“Gender
equality is essential for development of Pakistan. Plan International’s global
takeovers provide an excellent opportunity to encourage girls to claim
challenging positions in society.” said Mr. Mumtaz Ahmed Tarar.
Federal Minister for Human Rights
Mr. Mumtaz Ahmed Tarar addressed the audience that Pakistan being a party to
the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Elimination of all Forms of
Discrimination Against Women and other core Human Rights conventions is committed
to protect the rights of children particularly of the Girl Child. Pakistan has
always been among the forefront nations advocating the Children’s Rights. Our
tradition of commitment to Children’s Rights continues in the State policies.
The Government of Pakistan is carrying forward an agenda for substantial
reforms, which will have a better impact on the lives of Girls child.
He further said that our religion
Islam enjoins upon us the sacred task of care, protection and welfare of Girl
Child. In the light of Islamic teachings, we are committed to provide a
congenial environment to the Girl Child where they can enjoy protection from
all forms of discrimination and violence. The present government laid special
emphasis on safeguarding the rights of children. We have undertaken legislative
and administrative reforms to make Pakistan a discrimination free country by
eliminating discrimination against girl child at home, work place and in the
society.
He explained that the Ministry of
Human Rights has been mandated to review Human Rights situation in the country
including implementation of policies, laws and programmes to promote and
protect human rights. In this regard, the Ministry has taken initiatives for
harmonization of legislation, regulations and practices in line with the
international human rights covenants and national obligations.
At the end of the speech he said
that to ensure protection of the rights of the Girl Child, we need to involve
relevant stakeholders at all levels for the creation of peaceful environment
both at home, work place and also in the society at large. He called upon all
the government institutions and civil society organizations to play a vital
role in the socialization of the citizens. He assured that full commitment of
the present Government to implement the agenda of Rights of the Girl Child. He
invited the civil society and all stakeholders to come forward and play their
role in realizing the dream of making Pakistan a country free from
discrimination and violence.
*-*-*-*
