Non-involvement of women in decision-making as well as the economic corridors of power is the reason why Pakistan is lagging behind in terms of prosperity, Pakistan President Dr Arif Alvi has observed.
The president, while speaking during convocation of International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) on Wednesday, pointed out how expenditure on women education was getting wasted because of them being compelled to stay home-bound in place of "entering practical life".
"Education is investment of this poor nation on you. If you will sit at home, this will be the loss of the nation," the Pakistan president told the girl students while appealing to them "not to give up its practical application".
Alvi also underlined that it was incumbent upon the government and the nation to ensure the women get "a harassment-free working environment", the Express Tribune reported on Thursday.
Stating that Islam advocated women to work, the president cited the example of the Holy Prophet's wife Hazrat Khadija, who was a businesswoman.
He also remarked that it was not possible to leave half of the Pakistani population "unutilised".