ISLAMABAD
Information Minister Pervaiz Rasheed on Thursday said the government is committed to protecting human rights in Pakistan.
He said this in a meeting with Norbert Lammert, president of the German Bundestag, who called on him along with a delegation on Thursday.
He said that Pakistan was now a functioning democracy where media enjoyed freedom, civil society played its role and judiciary performed its job freely.
“We have a parliamentary democracy where executive authority is monitored by a vigilant opposition,” the minister added.
Rashid said Pakistan attached great importance to its ties with Germany as both share common values of democracy and plurality. He informed the delegates that the government was working for the welfare of the people and was focusing on priority areas of economy, energy and education.
To a question regarding human rights, the minister informed the delegation that after the passage of 18th Amendment, most of the departments related to human rights have now been devolved to the provinces for better implementation and coordination, however legislative matters are to be dealt at federal level.
He assured the delegation that the government would make every effort to safeguard the rights of religious and ethnic minorities in Pakistan.
To another question, Rashid reiterated the government’s commitment to ongoing dialogue process with the banned terrorist outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
He said that the government believed in consensus and all democratic forces in parliament were supporting the peace talks. The minister emphasised on the need for regular parliamentary exchanges between Pakistan and Germany as it would help in further promoting bilateral ties between the two countries.
Rashid said the government was reviving the country’s economy by showing zero tolerance to corruption and ensuring transparency and fairness at all levels.
He urged the delegation to take advantage of the investment opportunities in Pakistan, especially in energy, infrastructure and agriculture sector.
