The Ministry of Human Rights in Pakistan is dedicated to championing and advancing human rights, aligning its efforts with the foundational principles enshrined in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and international Human Rights Conventions that it has ratified. The ministry's unwavering commitment is to ensure justice, equality, and equitable treatment for all citizens, with a particular emphasis on safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups such as children, women, minorities, senior citizens, transgender persons, and persons with disabilities.
As a party to seven core international human rights conventions, Pakistan has pledged to uphold universal human rights standards and integrate them into its national policies.
The Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, notably Articles 2-40, forms the primary legal bedrock for protecting fundamental rights, with Article 8 underscoring the nullity of any law or tradition inconsistent with these rights.
Recent initiatives spearheaded by the Ministry of Human Rights, including the enactment of the Zainab Alert, Response and Recovery Act, 2020, amendments to the Employment of Children Act 1991 prohibiting child domestic labor, and the implementation of acts such as The Protection Against Harassment Of Women at the Workplace (Amendment)Act, 2022, The Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021, ICT Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2020, Islamabad Capital Territory Senior Citizens Act 2020, and Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention and Punishment) Act, 2022, underscore the Government's resolute dedication to safeguarding citizens' rights. Our ongoing efforts are evident through the introduction of additional bills, such as the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, in the Parliament to further the noble cause.
The Ministry of Human Rights stands as the central hub for ensuring the protection and promotion of human rights, collaborating closely with institutions like the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), and Regional Human Rights Offices across all four provinces, in tandem with Provincial Human Rights Departments. Despite notable strides made through legislative measures and institutional advancements, challenges persist, and the Government acknowledges the imperative of sustained endeavors to eradicate social discrimination and fully realize the universal aspirations of protecting citizens' rights. Continuous efforts and proactive measures remain vital on the journey towards an inclusive and rights- respecting society.
Pakistan Paindabad.
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Embargo: Not to be published/telecast/broadcast before 10-12-2023
