State Minister for Interior Dr Shahzad Wasim has criticised justice system of the United States, saying it violates human rights despite being called the champion of human rights. He was addressing a seminar on "Tolerance, Peace and Solidarity" organised by "Solidarity International" here on Saturday. Dr Shahzad condemned the materiel published in the State Department report, where Pakistan's justice system was criticised.
He said on what ground US criticises the justice system of other countries, when the super power itself was involved in crushing fundamental human rights ranging from Guantanamo Bay to Abu Ghraib jail.
He further said on the one hand US distributes money in the name of justice and human rights in other countries, and on the other, it has given a free hand to its army to suppress people around (the globe).
Talking about police, the state minister said police reform was the ultimate goal of the present government, however, he pointed out that without bringing changes in the mindset of police, structural changes would be counterproductive.
General Asad Durrani (Retd) said without peace prosperity could not be achieved.
He said poverty was like a silent tsunami of every day, which needs to be addressed not at national but at international level.
MNA and parliamentarian secretary for the cabinet division Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said tolerance is a fundamental democratic tool without which peace could not be attained.
She pointed out that the society has been made hostage of two percent elite class, adding we could not expect tolerance from such poverty-stricken people.
She said unless and until gap between the rich and the poor is removed, the country could not progress.
Dr Firdous disclosed that some anti-Pakistan elements have bagged Rs 160 million in the name of helping Mukhtaran Mai to sabotage the country's image abroad.
She also accused two private secretaries of Mukhtaran Mai, who continuously blame the government by providing huge amount to media.
Former ambassador Iqbal Shafi said religious forces should highlight real essence of Islam, which was presented by our Prophet (PBUH) and followed by Quaid-e-Azam.
He said Ulema neither follow teachings of holy Prophet nor accept secular national theory of the Quaid, who taught tolerance, peace and equality without religious and sectarian prejudice.
Dr Zakaullah Khan said there were a number of faults in the justice system in the country, which need to be addressed urgently.
He also quoted the present report of US State Department, in which Pakistan's system was strongly criticised.