President Zardari reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to protecting Indigenous peoples’ rights

President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to protecting the rights, cultures, traditions and well-being of Indigenous peoples, stressing the need to preserve their knowledge and ensure equal opportunities for all citizens.

In a message on the occasion of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, observed on August 9, the president said Indigenous knowledge had helped sustain cultural traditions and preserve knowledge of nature, health and the environment.

“Respect for this knowledge is also important for protecting cultural diversity and ensuring that it continues to benefit future generations,” he said.

Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s rich cultural diversity, including communities such as the Kalash and the diverse peoples of the northern mountains, saying their languages, traditions and knowledge systems had enriched the country’s national heritage for centuries.

He said their understanding of nature, community health and sustainable living reflected a legacy of resilience and wisdom that deserved recognition and preservation.

The president noted that Pakistan’s Constitution ensured equality before the law and equal protection, while recognising the right of citizens with a distinct language, script or culture to preserve and promote it.

Referring to this year’s theme, “Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being”, Zardari highlighted the role of Indigenous midwives in preserving traditional knowledge and supporting the health and well-being of mothers, newborns and families.

He said the theme was particularly relevant for communities in remote and geographically difficult areas, where access to healthcare could be challenging and culturally appropriate pre- and post-natal care could make a significant difference.

Zardari said Pakistan ratified the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2005 and the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions in 2022.

“These commitments reflect Pakistan’s support for the protection of cultural diversity and the preservation of living cultural traditions,” he said.

The president reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for efforts to ensure that Indigenous peoples’ knowledge was respected, their voices heard and their communities had access to opportunities and services needed to live with dignity and security.