Nilofar Bakhtiar

10th June 2024, Gilgit-Baltistan:
Chairperson NCSW met with Minister of Women Development, GB, Dilshad Bano. Together, they strategized on the economic empowerment of women and promoting gender equality in Gilgit-Baltistan.

10th June 2024, Gilgit-Baltistan:
Chairperson NCSW complimented speaker GB Assembly on the formation of women's Caucus, allocation of office space and for extending maximum support to women legislators. Such practices should be replicated in entire country. Thank You Mr. Nazir Ahmad Speaker GB Assembly.

10 جون 2024 گلگت بلتستان:
گلگت بلتستان کی خواتین ممبران اسمبلی، سپیکر اور ڈپٹی سپیکر گلگت بلتستان نے چئیرپرسن نیلوفر بختیار کو اسمبلی آنے پر اعزازی شیلڈ پیش کی اور خواتین سے متعلق قانون سازی اور بلز پر بھرپور تعاون کا یقین دلایا.

10th June 2024, Gilgit-Baltistan:
Chairperson presented the 'National Report on the Status of Women' to the ACS Planning GB. The NGDP data collection mechanism was discussed, and the ACS directed his team to include NGDP indicators in the upcoming MICS survey.

10th June 2024, Gilgit-Baltistan:
In a meeting with the Chief Secretary of GB, NCSW appreciated the efforts of the GB Government, and the Chief Secretary assured his support for the pending legislations related to women.

10 جون 2024 گلگت بلتستان:
چئیرپرسن این سی ڈبلیو نیلوفر بختیار نے وزیراعلیٰ گلگت بلتستان کا خواتین کے متعلق اصلاحات پر شکریہ ادا کیا اور خواتین سے متعلق مزید قانون سازی میں مدد کی درخواست کی. ملاقات میں منسٹر وومن ڈولپمنٹ گلگت بلتستان محترمہ دلشاد بانو بھی موجود تھی.

8 June, 2024 Marriott Islamabad:

National Media Fellowship Showcases Significant Contributions to Responsible Reporting on Gender-Based Violence and Child Marriage.

The National Media Fellowship’s second cohort (2023-24) has concluded successfully, with 39 fellows producing a total of 165 print, digital, television, and radio stories, along with two standalone documentaries.The Cohort comprises of one year training and mentoring period.These stories by fellows of NMF-2 highlighted crucial issues such as economic and health challenges, rising violence against women, and the struggles of transgender and marginalized communities.
In her welcome address, *Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), Nilofar Bakhtiar*, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to partners UNFPA and CEJ-IBA for their unwavering support in launching the National Media Fellowship on Women’s Rights. She praised the fellows, stating, "I am immensely proud of you all fellows who have produced 165 impactful stories and two documentaries, shedding light on crucial issues of gender-based violence and child marriage. Their diverse backgrounds, representing all regions of Pakistan, have enriched our initiative. Looking ahead, I encourage all journalists to continue championing women's rights and addressing gender-based violence and child marriage in their reporting. NCSW is committed to supporting your efforts and will soon be holding national conferences on health, climate change, law reforms, and education. Together, we can drive social change and ensure a better future for all women in Pakistan."
*Deputy Chairman Senate, Syedaal Khan Nasar*, commended the efforts of NCSW in advancing women's rights. "All of these media fellows have done an outstanding job," said Syedaal Nasar. "The National Media Fellowship has been crucial in training journalists to report on sensitive issues with professionalism and ethics. As Deputy Chairman Senate, I pledge my support to strengthen laws and mechanisms that protect women's rights and ensure the passage of the Child Marriage Restraint Act Bill in the National Assembly and Senate."
*UNFPA’s Country Representative in Pakistan, Luay Shabaneh*, emphasized the commitment to advancing gender equality and women's empowerment through strategic partnerships. "By aligning efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5, UNFPA’s interventions are evidence-based and targeted," said Shabaneh. "This fellowship has empowered journalists to play a vital role in advocating for women's rights through their reporting."
The stories produced by the fellows covered a range of critical topics, including:
• Women's inheritance rights and their deprivation
• The practice of “Ghugh” in KP, where random men can claim a woman without her consent
• Challenges faced by transgender individuals when a community member dies without anyone to conduct the funeral prayer
A key focus of this fellowship has been the gender-based violence (GBV) faced by the transgender community in Pakistan. Transgender individuals face extreme marginalization and violence, which is often underreported and inadequately addressed. The fellowship's stories have highlighted these injustices, bringing much-needed attention to the plight of transgender people and advocating for their rights and safety.
Our cross-provincial analysis reveals disturbing perceptions about domestic violence. Between 25% of women in Punjab and 59% of women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa believe that a husband beating his wife is justified. Among those who never reported domestic violence, 24% believed the violence was not serious, 15% were embarrassed to report it, 12% did not want to bring shame to their family, 9% feared further violence, and 8% did not report due to fear of their marriage ending By sharing stories of gender-based violence and child marriage, the media has raised awareness about their prevalence and impact, humanized statistics, encouraged empathy and understanding, inspired survivors to speak out, held perpetrators accountable, and influenced public opinion and policy.
Participants included reporters, copy editors, multimedia journalists, district correspondents, op-ed writers, and current affairs show hosts. The fellowship has created a network of dedicated journalists committed to solutions journalism, mobile journalism, and digital editing.
Awards and Recognition:
Prizes were awarded by Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan Nasar and Chairperson NCSW Nilofar Bakhtiar to the following journalists:
• Urdu Print Media:
o Shirin Karim
o Sameer Ajmal
o Shazad Naveed
• English Print Media:
o Wajiha Haider
o Bakhtawar Ahmed
o Asim Khan
• Electronic Media:
o Najia Mir
o Akhtar Shaheen Rind
o Saqib Abro
• Digital Media:
o Laiba Zainab
o Arzoo Khan
o Wagma Feroz
Certificates were distributed to all participants of the training sessions.
The day was moderated by renowned TV anchor and program host Tauseeq Haider. For the insightful sessions on child marriage and gender-based violence panels and questions and answers sessions were moderated by TV anchor and senior journalist Fahad Hussain and senior journalist, columnist and writer Wusat Ullah Khan.

