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Press
Release
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Islamabad,
21st February, 2012
THE ADVISOR TO PRIME
MINISTER ON HUMAN RIGHTS,
MR. MUSTAFA NAWAZ KHOKHAR
MEETS WITH MR. JEREMY
DOUGLAS, REPRESENTATIVE
OF THE UNITED NATIONS
OFFICE ON DRUGS AND CRIME
(UNODC) IN PAKISTAN TO
DISCUSS DRUG TRADE, HUMAN
TRAFFICKING AND CROSS
CUTTING ISSUES OF HUMAN
RIGHTS.
Mr. Jeremy Douglas, Representative
of the United Nations
Office on Drugs and Crime
(UNODC) in Pakistan called
on the Advisor to Prime
Minister on Human Rights,
Mr. Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar
on 21st February at his
office. In the meeting,
issues related to drugs
trade, human trafficking
and cross cutting issues
of human rights were discussed
in detailed and a way
forward was also suggested.
The Advisor stressed on
the need to work with
renewed will to tackle
human rights situation
arising out due to rise
in drugs trade. While
mentioning the mandate
of the Ministry, he expressed
the resolve to review
the existing laws regarding
drugs trade and harmonizing
existing legislation,
regulations and practices
with the international
human rights covenants
and agreements to which
Pakistan is a party and
monitoring their implementations.
He further suggested forming
a committee which could
take upon the task of
reviewing existing laws
and suggesting new ones.
The Committee would be
tasked to complete its
task not in months but
in couple of weeks. The
Advisor while mentioning
the lacunas in the existing
laws said that there is
a dire need to treat the
narcotics users not as
violators of narcotics
law but also victims and
he urged for proper laws
for the rehabilitation
of drug victims. The Advisor
briefed him about other
international commitments
of Pakistan such as Preparation
of Universal Periodic
Report (UPR), International
Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights (ICCPR),
Convention Against Torture
(CAT), Convention on Elimination
of all forms of Discrimination
against Women (CEDAW)
etc. The Advisor also
told Mr. Jeremy Douglas
that the Ministry was
soon putting into place
a mechanism through which
all inmates in prisons
would be screened through
medical checkups for hepatitis
and HIV aids. The Advisor
also appreciated the United
Nations Office on Drugs
and Crime (UNODC) for
the positive work in Pakistan.
Mr. Jeremy Douglas, Representative
of the United Nations
Office on Drugs and Crime
(UNODC) while appreciating
the efforts of the Advisor
offered the Ministry technical
and financial support
for legislation regarding
drugs trade, human trafficking
and preventive detention.
He assured the Advisor
of his continued support
and cooperation for human
rights issues in Pakistan.
(Shahid
Rafiq)
Public Relations Officer
Contact # 03225033616
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Islamabad,
31st January, 2012
THE ADVISOR TO PRIME
MINISTER ON HUMAN RIGHTS,
MR. MUSTAFA NAWAZ KHOKHAR
MEETS WITH PAUL CASTELLA
THE HEAD OF DELEGATION
INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE
OF THE RED CROSS (ICRC)
TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL AREAS
OF MUTUAL INTEREST.
Mr. Paul Castella, the
Head of Delegation International
Committee of the Red Cross
(ICRC) called on the Advisor
to Prime Minister on Human
Rights, Mr. Mustafa Nawaz
Khokhar on 31st January
at his office. The Secretary
of Ministry of Human Rights,
Saeed Ahmed Alvi was also
present in the meeting.
This is the first ever
official meeting of Mr.
Paul Castella with the
Advisor since assuming
his charge as the Head
of Delegation ICRC in
Pakistan. The Advisor
appreciated the ICRC for
the positive work specifically
for prisoners in Pakistani
jails. He commended the
role of ICRC in spreading
awareness on International
Humanitarian Laws in Pakistan.
He also diverted the attention
of Paul Castella toward
the Pakistani prisoners
languishing in the jails
of foreign countries despite
completing their sentences.
The Advisor briefed him
about international commitments
of Pakistan such as Preparation
of Universal Periodic
Report (UPR), International
Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights (ICCPR),
Convention Against Torture
(CAT), Convention on Elimination
of all forms of Discrimination
against Women (CEDAW)
etc. He informed him that
these conventions have
not only been ratified
but would also be implemented
through domestic legislation.
