ISLAMABAD: In a key move to assert Pakistan’s leadership in advancing women’s rights, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday directed ministries and departments to fast-track preparations for the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, which Pakistan is set to host in 2026. This includes urgent action on logistics, security, and thematic sessions. Chairing a high-level committee meeting to review the conference’s preparations, Dar emphasized the need for seamless coordination among relevant ministries and the OIC Secretariat.He stressed that Pakistan’s role as host would not only showcase its commitment to women’s empowerment but also cement the country’s leadership in fostering socio-economic and political empowerment of women across the Muslim world. “We need results,” he declared, underscoring that the conference must deliver tangible outcomes through focused discussions and actionable policy recommendations. Dar also highlighted that hosting the conference would position Pakistan as a pivotal player in the OIC’s broader agenda for gender empowerment and inclusive development. The conference, held every three to four years, brings together ministers from OIC member states to assess progress on women’s rights, exchange national policies, and adopt new frameworks. Pakistan confirmed its role as the host for the 2026 event, though the exact dates, venue, and agenda are yet to be finalized. The previous OIC conference on women, held in Cairo in 2021, focused on women’s empowerment, protection frameworks, and socio-economic participation. The meeting was attended by senior officials including Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, and top officials from the cabinet and human rights divisions. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026