The Foreign Minister briefed the High Commissioner on the commitment of the democratic government to the promotion and protection of human rights of all citizens.

She said that since the restoration of democracy in 2008, the government had been endeavouring to create an inclusive and rights- based society.

"An elected parliament, an independent judiciary, a free media and a vibrant civil society provide safeguards for protection of rights of all segments of society," she added.

The Foreign Minister also briefed the High Commissioner on the recent legislation passed for the protection of women rights and on the establishment of the National Commission for Human Rights.

Hina Khar and Navanethem Pillay also discussed issues pertaining to the UN Human Rights Council, visits of UN Special Procedures to Pakistan, ratification and implementation of human rights treaties and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Pakistan, which is due to take place in October this year.

The Foreign Minister drew the attention to human rights violations in the Indian occupied Kashmir, including the discovery of mass graves and urged the High Commissioner to use her good offices for promotion and protection of the human rights of the Kashmiri people.

The High Commissioner thanked Pakistan's initiative of extending invitations to her and the Special Procedures of the UN Human Rights Council.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is on a five-day visit to Pakistan. -

During the visit, she is expected to call on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.