Mr. Paul Castella the
Head of Delegation International
Committee of The Red Cross
(ICRC) while appreciating
the efforts of the Advisor
offered the Ministry to
identify mutual area of
interest and support for
improving human rights
situation in Pakistan.
He assured the Advisor
of his continued support
and cooperation in the
cause of human rights
in Pakistan.
(Shahid Rafiq)
Public Relations Officer
Contact # 03225033616
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Islamabad,
23rd January, 2012
THE ADVISOR TO PRIME
MINISTER ON HUMAN RIGHTS,
MR. MUSTAFA NAWAZ KHOKHAR
CHAIRS A MEETING OF THE
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
OF DIYAT, ARSH AND DAMAN.
A Meeting of the Administrative
Committee of Diyat, Arsh
And Daman was chaired
by the Advisor to PM on
Human Rights Mustafa Nawaz
Khokhar while the Secretary
of Ministry of Human Rights,
Saeed Ahmed Alvi was also
present in the meeting.
The purpose of the meeting
was to consider recommended
lists of the prisoners
for the disbursement of
funds for their release
who are languishing in
jails despite having served
out their sentences due
to their inability to
pay fines. It was noticed
in the meeting that only
Khyber PakhutanKhawa and
Balochistan forwarded
their lists of prisoners
but the provinces of Punjab
and Sindh could not furnish
any list. The recommended
list of prisoners by Khyber
PakhutanKhawa was not
found satisfactory and
not fulfilling the criteria
whereas the recommended
list of Balochistan was
thorough and according
to the laid rules which
was appreciated. It was
decided in the meeting
to release grant of Rs
1.073500 million for the
recommended prisoners
of Balochistan immediately
who fulfill the criteria
for disbursement of the
grant while the Ministry
of Human Rights would
send more guidelines to
the other provinces for
recommending prisoners
for the grant in order
to ensure transparency.
It was also decided in
the meeting to form Rules
Amendment Committee for
removing further anomalies
in the rules of Diyat,
Arsh and Daman. Moreover,
in order to make the process
more transparent the Regional
Directorates of Human
Rights Ministry would
be involved who would
verify the conditions
of the prisoners recommended
by the provinces for the
grant of Diyat Arsh and
Daman. The Advisor to
PM on Human Rights Mustafa
Nawaz Khokhar once again
expressed dismay and great
concern over the provincial
authorities of Punjab
and Sindh who are unable
to furnish the recommended
lists of the prisoners.
He urged them to come
up with the recommended
lists of prisoners to
the Ministry urgently.
(Shahid Rafiq)
Public Relations Officer
Contact # 03225033616
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Islamabad,
13th January, 2012
THE ADVISOR TO
PRIME MINISTER ON HUMAN
RIGHTS, MR. MUSTAFA NAWAZ
KHOKHAR MEETS WITH THE
AMBASSADOR OF SWEDEN ,
LARS-HJALMAR WIDE AND
NICLAS TROUVE, AMBASSADOR
SPECIAL ENVOY FOR PAKISTAN
AND AFGANISTAN DISCUSSES
POTENTIAL AREAS OF MUTUAL
INTEREST AND HUMAN RIGHTS
ISSUES.
The Ambassador of Sweden,
Lars-Hijalmar Wide and
Niclas Trouve, Ambassador
Special Envoy for Pakistan
and Afghanistan have called
on the Advisor to Prime
Minister on Human Rights,
Mr. Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar
on 13th January at his
office. The Advisor briefed
him about international
commitments of such as
Preparation of Universal
Periodic Report (UPR),
International Covenant
on Civil and Political
Rights (ICCPR), Convention
Against Torture (CAT),
Convention on Elimination
of all forms of Discrimination
Against Women (CEDAW)
etc. Such commitments
are essential for creating
a spirit of a good will
for Pakistan in the World
Community showing the
commitment of the Government
to human rights agenda.
He also informed that
these conventions were
not only be ratified but
would also be implemented
through domestic legislation.
He apprised them about
recent legislative initiatives
of the present Government
for addressing human rights
issues like National Commission
for Human Rights Bill,
the Women in Distress
& Detention Fund Bill,
National Commission for
Women Bill, and Prevention
of Anti Women Practices
Bill (Private Member Bill).
