ISLAMABAD: Pakistan welcomed delegates from across the Islamic world on Saturday as it prepares to host the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) 9th Ministerial Conference on Women, a significant two-day gathering on July 12-13, aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges hindering women’s empowerment in member states.
Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Human Rights proudly hosts the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women on 12–13 July 2026 at Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan.@GovtofPakistan @demp_moib @ForeignOfficePk @mohrpakistan @OIC_OCI #OICinPakistan2026 #9thOICWomen pic.twitter.com/Ampiv0etTC
— Ministry of Human Rights (@mohrpakistan) July 10, 2026
The conference, themed “Socio-Economic and Political Empowerment of Women in the OIC Countries: Challenges and Way Forward,” is being organised by Pakistan’s Ministry of Human Rights at the Jinnah Convention Centre.
It brings together ministers, senior officials, and representatives from international organisations to deliberate on practical pathways for advancing women’s rights and dignity across the Muslim world.
Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar will chair the conference on Pakistan’s behalf, leading proceedings and working to foster consensus and collective action.
Delegations arrive in Islamabad
The conference will feature high-level participation from across the OIC membership. Saudi Arabia’s Family Affairs Council Secretary General Dr Maimoonah Khalil Alkhalil, Egypt’s National Council for Women President Amal Ammar, and Bangladesh’s Women and Children Affairs Minister Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain are among the distinguished delegates.
Where are the Decisions Made that Empower Women and Support their Progress?
We’ll take you on a quick and concise tour to introduce you to the history of the Ministerial Meetings on Women, their key sessions, and the most notable cities that have hosted them.Watch the… pic.twitter.com/HsH07zWZti
— OIC (@OIC_OCI) July 9, 2026
Representatives from Libya, Yemen, Nigeria, Somalia, and Mauritania are also attending. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar extended a “warm welcome” to the delegates via social media, wishing them “productive discussions and a memorable stay”.
Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, the delegations were received by Minister of State Barrister Aqeel Malik, Parliamentary Secretaries Saba Sadiq and Farah Naz Akbar, alongside senior officials from the human rights and foreign affairs ministries.
Charting a way forward
Over the next two days, participating delegations will engage in high-level discussions to review progress, exchange best practices, and identify practical pathways for enhancing women’s empowerment across OIC member states.
Warm welcome to all delegates arriving for the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women in Islamabad. We wish you productive discussions & a memorable stay in Islamabad. pic.twitter.com/LpkSKrhHrq
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) July 11, 2026
Pakistan’s role as chair reflects its stated “steadfast commitment” to the OIC’s objectives of advancing women’s rights, dignity, and empowerment through strengthened cooperation among member states.
The outcomes of these deliberations are expected to contribute to a collective roadmap for addressing the socio-economic and political barriers facing women across the Muslim world.
