A two day workshop titled “Protection and Promotion of Human Rights; The Role of Provincial Assemblies” was held at Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services here in Islamabad on Tuesday. Human Rights Minister Dr Shireen M Mazari was the chief guest at the inaugural session of the workshop which was attended by the members of the four provincial and two legislative assemblies. Besides, Mr Zafarullah Khan, Exective Director PIPS, Mr Javed Malik , Country Representative DRI and Mr Christopher Shields , Team Leader SUBAI were also among the attendants. Addressing the inaugural session, Federal Minister for Human Rights, Dr Shireen Mazari stressed upon the members of Provincial and Legislative Assemblies to focus upon Human Rights issues and raise their voice in their respective assemblies to protect and promote the human rights on priority. She stated that the protection of Human Rights was a pre-requisite to stability of democracy in the country. The Minister, while talking about the role of provincial assemblies in protection and propagation of Human Rights said the constitution of Pakistan guarantees the protection of Human Rights. She said we are committed to ensure the rights of all our citizens without any discrimination adding that steps are being taken to ensure the implementation of International commitments in pursuance to our Constitution. Dr Mazari further said we have very comprehensive agenda besides implementation of existing laws; we are working on devising new legislation to protect the rights of citizens. She mentioned submitting a draft for "Domestic Workers Bill" for the protection of domestic workers to the Law Ministry including three more bills and said that it would soon be presented in the National Assembly. The minister also highlighted the ministry's resolve on creating awareness about Human Rights issues among the masses adding that Human Rights Ministry has already started awareness campaigns for women’s right to inheritance and provision of free legal aid to the women. She said that the issue of enforced disappearances ought to be resolved by taking all stakeholders on board and we are committed to resolving this issue on priority basis. She reiterated her firm commitment to take all possible measures for the protection of basic rights and said protection of human rights was 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 already passed and Christian Divorce bill will be presented in National Assembly soon. The workshop was also addressed by Executive Director PIPS, Zafarullah Khan, Javed Malik, Representative DRI and others. *-*-*-*
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