The Economic Survey 2024-25 sheds light on Pakistan’s concerted efforts towards women’s empowerment, recognizing their pivotal role in the nation’s socio-economic development. The survey underscores a multi-faceted approach, addressing various aspects from sports and financial autonomy to digital inclusion and social safety nets, all aimed at fostering a more prosperous and inclusive society.
A significant highlight from the survey is the focus on integrating women into sports. Under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, an impressive 250 women have been registered for boxing training, alongside 2,731 for cricket, for activities in FY2025. This initiative extends to encouraging young female athletes to register for other sports such as handball and judo, signifying a growing recognition of women’s potential in the athletic sphere.
Beyond sports, the Economic Survey delves into critical socio-economic factors. It identifies a lack of autonomy and limited opportunities for women as key drivers behind high fertility and population growth rates. The survey explicitly links restricted access to education and reproductive health services to women’s ability to make informed decisions about family planning. This insight underscores the importance of empowering women with choices and resources for a more balanced demographic future.
Financial inclusion for women has seen remarkable progress. The National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2023 has successfully surpassed its target, with women now holding over 20 million active bank accounts. Furthermore, National Incubation Centres have played a crucial role in empowering women entrepreneurs, supporting over 12,000 female-led startups out of a total of 1,900 till March 2025. The National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) has also contributed significantly through its ‘She Fixes’ initiative, empowering 650 women in various trades, equipping them with valuable skills for economic independence.
The government’s commitment to women’s well-being is further solidified through the implementation of the ‘Prime Minister’s Women Empowerment Package 2024’. This comprehensive package includes provisions for interest-free loans, crucial skills training, and the establishment of day-care centers for working women, easing their professional journey. Mobility and safety, particularly in urban areas, have been enhanced through the launch of initiatives like the Women Pink Bus Service and the Women on Wheels Project. The survey also emphasizes the vital need for gender-sensitive safety policies, particularly for women engaged in domestic and agricultural work, acknowledging their unique vulnerabilities.
Digital inclusion is another area witnessing focused attention. The IT ministry and PTA have jointly launched Pakistan’s first-ever digital gender inclusion strategy, directly addressing barriers that hinder women’s access to mobile and ICT services, thus bridging the digital divide.
Social protection programs are playing a critical role in supporting vulnerable women. The Family Planning and Primary Healthcare Programme (PHC) has recruited over 3,068 Lady Health Workers (LHWs) in AJK, covering 67 percent of the population and providing essential health services for women and children. The ‘Benazir Nashonuma Program’ (BNP) continues its vital work by offering targeted assistance, including cash transfers and nutritious food, to pregnant and lactating women and children under two.
Pakistan’s investment in the social protection of women is evident through the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), which has disbursed Rs2.19 billion, with a significant 68 percent of borrowers being women. The flagship ‘Benazir Income Support Programme’ disbursed Rs385.64 billion to approximately 9.87 million beneficiaries up to March 31, 2025, providing a crucial safety net. Additionally, Women Empowerment Centres have invested Rs477.85 million in training 26,706 widows, orphans, and underprivileged girls in various trades, such as tailoring, sewing, knitting, computer skills, and embroidery, also providing free materials, empowering them with skills for self-reliance.
