Human Rights ministry to ensure fundamental rights of every citizen: Shireen Mazari

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari Friday said the ministry was committed to ensure the fortification of fundamental rights of every citizen in pursuance to the Constitution of Pakistan and international commitments.

She stated this during a meeting held here with the delegation of GSP Plus Monitoring Mission, said a press release issued here on Friday.

The delegation was comprised of Mr Walter Van Wattum, Policy Officer GSP Unit, Mr Guus Houttuin, Adviser Trade Issues, Ms Marta Szilagyi and Mr Frank Olivier Roux. Besides, Joint Secretary Malik Kamran Azam Khan and Muhammad Hassan Mangi DG Development and other officials of the Ministry also attended the meeting.

The minister said "Outside of this GSP Plus realm, we are committed to ensure the protection of rights of every citizen without any discrimination."

She expressed that constitution of Pakistan clearly guaranteed the protection of human rights of every citizen.

The Minister also showed concerns about the issues and problems being faced by Muslim community and Pakistani Diaspora in some states of Europe particularly in practicing their religion.

She affirmed that the government was committed to safeguard the rights of all citizens including women, children and minorities and Ministry of human Rights had been taking pragmatic and productive steps in that regard.

The delegation was also told that through comprehensive strategy by effective legislation, implementation of the existing laws and by creating awareness in the society, all out efforts were being made to ensure the basic rights of every citizen.

Shireen Mazari also apprised the delegation about the steps, the government had taken for ensuring citizens' rights, adding "We are not only focusing on implementation of existing laws but also working on devising new legislation in this regard."

She said the government was already working on three new bills including Anti Torture and Custodial Death, Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Prohibition of Corporal Punishment including the Christian Divorce Bill.

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.

On this occasion, they discussed various human rights and GSP Plus related issues in detail and other concerns from both sides also came under discussion.