Federal Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen M Mazari on Tuesday has said that the PTI’s government has very wide and comprehensive agenda and it is focussed on the implementation of existing laws and also working on new legislation for the protection of human rights.
She was speaking to a delegation of European Parliament led by Jean Lambert that called on her.
“We are taking pragmatic steps to ensure the protection and provision of human rights and apprised the delegation about the steps which have been taken. We have legislation in various areas including the law for the protection of rights of the transgenders,” she added
The minister said that the government is working on three new bills on Anti Torture and Custodial Death, Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Prohibition of Corporal Punishment including the Christian Divorce Bill, these bills will be tabled in national assembly soon.
She said the government is preparing new legislation on domestic workers to stop the violation of children’s rights and to ensure their protection. Dr Mazari said Human Rights Ministry has started awareness campaigns for women’s right to inheritance and provision of free legal aid to the women.
Human Rights Minister said we are working with law ministry to establish the statutory body to provide probono legal services and assistance, especially for women. We are also building up the database about human rights related issues, we can do better and substantial work after having rights database, Dr Mazari further added.
She reiterated her firm commitment to take all possible measures for the promotion and protection of human rights including the rights of women, children and minorities in Pakistan. Minister said protection of human rights was the topmost priority of incumbent government.
She said unlike, in Europe, non-Muslim communities in Pakistan have been provided with their own laws, in this connection Hindu Divorce and Marriage law already passed. Christian Divorce bill will be presented in the National Assembly soon after vetting from law ministry. Talking to them, Shireen Mazari also showed her concerns about the issues and problems which Muslim community and Pakistani Diaspora have been facing in some states of Europe particularly in practising their religion.
While showing her grave concerns on human rights violation in Kashmir valley, Shireen Mazari further said Pakistan will forcefully raise the Kashmir dispute and expose Indian atrocities in Indian Occupied Kashmir at every forum.
International Community should come forward and raise voice against worst violations of basic rights in IHK. We have given a blueprint of conflict resolution model for the solution of this longstanding issue, innocent Kashmiri suffered a lot for attainment plebiscite, she said.
Delegation appreciated the efforts of the government of Pakistan especially the Human Rights Ministry for protection of rights.
Both the sides discussed the various human rights-related issues including the rights of women, children and minorities. On this occasion, Minister said we are committed to ensuring the basic rights of our citizens in pursuance to our Constitution and International commitments.