PR No. 130 Islamabad: January 21, 2019

Delegation led by President United Nations General Assembly Ms Maria Fernanda Espinosa has called on the Federal Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen M Mazari here in Islamabad on Monday. Besides Pakistan's Representative to the United Nations Dr MalihaLodhi, Secretary Human Rights Ministry Rabiya Javeri Agha, Joint secretary Azam Khan and other high officials of ministry were also present on the occasion. Different matters related to human rights issues including the rights of women, children and minorities were discussed. Federal minister shared the details of different endeavors taken by Ministry of human rights along with plan of actions. She also raised issues of Kashmiris in IOK and Muslims in EU. On this occasion, Minister said we are committed to ensure the basic rights of our citizens in pursuance to our Constitution and International commitments. We have very wide and comprehensive agenda and we are not only focused on implementation of existing laws and also working on new legislation. Dr Mazari said we are taking pragmatic steps to ensure the protection and provision of human rights and apprised the delegation about the steps which have been taken. She said besides implementation of existing laws we are also working on devising new legislations to safeguard the rights of citizens. She stated we are working on new Bills including Anti Torture and Custodial Death, Rights of Persons with Disabilities as well as the Christian Divorce Bill which will be tabled in national assembly soon. She added that we are preparing new legislation on domestic workers to stop the violation of children’s rights and to ensure their protection. We have legislation in various areas including the law for protection of rights of transgender. Dr.Mazari said Human Rights Ministry has started awareness campaigns for women’s right to inheritance and provision of free legal aid to the women. Human Rights Minister said we are working in collaboration with law ministry to have a systematic structure to provide possible legal services and assistance especially for women. We are also building up data base for human rights related issues. Awareness campaign for the protection of child rights and against child abuse will be started soon, she added. She said all out efforts are being taken for the protection of human rights adding that protection of human rights is the top most priority of incumbent government. She said unlike in Europe, non-Muslim communities in Pakistan have been provided their own laws, in this connection Hindu Divorce and Marriage law have already been passed. Christian Divorce bill will be presented in National Assembly soon. Talking to the President UN general assembly, Shireen Mazari also showed her concerns about the issues and problems which Muslim community and Pakistani Diaspora have been facing in some states of Europe. Dr Mazari showed her grave concerns on human rights violation in Indian Occupied Kashmir, Shireen Mazari further said UN should raise its voice against the worst human rights violations in IOK and expose Indian atrocities in Indian Occupied Kashmir. International Community should come forward and raise voice against worst violations of basic rights in IOK. Kashmiris’ women rape by Indian forces is being used as a weapon of war in IOK, which should be condemned at every level, she said. President UN General assembly appreciated the efforts of government of Pakistan especially the Human Rights Ministry for protection of human rights. Later the President UN General assembly visited the Women center and admired different endeavors taken by Ministry of Human Rights for ensuring the basic human rights. ***

PREVIOUS NEXT