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Summary Firdous Ashiq Awan inaugurated Benazir Bhutto Women Cricket Trophy at the Kinnaird College.
Talking to the media, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said the women cricket initiative would help dispel a distorted and negative image of the country regarding women rights, adding that it would raise a soft image of Pakistan internationally.Dr Firdous said the women cricket tournament was the first step towards economic empowerment of women in the country, adding that the role of more than 50 percent of the country was vital in achieving economic stability.She said women cricketers would serve as ambassadors of an enlightened, moderate and progressive country.Dr Firdous said participation of women cricketers from various parts of the country would enhance national solidarity and convey a good-will message through sports.The minister said, “The government has been taking steps to realise the vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto of the empowerment of women politically, socially and economically,” adding that the PPP government had provided identity to women.She said Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Patron President Asif Ali Zaradri was writing a new history of women emancipation and empowerment.She acknowledged the fact that women cricket faced resources constraints.Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan urged other departments besides ZTBL to come forward and promote women cricket in the country.She also lauded the role of Kinnaird College for Women in providing cricket grounds for the 1st Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women Cricket Challenge.Earlier, the information minister was introduced with members of the participating teams from Punjab and Federal Areas. She also inaugurated the tournament by hitting a ball.
