As Pakistan completes seventy-two years of independence, one cannot but appreciate the fact that we have come a long way from a nascent nation state that many believed was bound to fail, to a state that has tackled enormous challenges notwithstanding its meagre resources and managed to astound its many detractors with its dynamism and progressiveness.
This transformation is the consequence of the sweat and blood that its citizens have put in with the realization that the founders had carved out Pakistan to serve as a lifeline for the Muslims of the subcontinent. During the Independence Movement, women, in particular, though small in number, played a big role that was not only vital but also progressive and ahead of its time. 
In contrast, today more women are capitalizing their inherent capabilities and are actively engaged in both traditional and unconventional fields; they are not only homemakers, farm hands, and labourers but also philanthropists, teachers, doctors and nurses, engineers, politicians, economists, entrepreneurs, scientists, pilots, officers in the military and police, etc. Women have always been a symbol of socio-cultural and family values and play a crucial role as such. However, Pakistan has seen a rapid transformation of the perception of their role as a more pro-active social and economic collaborator as well. This realization of women as productive partners marks a positive cultural shift in which the society not only accepts but also encourages the mobility of women for the progress and development of the country and society.
Pakistan has come a long way in its shift in female participation from agrarian to more diversified fields, followed by economic growth and prosperity not just for themselves but also for the country as a whole. However, the number of women is still less than what is desired because when the maximum, potential of human capital will be involved the GDP and per capita will increase phenomenally. According to a recent report released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Pakistan's GDP can increase by up to 30 percent if women are more engaged in productive activities. There are studies that suggest that women are not only wiser entrepreneurs and prudent savers but are also more conscientious in paying back loans and taxes. This ultimately is beneficial in the larger economic context. Moreover, when women will earn they will contribute to the economy by becoming additional mindful consumers. Research indicates that women are more likely to spend their earnings on better education for their children and raising the lifestyle of their families. All of this necessitates that more women should step into the economic arena so that they could contribute towards the uplift of the soci0-economic conditions of the country.
This August 14, we should all resolve to work even harder and in so doing employ all available resources to make Pakistan a progressive and prosperous state so it can emerge out of the turbulent times it currently finds itself in. For this human resource is the most significant and human resource development is the key that can fill the gap in skills required to prepare an efficient workforce.
Wish you all a very Happy Independence Day. May Pakistan forever prosper!

Nadia Zubair
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