Peshawar: April 23, 2025: The Election Commission is striving to eliminate the gender gap in electoral rolls. This was stated today by the Joint Provincial Election Commissioner (Elections), Mr. Muhammad Fareed Afridi, while addressing a meeting of the Gender and Disability Electoral Working Group held at the office of the Provincial Election Commissioner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The meeting was aimed at facilitating women in obtaining their Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs).
He mentioned that the fifth phase of the Inclusive Women CNIC & Voter Registration Campaign has been launched recently by the Election Commission to reduce the gender gap in electoral rolls. The meeting was attended by Director Elections Mr. Muhammad Nadeem Khan, spokesperson of the Provincial Election Commissioner Mr. Suhail Ahmad, representatives from NADRA, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Women Commission, and civil society organizations.
Mr. Fareed Afridi further stated that the previous four phases of this campaign have promoted equal electoral participation for women and other marginalized groups, thereby strengthening their involvement in the democratic process.
He emphasized that democracy flourishes when every voice is heard and every citizen is given the opportunity to shape their future through their vote.
The Joint Provincial Election Commissioner proudly shared that the Election Commission has successfully reduced the gender gap in electoral rolls from 11.8% to 7.4% as of January 2025, which is a clear testament to the tireless efforts of the Commission. He congratulated all stakeholders who worked diligently during the previous four phases of the campaign, enabling this important milestone to be achieved.
He added that the Election Commission has also developed a five-year action plan to ensure greater inclusion and representation of women and marginalized communities. A special budgeting process has been initiated in this regard.
Mr. Fareed Afridi reiterated that this campaign is not merely a publicity drive, but a joint legal obligation of the Election Commission and NADRA.
On this occasion, Director Elections Mr. Muhammad Nadeem emphasized the need for joint efforts to ensure the registration and participation of every citizen, especially women and marginalized groups, in the electoral process.
Representatives from civil society shared their suggestions and assured full support to the Election Commission in its campaign for registering underrepresented communities, particularly women.
NADRA’s Deputy Director, Mr. Shahid Khan, briefed the participants on the special measures taken by NADRA to facilitate the public, especially women, transgender persons, and senior citizens.
Spokesperson
Provincial Election Commissioner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
