F.P. Report
ISLAMABAD: National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) will fearlessly, diligently and responsibly advocate and protect the cause of human rights as empowered by NCHR Act – 2012, the constitution and the Paris principles. NCHR’s operations are being executed with utmost regard to the sanctity and significance of its role as the national human rights watchdog. These views were expressed by Justice (R) Ali Nawaz Chowhan, Chairman NCHR while delivering the welcome address of the seminar organized in connection with the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The seminar was organized by National Commission for Human Rights-Pakistan in collaboration with Shariah Academy of the International Islamic Universityat Islamabad on Tuesday.While underscoring the significance of institution-building for safeguarding human rights, Justice Chowhan resolved that NCHR will become the torch bearer for the rights – based approach to governance and vigorously pursue observance of human rights norms by the state machinery.
Justice (R) Ali Nawaz Chowan further added that the commission, in spite of the financial and human resource constraints, is spearheading the cause of human rights as per its legal mandate. 25 reports issued by the commission onmultifarious human rights issues is a testimony to the focus and dedication of NCHR.
He urged all the stakeholder to support the efforts of NCHR. Federal Minister for Human Rights Mr. Mumtaz Ahmed Tarar while addressing the seminar said that “Government’s policy frame work on human rights envisages the elimination of injustice, establishing rule of law and creating a society free of human sufferings,” said Mumtaz Ahmed Tarar,
He added that ministry of human rights had been working to establishan institutional frameworkfor implementation of policies regarding human prerogatives. He continued that the government had taken a number of legislative measures to strengthen institutional mechanism. He said terrorism and prevailing law and order situations have affected the whole country and called for joint efforts to deal with thesituation.Jean-François Cautain, Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, speaking as a guest of honour hailed efforts of IIUI and NCHR for arranging this activity.
He called for joint efforts for protection of the rights of individuals including children and women. He also briefed the audience about the status of Pakistan in the perspective of GSP PLUS.While moderating the event, Ch. Shafique, Member – ICT, NCHR said that equality and dignity for all is the basis of human rights. In his concluding remarks, Ch. Shafique emphasized the intrinsic significance of human rights in Islam and urged the young generation to understand the fact that the cause of human rights is not an alien concept to our society.
We must own and champion the ideals and principles of human rights for the collective betterment of Pakistan, he added.
