GILIGT: Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) launched a new initiative in Gilgit on Sunday aimed at empowering women, The programme `beneficiaries outreach and communication strategy` was inaugurated by BISP chairperson Marvi Memon at a function in Danyor on Sunday attended by about 2,000 women.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Memon said the programme was meant to end discrimination against women in the society. She said the initiative had already been launched in Thatha district of Sindh, last month, adding the programme would also be initiated in Rahim Yar Khan, Kotli AJK, Swat and Quetta.

Ms Memon said BISP was striving to alleviate poverty and empower women through different programmes, adding like other parts of the country women in GB were getting benefits from this programme.

She said the federal government wanted to guarantee constitutionalrights to the people of GB as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was taking special interest in the matter.

She said the PM had formed a special committee to make recommendations to bring political reforms to the region.

Speaking on the occasion, GB Minister for Worl(s Dr Mohammad Iqbal said the BISP`s new programme would help end genderbased discrimination.

He praised BISP chairperson`s efforts for solving political, social and gender problems of the region.BISP regional director Mahboob Ali briefed the gathering about achievements of BISP and its future aims.On the occasion, students presented a play with women empowerment messages for the mostly illiterate audience.