11th Oct 2023,
Serena Islamabad:

The National Commission on the Status of Women in collaboration with its development partners UNICEF, UNFPA, UN Women, FCDO and UKAid commenced a two-day National Stakeholders’ Conference on Ending Child Marriage, held in commemoration of international Girl Child Day. The objective of this conference was to build a national framework on Ending Child Marriage after reviewing the inputs from all relevant stakeholders. Representatives from UN agencies, provincial departments, eminent policy experts, human rights activists, medical experts, dignitaries, members from civil society and people from all walks of life attended this conference.

It was deeply inspiring to hear Malaika Arif, a ninth grader, share her vision for her future at our conference. Girls like Malaika are our strength & future. A big shoutout to Teach for Pakistan for their commendable contribution in our future leaders' growth.

In the last session, a proposed framework was presented with suggestions to implement in different areas.

Present with us at the national conference was Ms. Laktika Maskey Pardhan, Deputy Country Rep of UNFPA; Ms. Daniela Luciana, Chief Child Protection UNICEF; Mr. Franklin Okumu, Deputy Country Rep UN Women & Ms. Jo Moir Development Director FCDO

26th Sept 2023, Sukkur Sindh:
We paid a surprise visit to the Sukkur Police Complaint Cell for Women. Sub-Inspector Dr. Rukhsana answered our inquiries about the issues and problems women complainants and victims are facing. There was one woman having facing issues in filing an FIR for her son who had gone missing, we strongly advocated for the respective FIR to be filed & a copy to be shared with us. Alhamdullilah it was done the same day.

27th September 2023, Sukkur Sindh:
So heartening to arrive in Sukkur and be so warmly received by Dr Aisha Dharejo who presented us with Ajraks!

27th September 2023,
Khairpur Sukkur:
We visited the offices of DC Khairpur Ahmed Fawad Shah and SSP Khairpur Sami Ullah Somoro to get details & recent developments on Fatima's muder case and various other cases. We were informed about the surrender of one of the prime suspects Hina Shah, wife of Pir Asad Shah, that may lead the case to a logical end. We wholeheartedly appreciated the courage and professionalism of the police that is working diligently even in the face of severe pressure and other multiple challenges.

