The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 74 years ago today. The ideas outlined in this Declaration remain the essential to achieving civil, economic, cultural, social, and political prosperity for everyone, everywhere. The theme for this year is "Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for Everyone”, and accordingly, we must not forget the vision of our founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah who wanted for us a free nation, where we all could be equal citizens of one State. The Constitution of Pakistan truly translates this vision into reality by enshrining these values as fundamental rights applicable to all citizens of Pakistan. This year, however, has been of particular difficulty for Pakistan. From economic instability to flood disasters, worsened by growing threats of terrorism, the people of Pakistan have suffered a lot. In light of this, the Government of Pakistan, on this International Day, reaffirms its commitment to adopting a strategy centered on human rights in addressing the growing humanitarian needs and in enhancing our response to human rights violations. We must work together in solidarity to realize a society devoid of inequality and injustice, guided by the overarching principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. On this day, it is also imperative that we take a closer look at the human rights situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir, where Kashmiris have been kept deprived of their right to self-determination. The right to self-determination is the collective and individual freedom of a people to freely select their political status and pursue economic, social, and cultural growth. The right to self-determination has been trampled upon by "terrorist/counter-terrorist" rhetoric, burdened by military operations across the Line of Control, and buried while the world's attention concentrates on other issues. Accordingly, we must continue our collective efforts to ensure that the people of Kashmir are able to enjoy the same rights and freedoms as are available to any citizen of a free State. Pakistan also commits itself to continue extending moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris in achieving their legitimate right to self-determination. Today and every day, the Government of Pakistan will continue to work for justice, equality, dignity and human rights for all. Pakistan Zindabad. Embargoed: Not to be published/broadcast before 10th December, 2022
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