The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani

¶ 01 Madam Deputy Chairperson of Committees, thank you for the time.

¶ 02 Today we debate: the Resolution under the Public Security Ordinance; the Resolution under the Essential Public Services Act; and the extension of the Women’s Corps Regulations relating to service limits and retirement in the Tri-Forces for commissioned and non-commissioned officers.

¶ 03 Our security forces’ women officers serve beyond the call of duty, even at risk to their lives and away from loved ones—both during the emergency following recent disasters and during the fight against terrorism, and in safeguarding national security. Their contribution is commendable.

¶ 04 Currently, 12,416 women serve across the three forces, in both officer and other ranks, performing admirably in service and extra-regimental roles. Sacrifices include 55 women officers and other ranks who died in service, 10 disabled due to terrorist attacks, 147 who won international sports medals, 1,441 national sports medalists, and eight who received gallantry awards.

¶ 05 The changes before us align with the Constitution’s principles of gender equality. Historically, retirement in the Tri-Forces for women has been determined based on sex, which is not acceptable. We are bringing necessary legal amendments to correct this.

¶ 06 It is fitting to speak while you preside, Madam, because this is the supreme House. Yet, women MPs today are subjected to verbal abuse. However, we see this as a test we will overcome. Women in the Opposition have become a challenge to some, but none of us here are weak.

¶ 07 Women commissioned and non-commissioned officers have had to retire upon reaching 45 years of age or completing 20 years of service, whichever came first. This hindered promotions, with many retiring at the same rank for long periods—for example, in the Army, the highest attainable rank within time often being Major. We aspire for more.

¶ 08 Women serve from enlisted ranks to senior officers in medicine, engineering, IT, logistics, legal, clerical, accounting, and various professions. They are mothers and sisters who serve with dignity and skill. Just as they reach maturity and peak proficiency—after the state has invested heavily in their training—they are forced to retire early, depriving the services of experienced personnel.

¶ 09 Therefore, under Special Gazettes 2423/34, 2423/35, and 2423/36 of 15.02.2025, the retirement ages are extended: women officers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force may serve until 55 or complete a maximum service period (20 years), as applicable; for non-commissioned women, retirement after 45 or upon completing 22 years is allowed. Existing pension entitlements by length of service remain; only retirement timelines change.

¶ 10 Benefits include improved morale, dignity, and promotion prospects; retention of a steady, skilled, and experienced cadre; reduced training overheads; and greater opportunities for overseas courses and peacekeeping deployments, enabling career advancement. This also aligns with UN Security Council Resolution 1325, enhancing women’s leadership in peace and security, and advances SDG 5 on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

¶ 11 Across professions, women should not face artificial limits. The law should provide enabling frameworks, and the country must allow women to decide their paths. Our aim is a country where women can thrive. These are policy-grounded reforms creating equal rights for women. Therefore, these amendments are timely. I conclude.

¶ 12 Thank you.