27 ستمبر 2023، کشمور سندھ :
نو ماہ قبل دو سالہ بچی کے ہمراہ اغوا ہونے والی آٹھ ماہ کی حاملہ نازیہ کھوسو کے کیس میں تین انسانی زندگیوں کا سوال ہے۔ کب تک ایسے دلخراش واقعات ہمارے معاشرہ میں با اثر افراد کے قانون سے بالاتر ہونےاور قانون نافز کرنے والے اداروں کی بے بسی کا منہ بولتا ثبوت بنے رہیں گے؟
‏NCSW
قانون نافز کرنے والے اداروں سے پرزور مطالبہ کرتا ہے کہ نازیہ کھوسو کو بچوں سمیت جلد ازجلد بازیاب کرائیں۔" نیلوفر بختیار چیرپرسن نیلو فر بختیار نے نازیہ کھوسو کے خاندان کے ہمراہ SSP کشمور میر روحل خان کھوسو سے ملاقات کی. ‏اور FIR درج ہونے کے باوجود کاروائی نہ ہونے پر تشویش کا اظہار کیا۔ SSP نے نازیہ کی جلد بازیابی کی یقین دہانی کروائی-

26 ستمبر 2023، سکھر سندھ :
‏سکھر : رانی پور میں کمسن فاطمہ قتل کیس کے سلسلے میں چیرپرسن نیلوفر بختیار کی
Anti-Terrorism Court
میں آج پیشی پر اہم گفتگو۔انھوں نے معزز جج ندیم بابر قاضی سے قانونی تقاضے پورے کرتے ہوئے شواہد کی بنا پر جلد از جلد انصاف کی اپیل کی۔اس موقع پر وکلاء نے سندھ میں دیگر ایسے کیسز کے متعلق بھی انکو اہم بریفنگ دی.

26th Sept 2023, Sukkur Sindh:
NCSW team visit upper Sindh to address VAW cases. They were briefed by DIG Sukkur Abdul Hameed Khoso & SI Rukhsana Mangi on various cases including Fatima's case. Hina Shah's recent arrest, made after 45 days of the crime, is a big step towards justice being served.

19th September 2023 NCSW Head office Islamabad:
NCSW held a meeting with UNFPA, UNICEF & UN Women to jointly take forward the campaign to end child marriage. Let's stand united against this harmful practice and work towards a world where every child can thrive, learn, and grow in safety and dignity.

17th September 2023, Islamabad:
Part 2:
Attended a very dignified & graceful Charter Presentation Ceremony of Chinar Lions Club Islamabad, MD 305 Pakistan. A big congratulations to them! Given their quality leadership, I'm excited to witness their future steps.
Thanks to PDG Salman Mansoor for the gift of Chinar Lions Club. Well-done president and team members 👏👏
Good luck!

17th September 2023, Islamabad:
Part 1:
Attended a very dignified & graceful Charter Presentation Ceremony of Chinar Lions Club Islamabad, MD 305 Pakistan. A big congratulations to them! Given their quality leadership, I'm excited to witness their future steps.
Thanks to PDG Salman Mansoor for the gift of Chinar Lions Club. Well-done president and team members 👏👏
Good luck!

7 ستمبر 2023، آئی بی اے کراچی:
نیشنل میڈیا فیلوشپ کے اختتام پر ہم نے ایک مرتبہ پھر پرنٹ، الیکٹرانک اور سوشل میڈیا کے تمام نمائندوں سے اپیل کی کہ وہ خواتین اور بچوں کے خلاف تشدد کے واقعات کو بے حد ذمہ داری کے ساتھ رپورٹ کریں اور خدارا! میڈیا ہاؤسز صرف اپنی ریٹنگ بڑھانے کے لئے ان معاملات کو استعمال نہ کریں یہی اس میڈیا فیلوشپ اور ٹریننگ کا اصل مقصد ہے

18th Sept 2023, IUCN Head office Islamabad:
We were pleasantly suprised to hear of the inclusion of more than 8000 women in green jobs under forestry at the IUCN upon the visit to the organization.We received a very warm welcome by the Country Rep Mr. Mahmood Cheema & the team and were briefed about their workings thoroughly

18th Sept 2023, NCSW Head office Islamabad:
A pleasure to recieve the Caretaker Minister of Human Rights Mr. Khalil George at NCSW. After briefing the Minister on the activities & mandate of the commission, a productive discussion was held on future collaborative methods to ensure equality of the genders.