The Advisor told them
about long and sustained
media campaign which will
be initiated by identifying
three core issues like
terrorism, violence against
women and religious freedom.
These Identified human
rights issues will be
discussed from religious,
social, cultural and psychological
perspectives so that it
may initiate dialogue
in our society and change
the mind set of common
masses. He believes
that the proposed media
awareness campaign will
create space for legislators
to take initiatives for
harmonization of legislation,
regulations and practices
with the international
human rights covenants
and agreements and creating
pluralistic, tolerant,
progressive and open society.
The Ambassador of Sweden,
Lars-Hijalmar Wide and
Niclas Trouve, Ambassador
Special Envoy for Pakistan
and Afghanistan while
appreciating the efforts
of the Advisor have offered
the Ministry to identify
mutual area of interest
and support for appeasing
human rights situation
in Pakistan and creating
national harmony. They
have informed the Advisor
about the visit of their
Human Rights Ambassador
to Pakistan in near future.
They have assured the
Advisor of their continued
support and cooperation
in the cause of human
rights in Pakistan.
(Shahid
Rafiq)
Public Relations Officer
Contact # 03225033616
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Islamabad,
09 January, 2012
A DELEGATION COMPRISING
EMPLOYEES OF SHAHEED BENAZIR
BHUTTO WOMEN CRISIS CENTERS
FROM PUNJAB MET WITH THE
ADVISOR TO PRIME MINISTER,
MR. MUSTAFA NAWAZ KHOKHAR,
FOR REGULARIZATION OF
THEIR JOBS.
A delegation of Shaheed
Benazir Bhutto Women Crisis
Centres from Punjab met
with the Advisor to Prime
Minister, Mr. Mustafa
Nawaz Khokhar, in the
latter's office in Ministry
of Human Rights. The delegation
has requested the Advisor
to address the grievances
of the women centers'
employees who have been
seeking regularization
of their jobs for many
years. There has been
uncertainty and insecurity
among the employees since
these Shaheed Benazir
Bhutto Women Crisis Centers
were devolved under the
18th Amendment and the
Punjab Government refused
to accept 12 crisis centers.
This is particularly more
disturbing due to the
fact that the other three
provinces accepted these
centers located in their
respective provinces.
The delegation also appreciated
the efforts of the Advisor
for taking notice and
resolving their problems
like payment of salaries,
and release of funds after
the devolution.
The Advisor to Prime Minister,
Mr. Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar,
assured the delegation
that their issues will
be raised at the Council
of Common Interests in
order to reach an agreement
with the Punjab Government
and all possible steps
will be taken for regularization
of their jobs.
(Shahid Rafiq)
Public Relations Officer
Contact # 03225033616
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Islamabad,
09 January, 2012
MR.
MUSTAFA NAWAZ KHOKHAR,
REJECTED REPORT SUBMITTED
BY IG PRISON PESHAWAR
AND REQUESTED SESSION
JUDJE TO ORDER FOR FRESH
INQUIRY ON THE DEATH
OF A MAN IN MANSEHRA
JAIL.
The Advisor to Prime
Minister on Human Rights,
Mr. Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar
rejected the report
submitted by Mr. Qudrat
ullah Marwat, Inspector
General of Prison, Peshawar
on the death of man
in Mansehra jail and
requested District &
Session Judge Mansehra
to order for prompt
impartial inquiry. It
has clearly been appeared
in the report that the
true facts of the real
incident are being concealed
by not stating the true
cause of the death.
The jail authorities
are trying to cover
up something. When the
Advisor contacted the
father of the deceased
prisoner, he stated
that he did not give
any written statement
exonerating the authorities
from any claim regarding
his son's death. He
has stated that he had
been asked to sign a
blank paper as part
of the formalities for
handing over the corpse
to him. This indicates
that there has been
some forgery and tampering
of the documents. Furthermore,
no post mortem report
indicating the cause
of death has been provided.
The Advisor to Prime
Minister on Human Rights,
Mr. Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar
has requested District
& Session Judge
Mansehra to look into
the matter personally
so that the true facts
of the incident are
unearthed and those
responsible can be brought
to justice.
