US delegation led by Sam Brownback, Ambassador At Large for International Religious Freedom has called on the Federal Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen M Mazari here in Islamabad on Friday. Besides, Goodwill Ambassador Salman Ahmad, delegation was comprised of Ambassador Paul Jones, Charge d’Affairs of US to Pakistan. Riley Barnes, Seniour Advisor, Sameer Hossain, Unit Chief, South and Central Asia and others. On this occasion, different issues related to human rights were discussed including the rights of women, children and minorities. On this occasion, Minister said we are committed to ensure the basic rights of our citizens in pursuance to our Constitution and International commitments without any kind of prejudice. Our Constitution guarantees the equal rights to every citizen of our country without any discernment adding that we are committed to ensure the religious freedom and basic rights of all our citizens guaranteed in our constitution without discrimination. During the meeting, Minister showed her deep concern over the issues faced by Muslim community and Pakistani Diaspora living in some states of Europe particularly in practicing their religion and a wave of prevailing Islamic phobia resulting in deprivation of Muslims to freely practice their religion. She asserted that unlike in EU, minorities in Pakistan are allowed to practice their own laws and we have devised different laws to protect their rights. She added that besides implementation of Hindu Marriage Act, Christian divorce law will be tabled soon in National assembly. She stated we are working on new Bills including Anti Torture and Custodial Death, Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Prohibition of Corporal Punishment including the Christian Divorce Bill, these bills will also be tabled soon. She also shared about new legislation related to domestic workers to ensure their protection. While sharing with delegation she said that we are not only ensuring the timely and productive implementation of existing laws but paying equal attention to devise new laws. She shared that we are revising criminal system and also reducing the delay in mercy petition. She said Ministry of Human rights is well versant with contemporary needs and by keeping in mind the prevailing challenges we are introducing the courses of human rights and environmental studies in our educational curriculum and we are establishing the structured curriculum of human rights with collaboration of ministry of education. Federal minister expressed that we have very comprehensive agenda and 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 creating awareness among masses regarding their rights. 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 and working with law ministry to establish statutory body to provide probono legal services and assistance especially for women. She reiterated her firm commitment to take all possible measures for the promotion and protection of human rights including the rights of women, children and minorities in Pakistan. Minister said protection of human rights was the top most priority of incumbent government. She said all out efforts are being made to ensure the protection of Human Rights adding that we were fully committed to ensure rights of every citizen without any discrimination in pursuance to our Constitution. Members of the US delegation appreciated the endeavors of incumbent government especially the Ministry of Human Rights for the Protection and promotion of Human Rights and assured their full support in this regard and emphasized on mutual collaboration in the area of human rights. ***
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