status quo, political inertia and lack of social will have continued women’s historical burden. Legal empowerment of women in Pakistan can only be ensured through creation of forward looking and strong civil society that propel the State to bring positive changes in the constitutional, statutory and customary laws.