Pakistan’s human rights initiatives lauded globally: PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on the occasion of International Human Rights Day, highlighted the global significance of the day and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to upholding human rights.

Since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948, the world observes International Human Rights Day on December 10th each year as a reminder to protect and promote fundamental human rights.

However, the Prime Minister noted that Islam, long before the UN declaration, has always emphasised the importance of human values.

Referring to this year’s theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” Prime Minister Sharif stressed that human rights are integral to everyday life and must be protected at all levels. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s awareness of its regional and international commitments in this regard.

“It is a matter of great satisfaction for us that Pakistan’s legislative, policy, and programmatic efforts to promote human rights have been acknowledged by the international community,” he said.

The Prime Minister further elaborated on the Government of Pakistan’s extensive efforts to protect the rights of vulnerable groups, including women, children, senior citizens, transgender persons, minorities, and persons with disabilities, in accordance with Articles 8-28 of the Constitution of Pakistan.

In line with these efforts, autonomous institutions like the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), National Commission on the Status of Women, and National Commission on the Rights of Child have been established to address related issues.

Prime Minister Sharif expressed pride in the NCHR’s recent accreditation as an A-Status National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions.

This accreditation reflects the Commission’s adherence to the Paris Principles and its dedication to upholding human rights within the country. He also acknowledged the significant role of the National Commission for Minorities in bolstering the protection of minority rights.

Addressing international concerns, the Prime Minister condemned Israel’s aggression in Gaza and the West Bank, urging the global community to intervene. “The world should not turn a blind eye to the gravest human tragedies of our time and must demand that Israel immediately cease the ongoing genocide of the people of Palestine,” he emphasised.

Prime Minister Sharif also called attention to the gross human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), urging the global community, including the UN, to take immediate action. He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support for the people of IIOJK and Palestine in their pursuit of self-determination.54pc:

Prime Minister (PM) Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on the occasion of International Human Rights Day, highlighted the global significance of the day and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to upholding human rights.

Since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948, the world observes International Human Rights Day on December 10th each year as a reminder to protect and promote fundamental human rights.

However, the Prime Minister noted that Islam, long before the UN declaration, has always emphasised the importance of human values.

Referring to this year’s theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” Prime Minister Sharif stressed that human rights are integral to everyday life and must be protected at all levels. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s awareness of its regional and international commitments in this regard.

“It is a matter of great satisfaction for us that Pakistan’s legislative, policy, and programmatic efforts to promote human rights have been acknowledged by the international community,” he said.

The Prime Minister further elaborated on the Government of Pakistan’s extensive efforts to protect the rights of vulnerable groups, including women, children, senior citizens, transgender persons, minorities, and persons with disabilities, in accordance with Articles 8-28 of the Constitution of Pakistan.

In line with these efforts, autonomous institutions such as the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), National Commission on the Status of Women, and National Commission on the Rights of Child have been established to address related issues.

Prime Minister Sharif expressed pride in the NCHR’s recent accreditation as an A-Status National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions.

This accreditation reflects the Commission’s adherence to the Paris Principles and its dedication to upholding human rights within the country. He also acknowledged the significant role of the National Commission for Minorities in bolstering the protection of minority rights.

Addressing international concerns, the Prime Minister condemned Israel’s aggression in Gaza and the West Bank, urging the global community to intervene. “The world should not turn a blind eye to the gravest human tragedies of our time and must demand that Israel immediately cease the ongoing genocide of the people of Palestine,” he emphasised.

Prime Minister Sharif also called attention to the gross human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), urging the global community, including the UN, to take immediate action. He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support for the people of IIOJK and Palestine in their pursuit of self-determination.

Concluding his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the support of the UN and international partners in promoting human rights in Pakistan. He urged citizens, governments, media, UN agencies, NGOs, and civil society to collaborate in building a more inclusive and equitable society where the rights of every individual are respected, protected, and fulfilled.

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