11 Sept 2023, NCSW Head office Islamabad:
Feeling incredibly grateful for the amazing team I work with! Thank you all for the wonderful birthday celebration. Your thoughtful gestures and warm wishes made the day truly special. Here's to another year of working together and creating great memories. Let's keep rocking it as a team! 🙌

6th Sept 2023, IBA Karachi:
National Commission on the Status of Women Officially launched the Second National Media Fellowship, 'Responsible Reporting of Gender-Based Violence & Child Marriage' in collaboration with UNFPA, Rozan & CEJ-IBA in Karachi. This fellowship will sensitize 40 journalists across the country on gender related issues & is set to make a significant impact on the discourse at hand.

We were so delighted to have Caretaker Federal Minister for Human Rights Khalil George as Chief Guest of the launch, Country Rep UNFPA Dr. Luay Shabaneh, Amber Shamsi Director CEJ and Chairperson Sindh Commission on the Status of Women Nuzhat Shirin join us at the launch.

22nd August 2023, Jarnawala:
Part:2
Visited Jarnawala today accompanied by Secretary NCSW and team of Bardasht Pakistan along with the local district administration to express solidarity with the Christian families affected by the Jarunwala tragedy.

We sat down with the women of the community and inquired about their losses & requirements to fulfill their basic necessities. We also discussed the unfortunate extremist elements in the society; the community was assured NCSW's full support in this hour of pain and sorrow.

We further highlighted that the we are here not only to condemn the tragic incident but also to show solidarity with the Christian fraternity.

Relief materials for the victims were also distributed at the occasion.

22nd August 2023, Jarnawala:
Part:1
Visited Jarnawala today accompanied by Secretary NCSW and team of Bardasht Pakistan along with the local district administration to express solidarity with the Christian families affected by the Jarunwala tragedy.

We sat down with the women of the community and inquired about their losses & requirements to fulfill their basic necessities. We also discussed the unfortunate extremist elements in the society; the community was assured NCSW's full support in this hour of pain and sorrow.

We further highlighted that the we are here not only to condemn the tragic incident but also to show solidarity with the Christian fraternity.

Relief materials for the victims were also distributed at the occasion.

22nd August 2023, Lahore:
Very thankful to MCC Khalid Jamil and his team for inviting me. Great opportunity to meet the Lions of MD 305 from across the country. Many new programs and strategies were discussed for the future course of action.

21st Aug 23. Fallettis Hotel Lahore. Council of Governors meeting and dinner. Good time to review the situation of all 3 districts in the MD and discuss the achievements and failures in areas like membership, service and leadership development.

21 اگست 2023، لاہور
رضوانہ تشدد کیس:
چیئرپرسن نیلوفر بختیار نے سیکرٹری این سی ایس ڈبلیو خواجہ عمران رضا اور ٹیم کے ہمراہ لاہور کے ہسپتال میں رضوانہ کی خیریت دریافت کی.اس موقع پر پرنسپل پی جی ایم ائی ڈاکٹر فرید ظفر نے بچی کی صحت پر تفصیلی بریفنگ دی.
کمیشن نے بچی کی والدہ کو مکمل قانونی مدد کا یقین دلایا اور امید ظاہر کی کہ بچی کو انصاف ضرور ملےگا

21st August 2023, NCA Lahore:
Chairperson NCSW and NCA Lahore Principal Dr Murtaza Jafri along with team members discussed future partnership and a National Art Competition planned to raise awareness on ending gender-based violence through creative expressions, urging action from authorities.

28th Aug 2023, NCSW Head office Islamabad:
A delegation of CARE International, consisting of Country Director Adil Sheraz & Regional Project Coordinator Wannobon Khuam, visited NCSW to discuss mutual areas of collaboration in the field of Violence Against Women & Women's Economic Empowerment.

29th August 2023, Serena Islamabad:
A pleasure to speak at the first National Conference of Service Providers hosted by LAJA & UNW wherein Criminal Justice stakeholders including heads of women machineries aimed to establish standards to strengthen implementation of GBV.

In his speech, the SC Judge Mansoor Ali Khan actively advocated for women empowerment & identified himself as a feminist

We were joined by Ehsan Sadiq, Director General of the National Police Bureau; Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson of the Special Committee on Anti-Rape Law at the Ministry of Law and Justice; Sharmeela Rassool, Country Representative of UN Women; Supreme Court Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah; Supreme Court Justice Ayesha Malik, Radiation javelin. Chairperson Human rights commission and Special assistant to PM Mashaal Malik