ISLAMABAD, April 10 (Wealth Pakistan): The Ministry of Human Rights has proposed setting up daycare centres in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) under a Rs2.87 billion project to promote human rights and women’s development.
According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the initiative falls under the “Umbrella PC-I: Human Rights & Women Development Initiatives.” The project includes several components to strengthen institutions, promote gender equality, and support working women.
Daycare centres for working women
The proposal allocates around Rs570 million for establishing daycare centres in ICT, AJK, and GB. These centres will provide safe childcare facilities, especially for women working in public-sector institutions.
The initiative aims to help women balance work and family responsibilities. It also seeks to increase female participation in the workforce. The document shows that the Departmental Development Working Party (DDWP) approved this component in April 2025.
Federal Institute of Human Rights
The project also proposes setting up the Federal Institute of Human Rights (FIHR) with an estimated cost of about Rs1.5 billion. The institute will serve as a national platform for research, training, and policy development in the human rights sector.
It will organise training programmes, seminars, and conferences. It will also support evidence-based policymaking and improve coordination among institutions.
Gender equality programme
Another key component is the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Programme, with an estimated allocation of around Rs800 million. This programme will promote awareness of women’s rights and strengthen gender-responsive policies.
It will also improve institutional mechanisms for the protection and empowerment of women. In addition, it will encourage community-level engagement on gender issues.
Project impact
Once approved, the project will strengthen Pakistan’s human rights framework. It will also address structural barriers faced by women through practical steps, including access to childcare facilities.