ISLAMABAD: On International Human Rights Day, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif underscored the universal importance of protecting fundamental rights, reaffirming Pakistan’s dedication to advancing human dignity at home and abroad.
Reflecting on the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, the Prime Minister highlighted the global observance of December 10 as a day to champion equality, freedom, and justice. He noted, however, that the principles enshrined in the declaration resonate deeply with the teachings of Islam, which have long upheld the sanctity of human values.
This year’s theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” served as a call to action, and Prime Minister Sharif stressed the importance of safeguarding rights at all levels. He expressed pride in Pakistan’s legislative and policy advancements, which have earned international recognition for their commitment to human rights.
He highlighted key constitutional provisions, particularly Articles 8-28, which form the bedrock of Pakistan’s efforts to protect vulnerable groups, including women, children, minorities, senior citizens, transgender persons, and persons with disabilities. The establishment of independent bodies like the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), the National Commission on the Status of Women, and the National Commission on the Rights of Child was emphasized as pivotal to these efforts.
Praising the recent accreditation of the NCHR as an A-Status National Human Rights Institution by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, the Prime Minister lauded its adherence to the Paris Principles, a benchmark for human rights advocacy. He also commended the role of the National Commission for Minorities in safeguarding the rights of minority communities.
On international matters, Prime Minister Sharif condemned the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank, calling upon the global community to take immediate action against Israel’s aggression. He described the situation as one of the gravest humanitarian crises of the modern era, urging an end to the “genocide of the Palestinian people.”
Similarly, he drew attention to the plight of the people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), condemning widespread human rights abuses. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and called for a robust international response.
In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister urged collaboration among governments, civil society, NGOs, media, and international partners to create a more inclusive and equitable society. He emphasized the role of collective action in ensuring that human rights are not merely aspirations but realities for all.
