Pakistan hosts women lawmakers from 12 countries

Islamabad is hosting female lawmakers from 12 countries at a conference on the role of women in strengthening democracy.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter opened the three-day conference on Monday.

Women lawmakers from Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Jordan, Australia, Romania, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Jordan, Maldives, Indonesia and Nepal are attending the event.

Speaking at the event, Maryam Nawaz saluted the Women's Parliamentary Caucus in Pakistan for taking the initiative to host the event, saying it was high time women are empowered for the betterment and development of societies.

Women lawmakers Tahira Aurangzeb, Fahmida Mirza and other women attend an international women's conference in Islamabad. —AP

Nawaz claimed women in Pakistan's democratic set-up have equal opportunities, and that they had made stellar contributions to different fields, like education.

The women’s caucus, set up in 2008, is a multi-party forum dedicated to discussing issues facing women in Pakistan.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement lawmaker Dr Fouzia Hameed said the women’s caucus has been working across party lines to pass various pieces of legislation which ensure the protection of women’s rights.

Laws protecting the rights of women in Pakistan have been passed in recent years addressing violence against women, workplace harassment, the criminalisation of acid-related violence and electronic crimes.

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Comments (91) Closed

Jibran Khurshid

Mar 13, 2017 01:57pm

Why is NS daughter mariam part of this conference of law making, is she a member of parliment or a lawyer or a judge or member of any law making body?

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Phatwngun

Mar 13, 2017 02:06pm

Shariefs are unbelievable...

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JKhan

Mar 13, 2017 02:13pm

She returned incognito! Does it surprise any one? Why couldn't a woman member of Parliament open the moot? Imran Khan is right when he says noon league is a family affair.

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rao abid

Mar 13, 2017 02:28pm

good sign for pak.keep it up.

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mullah

Mar 13, 2017 02:32pm

@Sami SwatI well said

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Parvez

Mar 13, 2017 02:34pm

The women may want to do good....but their men folk sitting in parliament will never allow good to happen

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Iqbal

Mar 13, 2017 02:39pm

Please provide adequate security for women who came from australia

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Amin U Ansari

Mar 13, 2017 02:42pm

In what capacity is she even part of this conference?

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Chaudhry

Mar 13, 2017 02:44pm

But, but, but, Modi sahab said he will isolate Pakistan diplomatically!!!

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Junaid

Mar 13, 2017 02:59pm

Mariam is a great leader !! Future of PML-N ...

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PakistanI

Mar 13, 2017 03:04pm

That's a good news.

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Mehdi

Mar 13, 2017 03:12pm

Lets declare Pakistan a monarchy and live happily ever after. Stop this drama of democracy. PMs daughter is not a qualification to chair or even attend such official gatherings. RIP Democracy.

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Syed F. Hussaini

Mar 13, 2017 03:19pm

The number of seats reserved for women in the national assembly is 60 whereas in the senate it is 17 adding up to a total of 77 female members of parliament. There may be more women elected on general seats. However, none of them, including those of the PML-N, was deemed eligible to open this conference. In our traditional dynastic imperious mindset, it had to be a female representative of the prime minister's family--not an elected representative of the people.

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Sajjad Khan-Sherwani

Mar 13, 2017 03:16pm

Is this Pakistzan or Nawaz Sharifs private enterprise representing him????

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K SHESHU BABU

Mar 13, 2017 03:22pm

Good effort in hosting the conference. Wish more women from developing nation's should have come to the conference

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Falcon1

Mar 13, 2017 03:22pm

Maryaam Nawaz hosting the lawmakers conference? How ironic! Wouldn't it be even more ironic if the SCP issues a ruling against NS in the next day or two, for violating the Constitution and ECL regulations over his Panama Gate scandal and offshore wealth??

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aleem

Mar 13, 2017 03:20pm

In what capacity Mariam Safdar is attending this conference? This a democratic country with rule of law. If PM is not going to obey law and observe the democratic practices then what hope Pakistan has. Sharifa are treating this country as their kingdom and want to run it as monarchy which is not going to happen. Supreme court should take a suo motto action and stop all undemocratic and unlawful practices

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abe

Mar 13, 2017 03:25pm

Further proof that Shrarifs are ruling this nation as their personal fiefdom, without any rules, protocol, official office or nomination by Parliament. This is a farce of a democracy of the highest order. I've never witnessed such flagrant abuse of power and office anywhere. In most civilized European nations and the US, you will be held to the fire for such indiscretions.

