LAHORE: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has announced regularisation of lady health workers (LHWs) and distribution of 200,000 more laptops worth Rs8 billion among deserving students.

Addressing a function held in connection with International Women`s Day at Aiwan-i-Iqbal here on Saturday, the chief minister said child marriage act, dowry and gift to the bride, marriage functions, guardian and ward acts, marriage certificate, Punjab land revenue act and law regarding distribution of assetswere being amended by the Punjab government.

A provincial commission on women had been set up in Punjab and its chairperson also appointed, he said.He said the government was also introducing a comprehensive policy regarding domestic servants and registration fee on birth certificate was being abolished due to which registration of girl children would be encouraged.

Similarly, Shahbaz said only women contractors would be able to run canteens in educational institutions of women, adding that representation of women as office-bearers would be essential for trade unions.

The government had also decided to arrange training for wives of workers and topics regarding equality between men and women would be included in schools` syllabus.

He said economic empowermentof women was essential for granting them due status in society. He further said such programmes hade been included in the package that would directly benefit women. He said all possible steps would be taken for women`s empowerment and welfare.

The chief minister said at least 30pc representation of women had been made compulsory on boards of all government corporations, institutions and companies. He said national security was linked with economic security and active participation of women in every sector of life was necessary for making Pakistan a strong and stable country.