Karachi: For the first time in the history of Pakistan women cadets from the Military Academy Kukul assumed guard duty at the mausoleum of the country's founding father, Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
Jinnah's 130th birth anniversary was celebrated in the country with great fervour yesterday.
President Pervez Musharraf, who laid a floral wreath at the tomb of Jinnah, said that he was happy to see women serving the nation along with the men in the army.
The women cadets should devote themselves to strengthen their physique and raise professional skills and education according to the standards of the military, he said while talking to the cadets at the mausoleum.
The assumption of guard duties by six women cadets is seen as a major symbolic step in a country where religious groups and conservative elements from the feudal and tribal areas are bitterly opposed to the participation of women in the mainstream of society.
Equal citizens
Musharraf is already facing the wrath of religious groups by backing the passage of Women Protection Bill which ensures that women are not subjected to wrong allegations of adultery and get justice in cases of rape.
Musharraf said that his government was treating women and the religious minorities as equal citizens of the state in line with the teaching of Jinnah who is known as Quaid-e-Azam (the great leader) in Pakistan. Musharraf also announced that the religious minorities, including Sikhs, will get equal opportunities to serve in Pakistan armed forces.
Earlier, the day began with the change of guards at the mausoleum of Jinnah in which a contingent of the "gentlemen/women" cadets from the Military Academy Kukul assumed duties.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, who also laid a floral wreath at the tomb, said that Pakistan was gaining prestige in the world community as a nuclear power.
Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad Khan and Sindh Chief Minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim were also present on this occasion.
Later, thousands of people turned out to pay their respects at the mausoleum.
Your comments
In Islam women are not allowed to do.
Mubashir
Murree,Pakistan
I appreciate the bold step taken by the President of Pakistan on this issue. In the extreme rural areas women are discriminated against very much. This step may bring some change in the thoughts of people.
M Zulfiqar
Dubai,UAE
This reflects the wide and open views of the Pakistani nation. However, some people will still look to criticise Pakistan for this decision. We should appreciate these kinds of acts in good words.
Danish Kalam
Dubai,UAE
We are proud of our women and wish them success in their lives. This shows how liberal Pakistanis are.
M Alwani
Karachi,Pakistan
Seeing Pakistani women in the army is grand. This was indeed a gift to Qauid-e-Azam as he too believed in equal rights for all genders. Three cheers to President.
From Adeel khan
Dubai
UAE
