ISLAMABAD: On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, Pakistan’s Caretaker, Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, reiterated the country’s unwavering commitment to upholding and promoting human rights principles both domestically and internationally.
In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, Prime Minister Kakar emphasized the document’s foundational principles, asserting that every individual, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status, is entitled to inherent rights. He affirmed that the Pakistani government remains steadfast in its dedication to safeguarding human rights on all fronts.
The PM said that Pakistan’s commitment to this noble cause is exemplified through a series of strategic initiatives and policies designed to protect the dignity and rights of its citizens. Key milestones include the ratification of core human rights conventions, the constitutional incorporation of fundamental rights, the enactment of human rights laws, and the establishment of institutions aimed at preventing and protecting rights.
Pakistan’s Commitment to Human Rights
He said that special laws have been enacted to safeguard vulnerable populations, including women, children, minorities, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and transgenders. Institutions such as the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), and the National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) play pivotal roles in ensuring the implementation of these laws, the premier maintained.
While acknowledging substantial progress, Prime Minister Kakar acknowledged that challenges persist, necessitating collaborative efforts at both national and international levels. He underscored the importance of addressing the complexities involved in human rights issues to ensure a more inclusive and just society.
Expressing concern for human rights violations in other parts of the world, Prime Minister Kakar specifically highlighted India’s actions in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Israel’s actions in Palestine.
He condemned the violations in IIOJK, calling for an end to human rights abuses and reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Kashmiri people’s struggle for justice. Similarly, he drew attention to the pressing human rights situation in Palestine, urging the international community to work towards an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to Israel’s occupation.
