President Mamnoon Hussain on Saturday urged the international community to take notice of the gross human rights violations in Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK) and Palestinians who are deprived of their right to self-determination. Speaking at a function in connection with International Human Rights Day, observed on December 10, the president stated that the international community, big powers and international institutions should take notice of plight of Kashmiri and Palestinian people, as such painful incidents not only deprived the people of certain regions of their rights, but also led to a series of intolerable human rights violations.
The event was organized by Ministry of Human Rights and President Mamnoon Hussain was the chief guest. Expressing resolve for the year's Human Rights Day theme "Stand up for someone's right today", President also urged the international community to exercise care in formulation of policies.
He said that the slogan for observing International Human Rights Day was the most suitable choice because as a Muslim our faith, as Pakistani our Constitution, UN Charter as an international citizen and declaration of human rights made them responsible to renew their commitment for the cause. He further said that there were also some political and administrative matters which might violate human rights, and reminded the international community that no step should be taken that might adversely affect the rights of others.
"In these circumstances, responsibility to reform rests on the entire humanity. As long as such incidents are not controlled, global peace will remain elusive and the global movement for protection of human rights will not be completely successful", he asserted.
In this age, he added that no society could remain confined within its geographical boundaries because many external elements affect the internal affairs of other countries. He noted that the problem arose when some internal and external elements interfere in others' business by crossing the boundaries to protect their interests. "If the situation in Pakistan was reviewed, then this reality emerged that acts of extremism, as a result of which freedom and human rights were violated, occurred when external forces or internal elements overstepped their limits", he said, adding the people of Pakistan have demonstrated their wisdom and never supported such extremist elements.
He stated that government and the people of Pakistan stand together in rejecting the extremists and the national institutions are also playing a positive role in eliminating the menace of terrorism and extremism. He stated that it was a matter of pride that the people of Pakistan gave more charity in philanthropy throughout the world on the basis of GDP ratio by providing assistance to the deprived segments of the society. He also expressed satisfaction, saying that effective legislation has been done in the country for protection of human rights including laws for education, child protection, honor killing, violence against women and respect and protection of religious rights of the people.
He said effective measures at the local, provincial and national level had been taken for the implementation of these laws. Minister for Human Rights Kamran Michael and Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousuf were also present on the occasion. The event was also attended largely by the parliamentarians, ambassadors, human rights activists and social workers.
Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan, a popular classical singer presented a song highlighting the significance of the human rights and was also joined by the minister for human rights. The president also gave away awards among the notable personalities who had rendered valuable services in the realms of human rights, humanitarian and social work.
The president awarded National Human Rights 2016 to the patron-in-chief of Pakistan Hindu Council and Member National Assembly Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani as recognition of his services to protect the human rights. Speaking on the occasion, Ramesh Vankwani said that protection of human rights is a key factor for the formation of peaceful society, adding all those societies where social injustice and inequalities prevailed soon get vanished from existence.