Senior leader of Pakistan People's Party and lawyer Aitzaz Ahsan has said that entire nation needs to be united on human rights issues. "It is high time that politicians, government servants, members of civil society and all others play their due roles to preserve sanctity of human rights, Aitzaz said while speaking at a seminar 'A Right Delayed is a Right Denied' organised by Leadership for Environment and Development (LEAD) Pakistan on Friday.
He said that the mindset of the society needs to be changed. Societies which progressed years ago focused on the right to inquiry, right to be different and right to benefit of doubt.
"Societies that acknowledge the right to question prosper. For any significant change in the condition of human rights, the society should lead the forefront along with the parliament and the judiciary," he added. Aitzaz said that youth should not be repressed and they should be given the right to questions and inquiry.
He appreciated the LEAD's initiative saying that this will help building a linkage between key decision/policy makers and victims of human rights violations to strengthen the human rights mechanisms in Pakistan.
The event began with a launching ceremony of the compendium of case studies. Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, Chief Executive Officer, LEAD Pakistan said that the organisation advocates the realisation of human rights as part of its agenda of promoting sustainable human development. The present publication on human rights issues in Pakistan attempts to enhance the understanding of the country's human rights paradigm, he added. He further said that the event is our way of showcasing the efforts made by LEAD for human rights.
Zia Ahmad Awan, President, Lawyers for Human Rights and Legal Aid said that civil and political life in Pakistan has been marred by widespread violence across the country. He urged the political leadership to be honest with the country.
Speaking about social and economic rights, Anees Jillani, Senior Partner, Jillani and Associates, said that if the current system of government is allowed to prevail the masses would bear the brunt of their irresponsibility. The panellist for the policy dialogue on environmental rights and Manager, Cultural Conservation and Heritage, Faryal Gohar, said that environmental rights and research material regarding Pakistan's environmental issues is scarce and not easily accessible.