Islamabad (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that the government was committed to providing equal rights to citizens from all communities living in the country.
He made these remarks while addressing a ceremony in connection with the observance of International Human Rights Day in Islamabad.
“The government was committed to the provision of equal rights to citizens from all communities living in Pakistan so that they could excel in different fields of life by protecting their basic human rights,” he said.
“It is our priority and the government is committed to providing opportunities to all on an equal basis so that they could excel in different fields of life by protecting their basic human rights”.
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The premier said Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) had enunciated the contours of basic human rights and equality of humans 1400 years ago.
“The Founder Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in his historic speech on 11 August, had emphasized upon the equal rights of all citizens regardless of the creed, cast and religion,” he added.
The premier said the government was committed to doing more in this regard to be able to stand with pride in front of the nation, posterity and the entire humanity.
“It is a long journey to traverse,” he said, adding that the nation should move ahead, putting away all their issues, and find their way for the next generation.
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PM Shehbaz recalled that during his time as chief minister of Punjab, he supported announcing financial initiatives for students from other provinces.
“Steps taken during my tenures as chief minister included Punjab Endowment Fund, award of scholarships and laptops on merit, in which all the provinces, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir,” he noted.
The premier mentioned the establishment of a centre in Multan to combat violence against women and the Zaiwer-e-Taleem program, which provides scholarships in Southern Punjab. He also emphasized efforts to eliminate child labour in brick kilns, noting that around 90,000 children previously forced into labour have now been enrolled in schools.
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PM Shehbaz added that the incumbent government is sending 1,000 graduates from across the country, including Gilgit-Baltistan, to China to acquire advanced technical education and skills.
Commending the efforts of Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and other stakeholders, the Prime Minister praised their dedication to promoting and protecting human rights.
