Islamabad, December 10, 2024: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all communities in Pakistan, emphasizing the protection and promotion of basic human rights. He made these remarks during a ceremony marking International Human Rights Day in Islamabad.
The prime minister highlighted the significance of the day as a reaffirmation of the government’s dedication to upholding human rights and empowering vulnerable communities. He stated that all citizens of Pakistan, regardless of creed, caste, or religion, are entitled to equal rights and opportunities, aligning with the principles set out by Islam over 1,400 years ago and reiterated by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in his historic August 11 speech.
“It is our priority to provide opportunities to all on an equal basis. Today, we commit ourselves to do more to meet the expectations of our nation, future generations, and humanity,” he said.
Reflecting on his tenure as Punjab chief minister, the prime minister mentioned several initiatives aimed at supporting citizens from all provinces. These included the Punjab Endowment Fund, merit-based scholarships and laptop distribution, a center against violence against women in Multan, the Zaiwer-e-Taleem program in Southern Punjab, and efforts to eradicate child labor from brick kilns, which led to the enrollment of 90,000 children in schools.
He also announced that the federal government is sending 1,000 graduates from across the country, including Gilgit Baltistan, to China for advanced technical education.
Prime Minister Sharif commended Minister for Law, Justice, and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar and other stakeholders for their efforts in promoting human rights. He assured the law minister that he would address the issue of stranded Pakistanis in Malaysia with his counterpart.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, in his address, highlighted the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948, and its alignment with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Pakistan’s Constitution. He emphasized the government’s resolve to eliminate societal disparities and promote human rights as a national mission.
He also noted key legislative achievements, including the Zainab Alert, Response and Recovery Act, the establishment of the Legal Aid and Justice Authority, the launch of the Awaz app, and 24/7 legal assistance services. The minister outlined ongoing collaborations with provincial governments and Gilgit Baltistan to achieve set targets for women’s rights and other human rights initiatives.
The ceremony underscored Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to promote and protect human rights in line with both national and global commitments.
