The Ministry of Human Rights launched the National Action Plan on Human Rights (NAP-HR) 2026, reaffirming the Government of Pakistan's commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights through a coordinated national framework. The Action Plan has been developed by the Ministry in collaboration with the European Union (EU) Huqooq-e-Pakistan II Project.
The launch ceremony was attended by Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law and Justice; Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry, Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting; parliamentarians, diplomats, senior government officials, representatives of federal and provincial institutions, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), civil society organizations, academia, development partners, United Nations agencies, and human rights defenders. The event marked the formal unveiling of the validated NAP-HR 2026, which builds upon the achievements of previous National Action Plans while addressing implementation gaps and emerging human rights priorities.
Officially launching the National Action Plan on Human Rights (NAP-HR) 2026, Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law and Justice, described it as a significant milestone in strengthening Pakistan's human rights framework. He said the Action Plan reflects the Government's commitment to translating constitutional guarantees into practical and measurable actions, while advancing national priorities and fulfilling Pakistan's international human rights obligations. He also appreciated the contributions of federal and provincial governments, National Human Rights Institutions, civil society, academia, and UNDP Pakistan in shaping the Action Plan through an inclusive consultative process.
Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Khalique Shaikh, Secretary, Ministry of Human Rights, said that the NAP-HR 2026 is the result of an extensive nationwide consultative process led by the Ministry in collaboration with UNDP under the EU Huqooq-e-Pakistan II Project. As the third National Action Plan on Human Rights, it comprises six thematic areas and 86 action points focused on strengthening legal and policy reforms, protecting vulnerable groups, promoting human rights education, enhancing institutional capacity, and addressing emerging priorities, including digital rights, prisoners' rights, and climate change.
Delivering his address, H.E. Philipp-Oliver Gross, Chargé d'Affaires, Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan, reaffirmed the European Union's continued partnership with Pakistan in strengthening democratic governance and human rights.
"Our cooperation, including under GSP+, is rooted in respect for fundamental rights. The National Action Plan on Human Rights 2026 provides a practical framework with clear responsibilities and measurable targets that will support effective implementation and accountability."
Dr. Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan, reaffirmed UNDP's commitment to supporting the Government of Pakistan in implementing the Action Plan.
"Human rights must evolve to respond to the realities people face today. This Action Plan reflects that vision, and UNDP remains committed to supporting the Ministry of Human Rights and its partners in translating this roadmap into meaningful improvements in people's lives."
The National Action Plan on Human Rights 2026 provides a coordinated implementation framework for federal ministries, provincial governments, and relevant institutions to advance human rights across Pakistan through measurable actions, strengthened coordination, and effective monitoring mechanisms.
