ISLAMABAD-Federal Minister for Human Rights Dr. Shireen Mazari on Thursday emphasised that the government has taken a rights-based approach to protect the rights of minorities guaranteed by the constitution.
She said this in a one-day “Interfaith Conference for Young Women.” The conference was organised by the Inter-faith Harmony Council, Jamia Ashrafia and Diocese of Peshawar, Church of Pakistan. While addressing the audience, Dr. Shireen Mazar emphasised that our government has taken a rights-based approach to protect the rights of minorities guaranteed by the constitution. Women and minorities are amongst the most vulnerable sections of society and thus require special safeguards to ensure that their rights are protected. She further highlighted that the beauty of Pakistan lies in the diversity of people from various religious and social backgrounds which also enriches our society.
She further reinforced that Islam gives us the responsibility to give respect to all religions. She also stressed that Pakistan is among the countries that provide personal laws to minorities, including the Hindu Marriage Bill.
We have also prepared Christian Marriage and Divorced Bill by consulting relevant stakeholders who have acknowledged that there are several issues which are required to be resolved. She also highlighted some legislative measures taken by present government to protect women rights like Anti-Rape Ordinance and Forced Conversion Marriages Bill.
Maulana Tahir Ashrafi Chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council highlighted that women and girls play an important role in the reformation process. Every Prophet spread a message of peace and interfaith harmony. The constitution of Pakistan also provides equal rights to non-Muslims. He also mentioned that there is no concept of forced marriages in Islam. The conference was attended by a large number of women from different minority groups.
The chief guest also distributed shields to the organisers.