Inter Party Consultation on Advancing Gender Equality & Social Inclusion (GESI)

Aurat Foundation (AF) under EU supported Pakistan Women Leaders project, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Women convened an Intra-Party Consultation on Advancing Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) on 30 April, 2026 at PC Hotel Karachi. The consultation aimed to strengthen internal democratic practices by facilitating a participatory review of the MQM Constitution and supporting the development of party-specific commitments for advancing GESI, including the formulation of a draft Code of Conduct.

Dr. Farooq Sattar, MNA and Senior Leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P), presented an overview of the party’s constitutional framework during the intra-party consultation on advancing Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GE&SI) in political party systems, with a specific focus on the MQM constitution. He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing GE&SI within party structures, emphasizing the role of inclusive engagement and representation in strengthening democratic processes.

Mr. Muhammad Qasim Janjua, Program Advisor, Elections and Democratic Space
Pakistan Legislative, Electoral, Digital Governance and Empowerment (PLEDGE), UNDP Pakistan provided an overview of the PLEDGE project, emphasizing its strategic focus on strengthening democratic governance, electoral integrity, and inclusive political participation in Pakistan. He highlighted sustained collaboration among political parties, civil society, and development partners to institutionalize GE&SI principles within party constitutions and practices, ensuring long-term and impactful reforms. He shared The Inter Party Consultation is organized under EU supported Pakistan Women Leaders project, a joint initiative by UNDP and UN Women.

Naeem Mirza, Executive Director, AF delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the importance of integrating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion frameworks into political party constitutions. He further said that institutionalizing GESI principles within party structures can lead to more representative leadership and equitable policy outcomes, ultimately contributing to a more just and inclusive society. 

Mr. Ali Imran Advocate, Democratic Governance Expert emphasized that inclusive party frameworks are essential for building a more representative and responsive democratic system in Pakistan. He also led the consultation process, facilitating dialogue among participants and guiding discussions towards practical and actionable recommendations for strengthening inclusivity within political party structures. 

Ms. Sabheen Ghoury, MNA and Incharge Digital Media Wing MQMP delivered the welcome remarks and emphasized the importance of creating inclusive political spaces where women and marginalized groups can meaningfully participate in decision-making processes.

Ms. Kishwar Zahra, from MNA and Senior Leader, MQMP presenting the SWOT analysis of MQM Constitution during Intra-party consultation on GE&SI in political party systems, with a specific focus on the MQM constitution.

Mumtaz Mughal, Project Coordinator AF for “Advancing Gender Equality & Social Inclusion (GESI) in Political Party Frameworks”, spoke on the importance of ensuring the inclusion of women and marginalized groups within political party structures. She highlighted the need for political parties to move beyond symbolic representation and adopt concrete measures that guarantee equitable participation, leadership opportunities, and decision-making roles for underrepresented groups.