Vendor selling seasonal carrots at his cart at Khanna Pul.
A vendor selling fish at his setup near Khanna Pul
hairperson (P&CO), Mushal Hussain Malik addressing a seminar on “International Human Rights Day” at Islamabad Bar Council, Judicial Complex.
No society can tolerate violation of human rights: Faisal Karim Kundi
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday said since the protection of human rights was considered to be the foundation of any civilized, fair and prosperous society, therefore, no society could tolerate rights violations.
In his message on International Human Rights Day, Kundi appealed to the Pakistani nation to respect the fundamental rights of others and play every possible role in ensuring the protection of human rights of all.
The SAPM said, “On this day, I appreciate the good initiative of the government of Pakistan to include the transgender community in Benazir Kafaalat Programme, which is an important step towards the restoration of the rights of this deprived section.”
He said the Benazir Income Support Programme was going to launch a dynamic registry through which the deprived families would be provided an opportunity to update their information and become a part of the programme.
The Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, especially BISP, was playing its role in the protection of human rights and would continue to do so in the future, he added.
Sanaullah’s acquittal proves “worst” political victimisation by previous govt: PM
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said the acquittal of Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah in the narcotics case proved that the previous government had carried out the “worst” political victimisation.
The prime minister, in a statement, thanked Allah Almighty over “innocent” Rana Sanaullah’s acquittal by a special court in Lahore and those who used to swear on Allah and his Holy Prophet (PBUH) should seek forgiveness from Allah.
“The frivolous case of narcotics against Rana Sanaullah is the worst example of political victimisation. Despite facing political victimisation, Rana Sanaullah never uttered a word of complaint,” the prime minister said.
He said the time had drawn a clear line between truth and falsehood, genuine and forged, and innocent and sinful.
He paid homage to the party leaders including Rana Sanaullah and leaders of other political parties for boldly facing the “worst” political victimisation.
“The frivolous narcotics case against Rana Sanaullah and his acquittal is also an example to make the people know lies told by the previous government and the committed baseless incrimination.
Separately on his Twitter handle, the prime minister said that of all PML-N leaders targeted by Niazi’s regime, Rana Sanaullah’s case was worst example of political persecution with the most dangerous repercussions.
“He braved these heinous charges & repression with patience & remained steadfast. He is an inspiration for all political workers,” he posted in a tweet.
51st Shahadat anniversary of Sowar Hussain Shaheed observed
RAWALPINDI, Dec 10 (APP): The 51st Shahadat (martyrdom) anniversary of Sowar Muhammad Hussain Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider was observed on Saturday at Dhoke Muhammad Hussain near Gujar Khan.
According to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Officer Commanding, Major General Muhammad Irfan laid a floral wreath at Sowar Muhammad Hussain Shaheed’s mausoleum.
A smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Army presented a guard of honour. Various people from different walks of life, civil and military officials and relatives of Shuhada attended the wreath-laying ceremony.
Pakistan a leading voice on protection against racism, Islamophobia: Bilawal
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): As the world observes International Human Rights Day on Saturday, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that Pakistan was a leading voice on issues such as the right to development, and protection against racism, Islamophobia, and xenophobia.
The foreign minister, in his message, said that Pakistan joined the international community in commemorating the 74th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR).
He said on the Day, Pakistan celebrated its achievements and reaffirmed its resolve to uphold the universally agreed human rights norms, principles and values.
He said the 1973 Constitution guaranteed equal rights for all and equal protection of law.
“We are proud of our many achievements and the advancements made in women empowerment, child rights and the freedom of speech in Pakistan. Every successive generation has contributed to upholding of equality, dignity and human rights,” he remarked.
He said Pakistan had consistently made contributions including to global efforts, including at UN human rights bodies, to advance the ideals of human dignity, freedom and justice for all.
The foreign minister said that Pakistan had been at the forefront of the development of global human rights agenda – from its 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.
He said Pakistan had also been a champion of the rights of people living under colonialism and foreign occupation. It supported freedom movements of peoples living under colonialism in Africa and Asia, advocated against Apartheid and has been a leading voice against genocide, he added.
Foreign Minister Bilawal said Pakistan continued to be a firm advocate for the right of self-determination of the peoples of Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir as they had every right to realize their aspirations for dignity, liberty and human rights.
He urged the international community to join hands to bring an end to the suppression of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) and the violation of their human rights. They have an inalienable right to enjoy the same rights and freedoms as any other free people, he added.
“The people of Pakistan will continue to support them in their struggle for their right to determine their own future as guaranteed to them in international law and the UNSC resolutions,” the foreign minister resolved.
Chairman NDMA meets Executive Director of ADPC
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP):Chairman of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik met Executive Director of Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) Hans Guttman in Bangkok.
A three-member delegation of Pakistan led by the Chairman NDMA visited ADPC Headquarters in Bangkok on the invitation of Hans Guttman and participated in a session, a news release here received said.
Both discussed the prospects for enhanced future cooperation in various fields between the two organizations for strengthening the disaster management system in Pakistan.
The Chairman NDMA appreciated the support ADPC has been providing to Pakistan throughout the difficult times and asked for the expansion of the scopes in each portfolio to make it more accessible and usable for vulnerable communities.
While highlighting areas of future cooperation with Pakistan’s planned new National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), he stressed the need on developing mutual intellectual and academic fora as a collective approach towards disaster mitigation and disaster risk reduction, which were agreed to be included in potential projects.
The ADPC presented an account of their ongoing and planned projects and initiatives in the field of disaster risk reduction within Pakistan and across the region.
Hans Guttman assured to provide full support through ADPC to strengthen disaster preparedness and response mechanism of NDMA through training human resource and knowledge exchange and technological assistance.
NCSW, PNCA hold collaborative show
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP):National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), in collaboration with Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) held an exhibition and prize distribution for the poster competition on the theme of ending femicide, to commemorate 16 Days of Activism here Saturday.
As many as 50 students from twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi participated in the competition and received certificates for their submissions. The top three submissions, Syeda Fatima Hashmi 1st prize, Shehwar 2nd prize and 3rd prize Fatima Salahuddin received certificates and cash awards as well. A consolidation prize was also announced for Syeda Danya Zubair Beaconhouse and a special prize for Hifza Afzal from OPF college. Jury members were also awarded a certificate for their jury.
Chairperson NCSW, Nilofar Bakhtiar highlighted the meaning for ‘he for she’ concept in light of Ambassador Shaukat Mukaddam, and the support he provided for Noor Mukaddam. She mentioned that today was World Human Rights Day and the last day for the 16 Days Of Activism, a universal celebrated campaign.
Noor’s mother spoke about Noor, and mentioned she was an artist. She said Noor loved doing calligraphy and expressed herself through her art. She spoke of her family trip to Hajj, and how hard Noor worked to understand the quran and islam.”
The Chief Guest, Noor Mukaddam (late) father Shaukat Ali Mukaddam thanked NCSW and the PNCA for organizing this event. He said that he was very impressed and delighted to see NCSW working so hard to empower the women of this country. He said that the messages on these posters here today are very important and pertinent. Women make almost half of the population of Pakistan and have actively worked in every field.”