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Mar 13, 2017 03:27pm

@abe Sincere people, taking everything near to the heart... true and real patriots....

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Ali

Mar 13, 2017 03:35pm

this is our Ivanka

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NoNy

Mar 13, 2017 03:45pm

how does she qualify for speaking at the conference of law makers? just because she is PM's daughter, she can do anything and everything? is not she under scrutiny in SC for corruption, tax evasion and money laundering charges, not really a good example for women law makers!

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Ali

Mar 13, 2017 03:49pm

Two day earlier, one of the MPA of Marium Nawaz's Party, Jawed Latif specifically arranged a press conference to show the whole world what women means to her. And then Marium Nawaz is saying such stuff, this is absolute hypocrisy. RIP Democracy Welcome to the KINGDOM of Shareefs !!

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khurram

Mar 13, 2017 03:54pm

Is Maryam Nawaz herself a lawmaker?

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Alien

Mar 13, 2017 04:06pm

@khurram no she is famous for breaking laws........

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iffi

Mar 13, 2017 04:15pm

its all family business .... & can only be done in our country by the so called democrats

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KHALID YOUSAFZAI (UK)

Mar 13, 2017 04:18pm

great DECEPTION tactics for changing mindset of innocent Pakistanis

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saqib

Mar 13, 2017 04:20pm

since when is maryam nawaz a law maker?

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Irfan uK

Mar 13, 2017 04:27pm

If she was he highest standing barrister or Q.C in the country I could understand her opening the event. She's not even a keynote speaker of recognition in the law fraternity so why the favouritism. Politicians in Pakistan make me sick

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azam khan

Mar 13, 2017 04:35pm

What on earth has Marium Nawaz got to do with this meeting ? This government keeps axing it's own foot.

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Asma ali

Mar 13, 2017 04:33pm

@Jibran Khurshid, exactly my question.

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Mohammad Ali bajwa

Mar 13, 2017 04:49pm

She was selected because she is the only one in her family who could speak could English.

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PINK PANTHER

Mar 13, 2017 05:05pm

PTI-walas cannot digest anything good done by PM Nawaz, his party or his family. Is it because nothing but BLUNDERS, FALSE accusations, U-TURNS, IK's mission: anything which is good for Pakistan must be opposed and labeled as MADNESS.

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Asad

Mar 13, 2017 05:08pm

Is daughter of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif a parliamentarian?

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shakur adnan

Mar 13, 2017 05:09pm

Be original, she is just reading From the script about women empowerment, totally dependent on scripture, hesitation, lack of confident drool each step of her speech. can any body tell that " Pakistan is the personal property of Nawaz's family ''??

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Shahzad Ikhlaq

Mar 13, 2017 05:13pm

"Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter opened the three-day conference on Monday" - In what capacity one may ask??

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Dawn

Mar 13, 2017 05:16pm

PM's daughter? Pakistan-always a one man show.

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shakur adnan

Mar 13, 2017 05:13pm

how can we the poor citizen of Pakistan empower women in our country? your father/family took away our resources from us, assets and wealth of Pakistan are fixed in swiss bank bY our politicians..

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Mar 13, 2017 05:14pm

@abe I agree that Marriam Sardar should not be the one who open the conference. You mentioned that it does not happen in other countries including USA. If it is true then in what capacity Trumps daughter involved even in some of very serious meeting such as 'defence'.

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Adnan aziz

Mar 13, 2017 05:20pm

In what capacity did she open the conference? Being the Prime Minister's daughter confers no such right upon her. Sharifs should better stop considering the country their personal property.

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Iftikhar Husain

Mar 13, 2017 05:23pm

we welcome the women power it is good for the country.

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abida masood

Mar 13, 2017 05:45pm

Who s Maryam Nawaz?. She does not have any official position, and moreover implicated in Panama papers.. There are many more well qualified Pakistani women..

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abida masood

Mar 13, 2017 05:49pm

Maryam Nawaz lawmaker?, no law breaker.

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abida masood

Mar 13, 2017 05:51pm

Just the act of Maryam Nawaz opening the conference tells the whole world that it is a false show and nothing else. Could have been Asma Jahangir or someone recognized like her..

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Mar 13, 2017 05:52pm

@abida masood Wait for the turn...patience

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Arif

Mar 13, 2017 05:56pm

Why can't PMLn get her elected so that she can freely conduct such meetings with no opposition. I guess she is in the grooming process to become next PM.

