Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nation Ambassador Masood Khan, while speaking in the third committee of the UN General Assembly, said that promotion and protection of Human Rights is part of Pakistan’s genesis.
“Without ensuring the fundamental human rights there can be no real peace which is a pre-requisite for development. We should also create necessary safeguards against new and contemporary manifestations of discrimination, injustices and obstacles that impede their full realization”, the ambassador said.
He said Pakistan’s Constitution is based on the principles of equal rights and equal treatment of all citizens and persons without any distinction. It guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, including social, economic and political justice, freedom of thought, expression, religion, faith, worship and association
The ambassador assured that like other minorities of Pakistan Christians are also a part of the political, economic and social fabric of our country. “Their rights, as of other minorities, are protected by our Constitution and laws. Moreover, our Government, Parliament, judiciary, civil society and media are guarantors and protectors of their rights”.
Speaking about the steps taken by the present government for the promotion and protection of Human Rights in the country, the ambassador said that the Ministry of Human Rights monitors and addresses human rights violations and trends, with special reference to women, minorities and vulnerable segments of society. “Our media is one of the freest and most vibrant in South Asia. Besides acting as a watchdog on government policies, our Media has also worked zealously to raise awareness in the masses of their rights”.
As one of the founding members of the Human Rights Council, ambassador Masood said Pakistan has made constructive contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights. Pakistan supports the promotion of universally agreed human rights based on the principles of cooperation, non-discrimination, impartiality and genuine dialogue. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continue playing its role for the fulfilment of these objectives.
