Equality of all men and women is the latest hot topic in the modern world – and rightly so! Pakistan acknowledges the fact that women are equal to men and they should not be discriminated on the basis of their gender. Article 25 of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 provides for this fundamental right by stating that:

There shall be no discrimination on the basis of sex.

Article 25(2)

This means that in every walk of life, men and women are considered equal. Be it admissions to a University, appointment in a company or government job, entry to a place, or any other thing under the sun, the women in Pakistan have the same legal opportunity as the men in Pakistan. This is not limited to the citizens of Pakistan, but also applies to foreigners visiting this beautiful country.

Article 25 goes one step further by giving additional protection and advantage to the women by providing that:

Nothing in this Article shall prevent the State from making any special provision for the protection of women and children.

Article 25(3)

Here, the government can make special laws and rules in favor of women to protect them. Such rules may include special, women-only seats in a bus, specially allocated seats in the Parliament or government jobs, ladies-only parks (although we never see men-only parks. Hear that, feminists!), etc.

This right is absolute and without any exception. No government or other institution is allowed to violate this basic human right. If someone’s right is being violated, she should immediately file a petition in the High Court. If the court believes that the right has been violated, it will issue necessary directions to ensure that the right is fully restored.