(Shahid
Rafiq)
Public Relations Officer
Contact # 03225033616
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Islamabad,
2nd January, 2012
A DELEGATION COMPRISING
EMPLOYEES OF SHAHEED BENAZIR
BHUTTO WOMEN CRISIS CENTERS
FROM PUNJAB MET WITH THE
ADVISOR TO PRIME MINISTER,
MR. MUSTAFA NAWAZ KHOKHAR,
FOR REGULARIZATION OF
THEIR JOBS.
A
delegation of Shaheed
Benazir Bhutto Women
Crisis Centres from
Punjab met with the
Advisor to Prime Minister,
Mr. Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar,
in the latter’s
office in Ministry of
Human Rights. The delegation
has requested the Advisor
to address the grievances
of the women centers’
employees who have been
seeking regularization
of their jobs for many
years. There has been
uncertainty and insecurity
among the employees
since these Shaheed
Benazir Bhutto Women
Crisis Centers were
devolved under the 18th
Amendment and the Punjab
Government refused to
accept 12 crisis centers.
This is particularly
more disturbing due
to the fact that the
other three provinces
accepted these centers
located in their respective
provinces. The delegation
also appreciated the
efforts of the Advisor
for taking notice and
resolving their problems
like payment of salaries,
and release of funds
after the devolution.
The
Advisor to Prime Minister,
Mr. Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar,
assured the delegation
that their issues will
be raised at the Council
of Common Interests
in order to reach an
agreement with the Punjab
Government and all possible
steps will be taken
for regularization of
their jobs.
(Shahid Rafiq)
Public Relations Officer
Contact # 03225033616
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Islamabad,
23rd December, 2011
NOTICE TAKEN OF NEWS
ITEM PUBLISHED IN DIFFERENT
NEWS PAPERS REPORTING
THREATS TO ASMA JAHANGIR
AND HUSSAIN HAQQANI.
The Honourable Advisor
to Prime Minister on Human
Rights, Mr. Mustafa Nawaz
Khokhar has taken serious
notice of a news item
appearing in today's "Dateline
Islamabad" captioned
"ASMA, HAQQANI THREATENED"
wherein the prominent
lawyer and human rights
activist Ms. Asma Jahangir
has been reported to have
stated that she is being
threatened along with
one of her clients, Mr.
Hussain Haqqani. The Advisor,
while taking notice of
this act, condemned it
and expressed his concern
over the threats. The
Advisor has written to
the Minister for Interior
Chief Minister, IG Punjab
and IG Islamabad to thoroughly
investigate the matter
so that the culprits can
be brought to justice.
He has also urged to provide
foolproof security to
Ms. Asma Jahangir and
her family members so
that any untoward incident
can be avoided. The Advisor
considers these threats
as violation of fundamental
rights like the right
to security of person
(Article-9), the right
to fair trial (Article
10-A), freedom of trade,
business or profession
(Article 18) and freedom
of speech (Article-19).
It is really tragic because
such incidents are tarnishing
the image of Pakistan
and spreading a sense
of insecurity and uncertainty
in the society.
(Shahid
Rafiq)
Public Relations Officer
Contact # 03225033616
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Islamabad,
22nd December, 2011
The
Ministry of Human Rights
organized a walk from
China Chowk to D Chowk
celebrating 22nd of December
as National Working Women's
Day in collaboration with
different NGOs. This walk
was led by the Secretary
Ministry of Human Rights,
Saeed Ahmed Alvi, in order
to show solidarity with
Working Women of Pakistan.
Women from different walks
of life took part in the
walk like parliamentarian,
govt. employees, teachers,
students, nurses, doctors,
lady health workers etc.
The purpose of the walk
was to highlight economic,
political and social achievements
of the working women in
Pakistan. At the conclusion
of the walk, the Secretary
Ministry Human Rights,
Saeed Ahmed Alvi highlighted
the steps the Government
has taken for protecting
the rights of working
women. He specifically
mentioned many steps for
social, economic and legal
empowerment like unanimous
approval of Anti Women
Practices Bill from National
Assembly, the Protection
against Harassment of
Women at the Workplace
Act, approval of Women
in Distress and Detention
Fund, and approval of
National Commission on
Human (NCHR) from National
Assembly. Nilofar Bakhtiar,
while addressing the gathering,
congratulated the Ministry
of Human Rights and all
the women present at the
occasion for unanimous
passage of many bills
from the Parliament for
social, economic and political
empowerment of women.
