Rapid Assessment on Status of Gender and Social Inclusion in Political Parties

Democracy, at its core, rests on the principle of equal participation of all citizens in the political process. Yet, despite constitutional guarantees and progressive legislation, large segments of Pakistan’s population—including women, youth, minorities, persons with disabilities, and transgender persons— continue to face systemic barriers to political inclusion. True democratic development, therefore, requires that every individual, regardless of gender or social identity, is empowered to participate in and influence the political institutions and decision-making processes that shape national life.