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Abdullah

Mar 13, 2017 06:07pm

She is the same woman who doesn't own property in Pakistan or London?

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Kashif rehan

Mar 13, 2017 06:09pm

@Jibran Khurshid exactly my thought that in what capacity she was there to inaugrate? She is neither an MOP nor any other office bearer in the Government

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The end is near

Mar 13, 2017 06:24pm

Political marketing tactics by PMLN.

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Awes

Mar 13, 2017 06:41pm

A conference of democratically elected/selected females is hosted and inaugurated by the daughter of a PM who has never held public office. All hail Pakistani democracy !!

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torontonian

Mar 13, 2017 06:42pm

@Junaid Let us all hope and Pray so "that" doesn't ever happen. Ameen

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edu

Mar 13, 2017 06:48pm

Those complaining about Mariam Nawaz should know she has made tremendous contribution in empowering women in Punjab. From law and order to workforce, great things have been done and other provinces should learn rather than getting engaged in false accusations for typical political rivalries.

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Fareed N

Mar 13, 2017 06:55pm

In what capacity Mariam Nawaz is inviting women law makers to this conference ? She is not even a parliamentarian or a lawyer. All in the family rulers always find a way to keep their sons/daughters in the lime light. Who is going to pay for 5 stars hotel, obviously the tax payers of Pakistan.

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M. Siddique

Mar 13, 2017 06:55pm

Is Maryam Nawaz a Parliamentarian? Why she opened the conference?

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DIL

Mar 13, 2017 07:01pm

Sharif family in the only educated and genius family left in Pakistan obviously they will be seen on every plate forum representing Pakistan !

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The_Truth

Mar 13, 2017 07:38pm

Sharif familia everywhere.

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Haroon Ashraf

Mar 13, 2017 07:52pm

When it came to Panama leaks proceedings in the Supreme Court Maryum Nawaz claimed to be not a public office holder. Now she open the multinational women conference, which actually should have been done by the elected female representative. What a dichotomy???? Sharifs are not answerable and accountable to anyone.

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Iqbal khan

Mar 13, 2017 08:01pm

On what capacity she is a part of this convention, only because she is the daughter of the PM. First she must understand the democracy where kingship doesn't work.

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Agha Ata

Mar 13, 2017 07:58pm

There should be many many such meetings in Pakistan. They obviously work both ways!

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rashid nasim

Mar 13, 2017 08:00pm

What is she doing hosting a conference. She have no official status and she have nothing to do with law

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Gaf

Mar 13, 2017 08:08pm

I am the same woman who doesn't own property in Pakistan or London? neither do my brothers..... I am not even in government.... yet I can do what I feel like.... it is my right and I am the Kings daughter.

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Jehanzeb Idrees

Mar 13, 2017 08:18pm

In what capacity she was opening this conference? Is a PM's daughter a new government position?

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SAEED KHAN

Mar 13, 2017 08:22pm

NO ONE IN THE WOMENS CONFERENCE THOUGHT OF DR AAFIA SIDDIQUI LANGUISHING IN AMERICAN JAIL FOR 86 YEARS SENTENCE ON CHARGES OF SNATCHING A GUN FROM A AMERICAN SOLDIER

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Ramd

Mar 13, 2017 08:37pm

So Pakistan also has a Royal family....

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The end is near

Mar 13, 2017 08:42pm

@SAEED KHAN She also helped Talibans against USA and its a crime beyond imagination in America.

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Sahmad

Mar 13, 2017 08:52pm

@edu my question exactly. In what capacity???

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Zak

Mar 13, 2017 09:03pm

To all the delegates please hear pmln MPA Jawed Latif empowerment for woman, how he ripped off the respect of a woman.It's utter disgraceful to talk a bit about woman.We have seen how you respect woman.

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Ivanka

Mar 13, 2017 09:08pm

We have witnessed your woman empowerment through Jawed Latif.

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RAZAA

Mar 13, 2017 09:09pm

Great conference opened by PMs Daughter. She is rightful higher of Her father's throne.