She also stressed the
need for effective implementation
of pro-women legislation.
(Shahid Rafiq)
Public Relations Officer
Contact # 03225033616
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Islamabad,
16th December, 2011
THE
ADVISOR TO PRIME MINISTER
ON HUMAN RIGHTS, MR. MUSTAFA
NAWAZ KHOKHAR MEETS WITH
MS. PRAMILA PATTEN MEMEBER
CEDAW AND ALICE SHICKFIED
FROM UN WOMEN DISCUSSING
REPORTING MECHANISM OF
THE REPORT ON CEDAW.
PRESS RELEASE
Ms. Prmaila Patten, member
CEDAW and Alice Shickfield
from UN WOMEN called on
the Advisor to Prime Minister
on Human Rights, Mr. Mustafa
Nawaz Khokhar on 16th
of December at his office.
The Delegation discussed
the process of preparation
of report on the Convention
on the Elimination of
All Forms of Discrimination
against Women (CEDAW).The
Ms. Prmaila Patten offered
that the CEDAW experts
would help Pakistna in
preparation of the report.
In this connection mock
session will be organized
to build the capacity
of the state actors invovled
in the process removing
lack of undestnading and
clarity on the treaty
obligations. Pakistan
which has acceded to the
Convention is now legally
bound to put its provisions
into practice and also
committed to submit national
reports on measures taken
to comply with the treaty
obligations. The convention
obliges Pakistan to submit
to the Secretary-General
a report on the legislative,
judicial, administrative
or other measures adopted
to implement the Convention
within a year after its
entry into force. The
CEDAW Committee woulf
formulate concluding comments
which outline factors
and difficulties affecting
the implementation of
the Convention for that
State party, positive
aspects, principal subjects
of concern and suggestions
and recommendations to
enhance implementation
of the Convention. He
has stressed on the need
that the conventions should
not only be ratified but
also implemented through
domestic legislation.
In this connection, Universal
Periodic Report (UPR)
will be linked to the
process of completion
of CEDAW Report.He also
mentioned about the legislative
initiative for enhancing
gender equality in Pakistna
and National Commission
on Women (NCW) will be
formed with more financial
and adminsitrative autonomy.
Alice and Parmilla appreciataed
the role of the Advisor
in the withdrawal of reservations
and ratifications of different
and expressed their interest
to engage in a consultative
process in the reporting
mechanism on CEDAW convetion
and UPR 2012 for creating
a good will for Pakistan
at International level.
(Shahid Rafiq)
Public Relations Officer
Contact # 03225033616
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Islamabad,
13th December, 2011
BRIEFING
ON MINISTRY OF HUMAN
RIGHTS GIVEN TO MS.
FIZA BATOOL GILANI,
HONORARY GOODWILL AMBASSADOR
FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT.
Mr.
Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar,
the Advisor to Prime
Minister on Human Rights
along with Ms. Fiza
Batool Gilani, Honorary
Goodwill Ambassador
for Women Empowerment,
presided over a meeting
on human rights issues
and women empowerment
on 13th of December
at Ministry of Human
Rights. Mrs. Shahnaz
Wazir Ali, Special Assistant
to Prime Minister also
attended the meeting.
Ms. Fiza Batool Gilani,
Honorary Goodwill Ambassador
was briefed about the
overall working, structure
and functions of the
Ministry. Besides, she
was apprised about recent
legislative initiatives
and reforms for addressing
human rights issues
like National Commission
for Human Rights Bill,
the Women in Distress
& Detention Fund
Bill, National Commission
for Women Bill, and
Prevention of Anti Women
Practices Bill (Private
Member Bill). She was
also informed about
different funds which
the Ministry manages
for relief and rehabilitation
of victims of human
rights violations and
marginalized segments
of the society like
Human Rights Relief
Fund, Diyat, Arsh and
Daman Fund, Human Rights
Revolving Fund, Women
in Distress and Detention
Fund. She was briefed
about international
commitments such as
Universal Declaration
of Human Rights, International
Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights (ICCPR),
Convention Against Torture
(CAT), Convention on
Elimination of all forms
of Discrimination Against
Women (CEDAW), SAARC
Convention on Regional
Arrangements for the
Promotion of Child Welfare
in South Asia etc. She
was also briefed about
ongoing projects like
Family Protection and
Rehabilitation Centre,
Islamabad, 12 Shaheed
Benazir Bhutto Centers
for Women in Punjab,
feasibility study for
construction of two
Working Women Hostels.
