German Ambassador Ina Lepel paid a courtesy call on Federal Minister for Law and Justice and Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, to deliberate on bilateral cooperation in human rights and key legal initiatives in Pakistan.
During the meeting, discussions focused on measures to strengthen the promotion and protection of minority rights, as well as ongoing legal reforms. The Minister apprised the Ambassador of recent constitutional developments and legislative reforms aimed at enhancing governance and reinforcing rights protection. The Minister noted that the overall human rights situation has shown marked improvement, with a visible decline in rights-related violations and increased institutional responsiveness. The Ministry of Human Rights, in coordination with relevant departments and stakeholders, continues to strengthen legal protections and mechanisms for redress and accountability.
The Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the GSP+ framework, emphasizing its role in governance reforms, institutional strengthening, and sustainable development. He also highlighted Pakistan’s recent election to the UN Human Rights Council, reflecting international confidence in the country’s constructive role.
Ambassador Ina Lepel commended Pakistan’s significant legal reforms, including amendments to the Pakistan Penal Code that reduce the scope of the death penalty by replacing it with life imprisonment for certain offences. She also acknowledged the establishment and effective functioning of the National Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals, emphasizing its positive role in safeguarding media personnel.
The Minister further highlighted the establishment of the National Commission for Minorities Rights through an Act of Parliament, endowed with quasi-judicial powers, and noted that the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), and National Commission for Child Rights (NCRC) continue to function effectively.
The discussion also covered the Legal Aid and Justice Authority (LAJA) and its initiatives to enhance justice sector responses, including capacity-building for service providers and coordinated efforts to address gender-based violence.
Both sides underscored the importance of sustained cooperation in the human rights sector and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing justice, rights protection, and institutional strengthening in Pakistan. The meeting concluded on a positive and constructive note, reflecting a mutual resolve to further strengthen human rights frameworks and legal reforms in the country.
