Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has called on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to unite in advancing women's empowerment, framing it as a national rather than a sectional victory. Addressing the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women in Lahore, she positioned herself as both a leader and a beneficiary of the struggle for women's rights. Main Developments Maryam Nawaz highlighted that women constitute over 60 percent of beneficiaries under Punjab's scholarship and laptop schemes. She detailed programs such as Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar, Apni Zameen, Apna Rozgar, the Honhaar Scholarship Programme, livestock distribution for rural women, Sanatzar, IT skills training, internships, and business financing as tools for economic independence. On safety, the Chief Minister reported that more than three million women have used the Safe City Authority's digital services. She cited 36 mobile police stations, over 900 mobile charging stations, functional panic buttons, and a Virtual Police Station that has assisted over one million women across Punjab. Read also: Punjab Chief Minister Backs Kashmir Martyrs’ Day, Urges UN Action Background Maryam Nawaz paid tribute to national role models, including Fatima Jinnah, whom she described as a pillar of strength for Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and her own mother, Begum Kulsoom Nawaz, who taught her courage and resilience. She also acknowledged former prime minister Benazir Bhutto as the first woman to lead Pakistan and the Muslim world, saying her leadership opened new avenues for women. The Chief Minister drew on personal experience, stating she learned sacrifice and steadfastness while standing beside her father, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, during difficult times. She said challenges strengthened her resolve and taught her that perseverance is the only path forward. Why It Matters Maryam Nawaz argued that empowering women is not the success of one segment but the progress of the entire nation. She stressed that education, healthcare, and employment are fundamental rights, and called for collective action to address women's challenges across the Muslim world. She insisted women should not merely participate in development but lead it. The Chief Minister also referenced Islamic guidance on women's rights, dignity, and protection, and invited OIC delegates to visit Lahore, describing the city as a symbol of history, culture, poetry, and hospitality. What's Next Maryam Nawaz called for greater cooperation among OIC member states to ensure every girl in the Muslim world receives education, opportunity, dignity, and the freedom to dream without fear. She said joint efforts through the OIC platform could ensure greater protection, inclusion, and opportunities for women across the Islamic world.