She was also informed
about different commissions
which would be given
greater administrative
and financial autonomy
like National Commission
for Human Rights, National
Commission on Status
of Women and National
Commission for Child
Welfare & Development.
Different steps taken
by the Government for
women empowerment e.g.
special quota in jobs
and legislation for
the protection of their
rights were also highlighted.
Numerous challenges
like poor institutional
mechanism, lack of awareness
on human rights, negative
socio-cultural norms
and traditions, patriarchal
set up affecting women
empowerment, weak grievances
redressal mechanism
and financial constraints
of public sector institutions
were also discussed.
A way forward was also
proposed and the need
to develop infrastructure
for rehabilitation of
women comprehensive
policies/ strategies
on women rights, awareness
raising through mass
media, public private
partnership to address
human rights issues
was stressed. Mr. Mustafa
Nawaz Khokhar, the Advisor
to Prime Minister on
Human Rights stated
in the meeting that
his Ministry is committed
to the protection, promotion
and practice of human
rights to foster peace
and democracy in Pakistan.
Ms. Fiza Batool Gilani,
Honorary Goodwill Ambassador
for Women Empowerment,
appreciated the efforts
of the Ministry for
the cause of human rights
and assured of her full
support and cooperation
for addressing challenges
and capacity issues
of the Ministry. She
expressed her resolve
to work for the betterment
and empowerment of women.
(Shahid
Rafiq)
Public Relations Officer
Contact # 03225033616
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| Islamabad,
24th November, 2011
THE
ADVISOR TO PRIME MINISTER
ON HUMAN RIGHTS, MR. MUSTAFA
NAWAZ KHOKHAR MEETS WITH
THE DELEGATION OF INTERNATIONAL
LABOUR ORGANIZATION (ILO)
DISCUSSING THE UNIVERSAL
PERIODIC REPORT 2012 (UPR)
PREPARING MECHANISM AND
ALSO RATIFICATION AND
IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL
LABOUR CONVENTIONS.
The Delegation of International
Labour Organization consisting
of Tine Staermose Director
for South Asia, Coen Kompier
Sr. Specialist International
Labour Standards, Ariel
B. Castro and others called
on the Advisor to Prime
Minister on Human Rights,
Mr. Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar
on 24th of November at
his office. The Delegation
has shown interest in
offering assistance in
preparation of Universal
Periodic Report (2012)
which will be submitted
in the UN in 2012. The
delegation has offered
their expertise through
the ILO Supervisory System
in UPR process. The Advisor
has made it clear that
the Universal Periodic
Report 2012 would not
paint the rosy picture
as it happens in most
of the cases in the past.
The report will be portraying
clear, factual and true
depiction of human rights
situation in Pakistan.
He has stressed on the
need that the conventions
should not only be ratified
but also implemented through
domestic legislation.
He has also highlighted
the capacity building
issues of the Ministry
with the delegation. In
this connection, he has
informed them that he
has asked the UN to provide
him a team of legal experts
to identify conventions
and treaties not ratified
by Pakistan until now
and the instances of domestic
legislations not in harmony
with the international
covenants and treaties.
The Advisor has briefed
the delegation about the
role of the Ministry in
the withdrawal of reservations
on ICCPR (International
Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights) and
CAT (Convention against
Torture) and hurdles in
the way of reporting mechanism
of these conventions.
He has also mentioned
about the legislative
initiatives for addressing
human rights issues e.g.
NCHR (National Commission
on Human Rights), and
NCW (National Commission
on Women) bills which
are being tabled in the
ongoing session of National
Assembly.
The ILO Delegation while
appreciating the efforts
of the Advisor offered
the Ministry to engage
in a consultative process
in the report mechanism
on many conventions and
UPR 2012 specifically.
