The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) has expressed grave concern over the growing exploitation of women by militant and extremist organisations in conflict-affected areas of Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, calling for urgent, coordinated action to protect and empower women and strengthen peace-building efforts.

In a statement, the commission said the use of women by banned groups for coercion, propaganda, and acts of violence constitutes a serious violation of their human rights, dignity, and fundamental right to life and security. It stressed that women can never be treated as tools of conflict and warned that attempts to normalise or glorify such exploitation undermine gender justice, human rights, and sustainable peace.

At the same time, the NCSW commended the resilience and courage of women in Balochistan who, despite decades of conflict, marginalisation, and loss, continue to uphold family cohesion, reject violence, and stand for peace. The commission described these women as a symbol of Pakistan’s strength and unity.

Referring to Pakistan’s history, the NCSW said women have played a central role in nation-building since the independence movement, inspired by the leadership of Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah. It added that women in Balochistan and conflict-affected districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continue this legacy through their contributions to community resilience and peace-building.

The commission emphasised that women in conflict zones are overwhelmingly victims rather than perpetrators of violence. It noted that militant groups exploit structural inequalities, poverty, lack of education, weak protection systems, and prolonged social exclusion to manipulate and coerce women.

Calling for urgent government action, the NCSW urged federal and provincial authorities to expand access to quality education and healthcare for women and girls in conflict-affected areas, strengthen psychosocial and trauma-informed support services, and promote sustainable economic empowerment and livelihood opportunities. It also called for community-based prevention initiatives to counter radicalisation, along with stronger protection mechanisms, safe reporting channels, and survivor-centred responses.

The NCSW reiterated that women are central to peace, security, and development as key stakeholders and decision-makers, and said investment in women’s empowerment strengthens communities, counters extremism, and builds resilient societies.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to advocacy, policy engagement, and monitoring to ensure that violence against women, including their exploitation by extremist groups, is eliminated and that women are supported as agents of peace, resilience, and national unity.