Punjab Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Ijaz Alam Augustine said that the Government of Punjab is fully aware of its international obligations and Ministry of Human Rights and Minorities Affairs is looking very closely to the various acts and legislations such as torture, capital punishment, women’s rights and child abuse.
He was talking to a delegation of European Union led by first secretary Ms Ingeborg Zoran at his camp office on Wednesday. In the meeting, issues were discussed regarding GSP-Plus status, Pak-Europe relations, Kashmir issue, human rights and protection of minorities.
The minister said that the way European Parliament is supporting Pakistan for extension in GSP-Plus status, we are grateful to you. Today Pakistan has become a peaceful country where investors and tourists from across the world are provided complete security and other facilities. He said that Pakistan had always talked about peace but India’s war hysteria, Kashmir issue and tension in the region have endangered the peace. It is the need of the hour that European Parliament and other international organisations play their role in settlement of Kashmir issue.
He also briefed about the role of Punjab Government For Minorities and initiatives of provincial government for formation of public human right defenders as well as committees in all 36 districts of Punjab, job opportunities for minorities, merit scholarships for minority youth and financial assistance, marriage registrations facilitated by law for minorities, legislation against domestic violence and forced conversions, legislation in line with the National Action Plan against hate speech using loudspeakers, remission for minority prisoners passed since 19 October 2009, action against child labour and child abuse, formulation of committees against the misuse of blasphemy law, legislation against acid throwing and domestic violence against women, protection for lawyers and judges dealing with sensitive cases and a number of other important steps to eliminate discrimination and injustice.
The delegation applauded the efforts of Punjab government for the protection of human rights and assured full cooperation in future to protect human rights especially for the freedom of innocent Kashmiris. On the occasion HR&MA secretary Dr Irshad Ahmed, Deputy Secretary M Youasf, Javed William from ‘Faces of Pakistan’ and other relevant officials were present.
