ISLAMABAD, Feb 19 (ABC): The government plans to provide 22,000 scooters to women across the country over the next three years under the Prime Minister’s Strategic Reforms Initiative for Women’s Mobility – “Women on Wheels”. The total cost of the project is Rs4.476 billion.
According to official documents of the Ministry of Human Rights available with Wealth Pakistan, the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) approved the initiative on June 23, 2023. The total estimated cost stands at Rs4,476.170 million.
The Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR) and the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) will execute the project.
Out of the total cost, the government will contribute Rs2,496.17 million under the PSDP. Meanwhile, a financing partner bank, to be selected by the Project Technical Committee, will provide Rs1,980.00 million.
For the next three years, the ministry has proposed Rs837.945 million for 2026-27, Rs1,828.362 million for 2027-28, and Rs829.863 million for 2028-29.
Promoting economic and social inclusion
The project aims to improve women’s mobility by addressing transport barriers that restrict their economic, educational, and social participation. As a result, women will gain more independent access to transportation. This initiative is expected to increase their participation in the workforce and public life.
Human Rights Complex in Islamabad
In addition, the ministry has proposed the construction of a Human Rights Complex in Islamabad at a cost of Rs1.445 billion. The complex will house key institutions under one roof.
These include the National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC), the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), and the Federal Institute of Human Rights (FIHR).
By consolidating these bodies in a purpose-built facility, the government aims to improve coordination and service delivery.
Senior Citizen and Child Protection facilities
Another major proposal includes the construction of a Senior Citizen Home and Child Protection Institute in Islamabad at a total cost of Rs1.609 billion.
The plan includes a Senior Citizen Home (Dar-ul-Shafqat) costing Rs465.622 million. It also includes a Child Protection Institute in Sector H-11/4 with an estimated cost of Rs1.144 billion.
These initiatives align with ICT child protection and senior citizen welfare laws. They also aim to fill long-standing gaps in institutional care facilities.
Women development initiatives worth Rs2.87 billion
Furthermore, the ministry has proposed human rights and women development initiatives worth Rs2.87 billion.
This programme includes the construction of the Federal Institute of Human Rights (FIHR) at a cost of Rs1.5 billion. The institute will serve as a centre for education, research, training, and international engagement on human rights.
The plan also includes an Rs800 million Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Programme. In addition, the government will establish Day Care Centres in ICT, AJK, and GB at a cost of Rs570 million. These centres aim to support working women and increase their participation in economic activities.