Pakistan attaches high priority to objectives of human rights, democracy: President

ISLAMABAD: President Dr. Arif Alvi has said as a member state of the United Nations, Pakistan fully endorses the Charter of the United Nations which strives to promote and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms without any discrimination of race, gender, language or religion.

“The Government of Pakistan attaches high priority to advancing the objectives of development, human rights and democracy and is working hard to implement its international commitments through Treaty Implementation Cells that have been set up at both federal and provincial level,” the president said in a message on the International Human Rights Day which is being observed across the globe on December 10 (Monday).

The president noted that the Day was celebrated with pride to acknowledge commitment of the global community towards human rights. This commitment was made in the form of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

This year marked the 70% anniversary of UDHR and called for renewed commitment and protection of basic human rights, he added.

The president observed that democratic struggle of the Muslims of sub-continent against colonialism led to the creation of Pakistan in 1947, which was galvanized by the ideals of fundamental freedom and human dignity.

“These ideals inspired our newly independent country to be amongst the first signatories of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on the eve of its adoption in 1948,” he added.

He said the words of Father of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, were the guiding principle of their policy, “We are equal citizens of one State”. Hence, the constitution of Pakistan guaranteed freedom and fundamental rights to its all citizens.

The president said Pakistan continued to regularly report relevant treaty bodies on the implementation of conventions signed.

He said Pakistan’s election as member of the Human rights Council for the term 2018-20 was reflection of their commitment to human rights.

The president also drew attention of the international community towards atrocities committed against the Kashmiri people in the Indian Occupied Kashmir.

He urged the United Nations particularly to play its due role and ensure that Kashmiris also enjoyed all their human rights as guaranteed under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the UN Security Council resolutions.

“The people of Kashmir are looking forward to the international community fulfilling their commitments to the Kashmiri people,” he added.

The president also commended the UN for observing this day globally and also paid homage to all organizations and individuals who were striving for the noble cause of human rights.

He also appreciated the Ministry of Human Rights for working to give a holistic human rights perspective to governance structure and for their consistent effort to uphold and protect human rights in the country.