By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: The Speaker reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to protecting the rights of women, children, and minorities. He informed the session about Pakistan’s efforts to counter hate speech and gender-based violence.
A special session of the United Nations Human Rights Committee was held in Geneva to review Pakistan’s performance in human rights.
The session focused on the detailed assessment of Pakistan’s second report on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
The Pakistani delegation, led by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, presented the human rights report. The delegation also included Law Minister Malik Sohaib Bhurt and Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights, Allah Dino KhKhawaja.
In his address, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan highlighted the significant progress made in the field of human rights since 2017, noting that Pakistan’s human rights situation is rapidly improving. He emphasized the strengthening of legal frameworks to combat discrimination.
The Speaker reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to protecting the rights of women, children, and minorities. He informed the session about Pakistan’s efforts to counter hate speech and gender-based violence. Furthermore, he mentioned that democracy, an independent judiciary, and a free press are advancing steadily in Pakistan.
He also highlighted key legislation introduced to protect women’s rights, including laws against harassment and ensuring inheritance rights. Additionally, the Speaker expressed Pakistan’s intent to continue its cooperation with UN human rights bodies.
The Pakistani delegation assured the session that the promotion and protection of human rights remain the government’s top priority. They reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing efforts at the national level to ensure improved implementation of the ICCPR.