The delegation has shown
interest in identifying
the areas for mutual cooperation
in capacity building of
the Ministry and the training
of the officials in the
ILO laws and standards.
The delegation has assured
the Advisor of their continued
support and cooperation
in UPR process and ratification
of different ILO
Conventions and their
reporting mechanism at
the international level
creating a good will for
Pakistan at International
level.
(Shahid
Rafiq)
Public Relations Officer
Contact # 03225033616
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Islamabad,
21st November, 2011
THE
ADVISOR TO PRIME MINISTER
ON HUMAN RIGHTS, MR.
MUSTAFA NAWAZ KHOKHAR
MEETS WITH MS. CECILIE
LANDSVERK, AMBASSADOR
OF ROYAL NORWEGIAN EMBASSY
TO DISCUSS ACTION PLAN
AGAINST FORCED MARRIAGES.
Ms.
Cecilie Landsverk, Norwegian
Ambassador along with
Mrs. Vivien Wrede-Holm,
Special Advisor (social
affairs) has called
on the Advisor to Prime
Minister on Human Rights,
Mr. Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar
on 21st November at
his office. The Norwegian
Ambassador has presented
the Advisor about the
action plan which comprises
measures and strategies
to combat forced marriage
of Pakistan based Norwegian
nationals. The action
plan has been devised
to prevent the occurrences
of forced marriage and
to protect the victims
of such abuse. The Advisor
has informed the Ambassador
that forcing a person
to marry is prohibited
not only by the Norwegian
law but also by the
Pakistani law and Islam
as well. He has further
highlighted that the
forced marriage is part
of a broader range of
issues related to authoritarian
upbringing, control,
cultural and traditional
pressure. The Advisor
has offered full support
to the Norwegian Ambassador
on the issue of forced
marriages by extending
full outreach of all
directorates of Ministry
present in all provincial
headquarters. He has
explained that his Ministry
can intervene, protect
and talk with the family
of a victim of forced
marriage if the issue
of forced marriage has
been highlighted by
the Norwegian Government
to the Ministry. He
has further informed
the Ambassador that
Government of Pakistan
is proactive in such
issues and there is
a full realization on
the part of the government
to tackle such human
rights violations. That
is why, there are number
of legislative initiatives
taken by the government
like recent passage
of Anti Women Practices
Bill, and NCHR (National
Commission on Human
Rights), and NCW (National
Commission on Women)
bills which are to be
tabled in the ongoing
session of National
Assembly. The Advisor
has informed about long
and sustained mass media
campaign which is going
to be launched soon
in order to spread the
awareness about human
rights issues.
Ms. Cecilie Landsverk,
Norwegian Ambassador
along with Mrs. Vivien
Wrede-Holm, Advisor
(social affairs) has
congratulated on the
passage of Anti Women
Practices bill and recognized
the role of the ministry
for taking many initiatives
and shown interest in
working together on
the issue of forced
marriage. The Advisor
has assured of his continued
support and cooperation
to combat and prevent
forced marriages of
the Norwegian nationals
in Pakistan.
(Shahid
Rafiq)
Public Relations Officer
Contact # 03225033616
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Islamabad,
3rd November, 2011
THE ADVISOR TO PRIME MINISTER
ON HUMAN RIGHTS, MR. MUSTAFA
NAWAZ KHOKHAR MEETS WITH
MR. GAJUS SCHELTEMA, AMBASSADOR
AND MR. JOHANNES SMEETS,
SECRETARY GOOD GOVERNANCE
OF THE EMBASSY OF NETHERLAND
DISCUSSES POTENTIAL AREAS
OF MUTUAL INTEREST AND
HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAMME.
H.
Gajus Scheltema, Ambassador
and Mr. Johannes Smeets,
Advisor on Good Governance
of the Embassy of the
Netherlands have called
on the Advisor to Prime
Minister on Human Rights,
Mr. Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar
on 3rd of November at
his office. The Advisor
has discussed the mutual
area of support and interest
by highlighting with them
his role in removing reservations
on ICCPR (International
Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights) and
CAT (Convention Against
Torture). He has also
mentioned about the legislative
initiatives for addressing
human rights issues e.g.
