–PM Imran backs Afridi’s proposal to abolish discriminatory rules, signboards from Islamabad Club, gymkhanas
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered to abolish colonial rules of discrimination in elite clubs, including Islamabad Club and gymkhanas, across the country.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting on the GSP Plus status of Pakistan on Tuesday chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan. Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi, Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, Advisor to PM on Commerce Abdul Razaq Dawood, Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan and senior officials attended the meeting.
“When the meeting discussed ways and means to curb human rights violation, Interior Minister Shehryar Afridi proposed abolishing discriminatory rules of banning maids and servants from entering elite clubs like Islamabad Club and Gymkhanas,” the sources said. “The prime minister supported the idea, saying it was under the vision of the PTI to abolish laws of discrimination which reflected colonial mindset.”
According to an official handout released by the PM Office, the prime minister has directed immediate removal of all kinds of discriminatory signboards in elite clubs and other public places that restrict the free movement of maids and domestic servants.
The prime minister directed Bureau of Statistics to conduct a country-wide survey on child labour and subsequently formulate of a comprehensive strategy to extricate such children from poverty and take measures for their education.
The prime minister was briefed that legislation is underway to criminalise enforced disappearance and the process of introducing necessary amendments in Pakistan Penal Code will be completed soon. The meeting was also briefed on progress made towards combating torture, domestic violence and other human rights related issues.
PM Imran stated that ensuring and safeguarding human rights is a major plank of Islam which is also enshrined in the constitution.
He reiterated that the government is firmly committed to protecting human rights and promotion of rights of minorities and marginalised sections of society.
