Pakistan reiterates commitment to protect human rights, dignity, equality, and freedom

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari said on Wednesday, the International Human Rights Day, that the country was committed to protecting and promoting human rights. 

The International Human Rights Day commemorates the historic Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations on December 10, 1948.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Sharif reiterated the country's commitment to protecting fundamental “human rights, especially human dignity, equality and freedom.”

While speaking about this year's theme, “Our Daily Needs”, PM Sharif said human rights were not just theoretical or bookish concepts but were practical “actions, including [the provision of] basic elements such as food, clean water, and protection of life.”

'Equality for all humanity'

The premier said that Islam was “the strongest, most credible and effective source of human rights,” adding that it proclaimed equality for all humanity.

He said that the religion mandated a society where there was “no discrimination on the basis of color, race, caste, religion or belief.”

PM Sharif said the government was committed to protecting, promoting, and effectively implementing people's rights, adding that the country had always “supported human rights at the national and international levels.”

“Our goal is to create a society where no citizen is left behind,” PM Sharif was quoted as saying. 

According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, President Zardari reaffirmed that the government would continue its efforts to safeguard the “liberty, dignity and self-esteem of all citizens.”

“The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees freedom to every citizen, without distinction of caste, creed or color,” the president said in a message.

'Justice for every individual'

President Zardari reaffirmed his commitment to upholding dignity, equality, and justice for every individual, regardless of race, religion, gender, language, or social status.

He said that Islam placed “great value on human dignity, respect for others and the freedom and equality of all people,” adding that the government recognized “the need to focus on vulnerable and marginalized groups.”

“We must foster a culture of respect, tolerance, and mutual dignity. We must empower our people, particularly women, children, minorities, and persons with disabilities, to take part fully in national life. We must work with civil society, human rights defenders, national institutions, and international partners to uphold our shared values,” he said.

The president called on government institutions, civil society, the media, non-governmental organizations, and citizens to play their part in protecting and promoting human rights.

“On this International Human Rights Day, let us renew our pledge to defend human dignity, advance equality, and build a Pakistan where every citizen lives free from fear, oppression, and discrimination. May this day inspire us, as a nation and as a global community, to uphold the promise of human rights, today and in the years ahead,” he added.

Deputy prime minister’s message 

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in his message released by Ministry of Foreign Affairs on International Day of Human Rights, said, “Pakistan joins the international community in reaffirming its resolve to uphold human dignity, fundamental freedoms, and human rights for all.”

Dar said, “In line with its international obligations and its commitment to promote and protect human rights, the Government of Pakistan has taken numerous institutional, policy and legislative steps, particularly to protect the rights of women, children, and minorities.”

“The recent enactment of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 2025, is a notable step forward in realizing the government’s vision to provide effective redressal mechanisms to the minorities,” the deputy prime minister said.

Election to Human Rights Council 

Dar said, “Pakistan’s recent election to the Human Right Council (HRC) for the sixth time shows the international community’s strong confidence in Pakistan’s contribution at the national and international levels to further the goals of the global human rights framework.”

“We reiterate our commitment to engage constructively with all HRC members, and to accord importance to all facets of human rights, including economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as the right to development.”

“As we commemorate this day, we must not forget that in situations of continued foreign occupation, millions face privation and daily assaults on their dignity and rights,” Dar said in his message.

Atrocities in Indian-occupied Kashmir 

“Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJ&K) and the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), where people under occupation continue to suffer atrocities and serious human rights violations while striving for their inalienable right to self-determination,” he said.

The deputy prime minister said, “We also remain concerned at the rising tide of Islamophobia and underscore the need for concerted international efforts to address this challenge that is intensifying marginalization, stigmatization and hatred in many societies.”

“Pakistan vows to continue upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without discrimination, and looks forward to enhanced international cooperation to tackle all current and emerging challenges in this regard,” Dar said in his message.