Zubair Qureshi
To join world community in commemoration of International Day for Human Rights, the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) held consultations and community interactions at federal and provincial levels.
In Islamabad, minority community elders were invited to discuss measures that could be taken for an inclusive society in Pakistan. The dialogue was chaired by NCHR’s Member Minorities Mazoor Masih.
The participants had an extensive discussion around the reasons behind the recent wave of violence and intolerance.
They also suggested measures that can be taken to address the situation. The meeting was attended by elders from the Christian, Sikh, Hindu and Muslim communities.
On this occasion, Manzoor Masih said that the government recognizes minority rights and gives them an equal status in society as enshrined in the Constitution.
“The role played by the minorities in nation building is the reason why our nation continues to thrive.
We stand firm with the views expressed by the Quaid-e-Azam in this respect which very emphatically spelled out the mode of mutual coexistence for all,” he added.
Chairperson NCHR Rabiya Javeri Agha said that the NCHR is now functional and the priority is to ensure that the country moves towards a society which is tolerant and inclusive, where gender-based violence and child abuse is a memory of the past, and where rights of minority, disability and inter-faith harmony are realized.
In Lahore, Quetta and Peshawar, the Commission held consultations with government officials, civil society, academia and minority representatives.
The objective was to introduce the NCHR’s vision and future plans amongst key stakeholders.