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abe

Mar 13, 2017 09:19pm

@ - Whoever?? That infraction of nepotism of Trump and involving his family members, sons and daughters involving government affairs, sitting in on meetings, attending to foreign dignitaries, while never elected to an office, has not gone unnoticed by the legislature or the judiciary in the US. Rest assured, the unequal branches of the government in the US have powers to keep each other in check. I know congressional committees, the courts and even the voters are appalled at this blatant disregard of electoral rules, qualifiers and exercising powers that were never handed to Ivanka or Trump Juniors - essentially acting as a King, specially with those Executive Orders. And that may in fact turn out to to be the achille's heal for Trump. Conflict of Interest, Abuse of power, illegal government practices and going violating the Constitution are taken very seriously in the US. I expect Trump to be impeached for exactly that. But will something like this ever happen in Pakistan?

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zak

Mar 13, 2017 09:18pm

well done Mariam Nawaz, Pakistan led the way.

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SAT

Mar 13, 2017 09:30pm

NAWAZ Name is a bigger qualification than being a law maker?

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riz

Mar 13, 2017 09:39pm

Only woman that can change Pakistani woman to its fullest.

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iftikhar bhutta

Mar 13, 2017 09:40pm

Great job proud of her.

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IQBAL HADI ZAIDI

Mar 13, 2017 09:56pm

I not only agree with Maryam Nawaz but also heartily congratulate her from core of my heart for taking initiative to host women parliamentarians’ gathering which will send loud message to others nations of the world that in Pakistan women are duly recognized and not neglected at all in any case. Shouldn't Maryam, I dare ask, as a Pakistani be entitled to organize the event and therefore I did not understand as to why and how some objected to it simply because she is the daughter of PM Nawaz? We must not think negatively all the time I advise. However I have OBJECTION! Fehmida Mirza was Speaker/MNA but not anymore yet she is seen attending the event which means former MNAa/MPAs are allowed which is quite fine but how Kuwait is not listed where even in the present national assembly Safa Al Hashim is lady MP whereas in previous assemblies were more. Maryam and her tam lacked in home work otherwise Kuwait was added also added up. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Kuwait / zaidi.formerdiplomat@hotmail.com

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Naveed Khan

Mar 13, 2017 10:26pm

I salute the Women Lawmakers directly elected to the Parliament. They are the true champions and fighters.

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Nazeer Khan

Mar 13, 2017 10:22pm

A good move by the Pakistani female lawmakers.

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haider shaikh

Mar 13, 2017 10:33pm

Sadly none of the parliamentarian woman had gut to boycott this session! How can you expect women empowerment?

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Saad Saeed

Mar 13, 2017 10:42pm

And the one addressing them in the picture has never been elected to any representative institution all her life. Farce thy name is democracy in Pakistan

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Haris Riaz

Mar 13, 2017 10:44pm

Mariyum Nawaz is being projected as an official figure on govt. expenses. Could anyone explain why because she hold no official or public office .

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Taimoor khan

Mar 13, 2017 10:55pm

In what capacity she is hosting this event? Is she member of parliment, minister, public office holder? what she is?

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s shahid

Mar 13, 2017 11:04pm

There are a lot more qualified women worthy of opening this ceremony than her. But you cannot expect that his father will let go any opportunity to promote his daughter. Nawaz Shareef will always nawaz his own and has a well established reputation with over 30 years' experience.

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Adil Jadoon

Mar 13, 2017 11:15pm

@PINK PANTHER hey dude, lets have our PM (whose iq is less then his shoe size) do something worth congratulating him on....

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SADAF

Mar 13, 2017 11:40pm

So it's a get together of Ms.Nawaz and her friends from abroad. Billed at the expense of taxpayers money. Simply amazing.

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Ramal Khan

Mar 13, 2017 11:54pm

The one who opened the conference is herself not a member of parliament... her only credential is the daughter of PM !!!!!!

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a ali

Mar 14, 2017 12:15am

so this country is becoming personal property of NS / family / N-league as his daughter hosted such event at cost of our money without our consent. is she herself a parliamentarian, lawmaker / associated with SC of Pak or a social worker with renowned history or money alone ?....

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MALIK

Mar 14, 2017 12:32am

She is PM's daughter. What qualification is required in Pakistan? Did Gohar Ayub had any qualification to be speaker of the national assembly, or Bilawal Bhutto for this time or her mother or her husband. Come on guys what part of the world you live? It is the accident of birth which matters in Pakistan.

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Scary

Mar 14, 2017 06:57am

So proud of this woman. So graceful, talented and devoted to Pakistan. Our future.

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Naeem Qureshi

Mar 14, 2017 07:05am

Nepotism at its height for Mariam to be involved in this.Cant Pakistan find any body better

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Wali

Mar 14, 2017 10:25am

Well said Jibran Khurshid