Sindh Minister for Women Development, Shahina Sher Ali, has announced that the provincial government is set to establish over 150 daycare centers across Sindh, with the first one to be inaugurated at the Karachi Press Club. Speaking during her visit to the Karachi Press Club on Thursday, where she congratulated the newly elected office bearers, she stated, “We think a step ahead for women’s welfare so they can progress in every field without fear.”
Welcoming her, Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jamili, Secretary Sohail Afzal Khan, Vice President Irshad Khokhar, and governing body members Hafeez Baloch and Mona Siddiqui praised the initiative. Minister Shahina Sher Ali emphasized the challenges faced by working women and assured that the government is taking serious steps to address them.
“Daycare centers have already been established at institutions like Karachi University, and now this facility will be extended to the Press Club so that women journalists can work without worrying about their children,” she added. She further revealed that the government is working to assist incarcerated women, particularly mothers detained with their young children. “Legal aid is being provided to such women, and we plan to set up daycare centers in prisons, along with schools in collaboration with the education department to ensure these children receive proper education,” she said.
The minister also mentioned vocational training programs for women residing in shelter homes, enabling them to achieve financial independence. She urged women to reach out to complaint centers for assistance with any grievances, assuring them of prompt resolution. Additionally, she announced the launch of a “Pink Taxi” service, aimed at providing women with a safe and reliable transport option while also promoting female entrepreneurship in the sector.
President Fazil Jamili and Secretary Sohail Afzal Khan commended the minister’s efforts and expressed hope for more policies to support women’s development. They highlighted that Karachi Press Club has the highest number of female members among all press clubs in Pakistan and has constructed a dedicated Women’s Complex. At the end of the event, Karachi Press Club officials presented Minister Shahina Sher Ali with a traditional Ajrak as a token of appreciation.
