Archbishop Tapio Luoma, Head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, along with his delegation, which included the Ambassador of Finland to Pakistan, Mr. Hannu Ripatti, paid a courtesy visit to the Honorable Minister for Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar. The visit offered an opportunity for both sides to engage in a constructive dialogue on promoting human rights, fostering interfaith harmony and encouraging peaceful coexistence in Pakistan.
During the meeting, the Archbishop expressed appreciation to the Government of Pakistan for establishing a dedicated Human Rights Ministry, noting that such a specialized institution is a distinctive feature, as most states worldwide do not maintain a comparable body responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights.
He was also apprised of the Ministry’s structure and operations, including its attached departments and statutory commissions and its broad mandate to promote, safeguard and advance human rights across the country. The discussion highlighted the Ministry’s multifaceted role in protecting fundamental rights, monitoring violations, raising awareness and coordinating with provincial authorities and civil society organizations.The Archbishop welcomed the Ministry’s comprehensive approach dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities, including minority rights, women’s rights, child protection, and persons with disabilities.
The discussion also provided a platform for mutual exchange of ideas on enhancing interfaith dialogue, fostering social inclusion and promoting collaborative initiatives that encourage understanding and respect among diverse communities. Both sides emphasized the importance of joint efforts to strengthen social cohesion and ensure that all citizens can live with dignity, equality, and security.
The Archbishop commended the Ministry’s ongoing initiatives to create an inclusive environment and expressed optimism about further cooperation between the Government, civil society, and international partners to promote human rights and peaceful coexistence.
