Day: December 10, 2022

President Dr Arif Alvi and the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to continue extending moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris in achieving their legitimate right to self-determination.

In their separate messages on World Human Rights Day, on Saturday, they said we must continue our collective efforts to ensure that the people of Indian Illegal Occupied Jammu and Kashmir are able to enjoy the same rights and freedoms as are available to any citizen of a free State.

In his message, President Dr Arif Alvi urged the United Nations and the international community to play their due role so that Kashmiris can also enjoy all their human rights as guaranteed under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the Security Council resolutions.

In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the world community to renew its political will for protection of human rights.

He said present global tumult is explained by denial of fundamental rights to oppressed people such as Kashmiris in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestinians.

The Prime Minister said societies whose foundations are built on human rights prosper faster than others.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that Pakistan’s constitution guarantees equal rights and equal protection of law to all citizens.

In his message on World Human Rights Day, the Foreign Minister said that we are proud of our many achievements and the advancements made in women empowerment, child rights and the freedom of speech in Pakistan.

He said Pakistan has been at the forefront of the development of global human rights agenda from our contribution in development of Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the International Convention on Elimination of Racial Discrimination to the landmark International Conferences on Human Rights in Vienna and the Beijing Conference on Women.

The Foreign Minister said today, Pakistan is a leading voice on issues such as the right to development, and protection against racism, Islamophobia, and xenophobia.

Minister for Planning and Development Professor Ahsan Iqbal in his message on World human Rights Day paid tribute to the sanitary workers who work hard to keep the streets of the country clean.

He said these silent workers of the nation deserve appreciation as they work hard for us. Ahsan Iqbal said our religion also teaches us about cleanliness.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection Faisal Karim Kundi has said that protection of human rights is the foundation of any civilized, fair and prosperous society.

In his message on World Human Rights Day, he appealed the nation that not only respect the fundamental rights of others, but also play every possible role in ensuring the protection of their human rights.

Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo has said that Provincial Government will ensure necessary legislation for protection of human rights.

In his message on world Human Rights Day, he said we are committed for protection of human rights.

He said Islam is religion of peace and love and teaches us to respect human rights.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb has said that entire focus of government is to revive the economy, reduce inflation and provide job opportunities to the youth.

Addressing a news conference in Islamabad on Saturday, she said we have the capability and intent to address the challenges faced by the country.

The Information Minister said the reconstruction and rehabilitation has been started in the flood affected areas.

She, however, regretted the PTI Chairman is still engaged in efforts to destabilize the country.

Marriyum Aurangzeb said Daily Mail has sought unconditional apology that the story it published against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was false.

She said the PTI Chairman used Daily Mail as one of the tools to destroy Pakistan and its credibility. She said the PTI Chairman should seek apology from the nation over his false allegations against Shehbaz Sharif.

Marriyum Aurangzeb said the PTI, during its tenure, used all the resources to register fake cases against political opponents. She said they could not prove the allegations in courts as they had no evidence.

Responding to a question, the Information Minister said the PTI Chairman cannot divert attention from his corruption including in Toskhana case by resorting to hue and cry. She said those who plundered the national exchequer will not escape accountability.

Marriyum Aurangzeb said the PTI will not dissolve the provincial assemblies.

The Minister said general elections will be held in October next year in accordance with the constitution. She said we will accept the decision of the masses in the polls.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari says Organization of Islamic Cooperation should lead the diplomatic effort to find lasting solution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UNSC resolutions.

Addressing a joint press stake out alongside OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha in Islamabad on Saturday after bilateral meeting with him, he said Pakistan deeply appreciates OIC’s role in assuring and safeguarding social, economic and political interests of Muslim world.

The Foreign Minister said India’s ongoing human rights violations, its illegal acts in 2019 are blatant violations of international law and stand in sharp contrast to every effort for peace and stability in the region.

He said we discussed Islamophobia with the OIC secretary General and encouraged the appointment of special envoy for Islamophobia.

On Afghanistan, the Foreign Minister said we emphasized the urgent need to follow up on decisions made at 17th extraordinary session at CFM in Islamabad last December.

He said we are pleased to know that there has been progress on all fronts, sufficient initial resources to strengthen OIC office in Afghanistan and operation of special envoy has been provided by OIC membership.

The Foreign Minister added that the newly inaugurated office of OIC mission in Kabul will be helpful in channelling OIC support to Afghanistan and alleviating humanitarian situation there.

He said Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with Palestinians as mandated by recent CFM meetings and OIC should prepare action plan to raise Palestinian issue internationally.

Bilawal Bhutto announced that Pakistan will organize OIC trade fare from 16th to 18th June next year in Lahore.

Speaking on the occasion, the OIC Secretary General said we ask India to cancel all illegal decisions taken regarding Kashmir. He said OIC contact group has adopted a detailed plan of action on Kashmir and OIC will continue to raise its voice for the cause of Kashmiri people.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar categorically rejected rumours being spread by the opposition about default threats to Pakistan.

Addressing a ceremony organized by All Pakistan Textile Mills Association in Lahore on Saturday, the Minister said the indicators show that Pakistan should have been part of the G20 if the pace of development is not derailed.

Ishaq Dar said wheat is being smuggled from our country and this must be stopped on a war footing.

He termed the previous government’s period as the darkest period of the country in terms of economy.

Source: Radio Pakistan