The National Youth Assembly (NYA) on Friday proposed that human rights education should be included in the curriculum of educational institutions. An NYA delegation in a meeting with Advisor to Prime Minister for Human Rights Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar here, recommended that the ministry concerned should sponsor an annual human rights essay contest for students.
The delegation also suggested holding of special awareness campaigns, seminars, conferences etc., involving the youth and youth-led organizations.
The concerned should also announce `Youth Human Rights Award, appointment of Youth Human Rights Ambassadors in the proclamation and recognition of humanitarian work, they added. Moreover, they recommended that ministry should also propose honorary degrees to credible human rights activists in forwarding the cause of human rights throughout the country.
Talking to the delegation, Mustafa Khokhar said the youth constituted more than 60% of the country’s population and played a pivotal role in promoting the spirit of human rights. He said it would have monumental impact if the ministry allocated regular time on radio and television for human rights programming and HR education themes.
The advisor assured the delegation that he would forward their recommendations including of National Youth Commission to higher authorities for consideration. In response to idea of NYA for its study visit to Adiala Jail, the Advisor issued directives for making arrangements. He also offered the interested members of NYA for internship with the Ministry of Human Rights to practically involving in alleviating the worsening situation of HR problems.
On the occasion, President of NYA, Hanan Ali Abbasi asked the Ministry of Human Rights to propose formation of a non-partisan all party human rights caucus in parliament. Vice President NYA and international squash player, Aamir Atlas Khan expressed the hope that the ministry-NYA collaboration would have impressive impact on society for creating awareness regarding human rights.
Reasonable prices of books to revive reading culture: For reviving the diminishing book reading culture among people, the books and reading material must be available at reasonable prices.
These views were expressed by Federal Secretary, Ministry of National Heritage & Integration, Asif Ghafoor while addressing the concluding ceremony of 5-day National Book Fair arranged by Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL).
He said parents and teachers can play pivotal role for promoting book reading habit among children at early age as close relation of any nation with books showed their maturity and help them to get progress and prosperity in every field of life.
The modern technology and high prices of books are major reasons of declining book reading habit in younger generation and these problems must be addressed to promote love for books among students, Federal Secretary said.
He appreciated the efforts of PAL for arranging National Book Fair and urged the Academy to continue such efforts to facilitate literature lovers. The cultural programmes including Mushaira, Authors’ corners and folk music events were also worth acknowledging which provided an opportunity to enjoy different things at one platform, he said. Chairman PAL, Abdul Hameed on the occasion said that purpose of arranging book fair was to increase number of book lovers and inculcate book reading habit, besides, developing a link between books and younger generation.
He thanked the book publishers who participated in the book fair and offered books at discount rates. He appreciated the participation of universities students who made this event a success by their active participation. The Federal Secretary at the end, distributed certificates among the publishers and other institutions including Urdu Science, Board, Tehqeeqat, Dastaweez Publishers, Subah Roshan, New Galaxy Books, Women Publications Institute, Fiction House, Nigarshat, Iqbal Academy, Nisar Publishers, Pashto, Porab & Dawah Academy, Pakistan National Council of Arts, National Language Authority, Afaaq Publishers and Tehreek Adbul Quran.
