LAHORE: Provision of basic rights to every citizen can help transform any society into a strong and economically vibrant nation, Punjab Minorities Minister Kamran Michael said on Friday. He expressed these views while addressing a seminar held in connection with the World Human Rights Day. Michael said that when any state falls prey to dictatorship, it leaves a negative impact on all its political and social institutions. It was regrettable that in Pakistan a sorry state of affairs was persisting for a very long time, he said.
The minister said that the Punjab government aimed at respectfully providing all basic rights to citizens. Michael disclosed that allocation of five percent job quota for minorities, establishing Christmas bazaars and Christmas gift packages worth Rs 3,000 per family for welfare of minorities were the solid steps taken by the Punjab CM. Punjab Parliamentary Secretary Khalil Tahir Sindhu said that all human rights violations in society could not be linked to religion.
People would have to look back to their religious teachings and undergo a positive change in their perception by fully acting upon these teachings, he said.
Child rights: The laws about children’s rights should be modified and made child-friendly laws, said speakers of a function organised by Children Complaint Office, Ombudsman Punjab, at a local hotel. Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF Punjab, Shugufta Bhatti, urged lawyers to constitute child protection committees for the welfare of children. She added children welfare institutions should make arrangements for reconciliation of children with their parents.
Ehsan Ghani Children Complaint Office’s focal person said collective effects would be made for the protection of children. Sohail Tipu advocate underlined the need for more protection of child rights through awareness. Fayyaz Mahar advocate sought an effective legislation to ban early-age and forced marriages. Rashid Lodhi, Mumtaz Ahmad advocate and Ulfat Abbas also spoke.