Women distress and relief
bill which has been approved,
NCHR (National Commission
on Human Rights), and
NCW (National Commission
on Women) bills have been
tabled and resultantly
the said commissions will
be formed soon. He has
further mentioned about
the National Policy on
Human Rights which will
be prepared indigenously
and its draft will be
completed after the eid.
The Advisor has informed
him about long and sustained
media campaign for de
radicalization of society
which will be initiated
by identifying three core
issues like terrorism,
domestic violence and
religious freedom. He
has particularly mentioned
about the Alternative
Grievances Mechanism for
addressing gross human
rights violations at gross
roots level.
Gajus Scheltema, ambassador
and Mr. Johannes Smeets,
Advisor Good Governance
of the Embassy of the
Netherlands while appreciating
the efforts of the Advisor
have offered the Ministry
to identify mutual area
of interest and support
for appeasing human rights
situation in Pakistan
and creating national
harmony and also bringing
into place corporate social
responsibility in Pakistan.
They have informed the
Advisor about their Human
Rights Programme in Pakistan.
They have assured the
Advisor of their continued
support and cooperation
in the cause of human
rights in Pakistan.
(Shahid
Rafiq)
Public Relations Officer
Contact # 03225033616
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Islamabad,
4th October, 2011
THE
ADVISOR TO PRIME MINISTER
ON HUMAN RIGHTS, MR.
MUSTAFA NAWAZ KHOKHAR
MEETS WITH THE AMBASSADOR
EU, AMB LARS -GUNNAR
WIGEMARK AND DISCUSSES
ABOUT UPCOMING EU HUMAN
RIGHTS PROGRAMME WORTH
5 MILLIONS FOR PAKISTAN.
The
Head of EU Delegation,
Mr. Amb Lars -Gunnar
Wigemark has called
on the Advisor to Prime
Minister on Human Rights,
Mr. Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar
on 04th of October at
his office. The Advisor
briefed the Ambassador
EU about his role in
removing reservations
on ICCPR (International
Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights) and
CAT (Convention Against
Torture) which are essential
for creating a spirit
of a good will in the
World Community showing
the commitment of Pakistan
to human rights agenda.
He also mentioned about
the legislative initiatives
for addressing human
rights issues e.g. NCHR
(National Commission
on Human Rights), and
NCW (National Commission
on Women) bills which
are to be tabled in
the ongoing session
of National Assembly.
He further mentioned
about the National Policy
on Human Rights which
will be prepared indigenously
whose draft will be
completed within couple
of weeks. The Advisor
informed him about long
and sustained media
campaign which will
be initiated by identifying
three core issues like
terrorism, domestic
violence and religious
freedom.
The Head of EU Delegation,
Mr. Amb Lars -Gunnar
Wigemark while appreciating
the efforts of the Advisor
offered the Ministry
to engage in a constructive
dialogue through EU
Sub Group on Human Rights.
He has informed the
Advisor about the upcoming
EU Human Rights Programme
worth five million Euros
where EU experts will
visit Pakistan and will
identify the areas for
financial assistance.
He has assured the Advisor
of his continued support
and cooperation in the
cause of human rights
in Paksitan.
(Shahid
Rafiq)
Public Relations Officer
Contact # 03225033616
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Islamabad,
the 30th September, 2011
THE ADVISOR TO PRIME
MINISTER ON HUMAN RIGHTS,
MR. MUSTAFA NAWAZ KHOKHAR
HAS TAKEN SERIOUS NOTICE
ON NEWS ITEM PUBLISHED
IN DIFFERENT NEWS PAPERS
ON 30TH SEPTEMBER (FRIDAY)
WHICH REPORTED THE PROTEST
OF STUDENTS OF FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT COLLEGE FOR
WOMEN, F-7/2 AGAINST THE
TORTURE OF THEIR TEACHER.
The
Honourable Advisor to
Prime Minister on Human
Rights, Mr. Mustafa
Nawaz Khokhar has taken
serious notice on news
item published in different
news papers on 30th
September (Friday) which
reported that the students
of the Federal Government
College for Women staged
a protest demonstration
against torture of a
student by a teacher
and demanded for an
inquiry. The Advisor
is very concerned about
corporal punishment
and inhuman treatment
with the female student
in the college. The
Advisor has directed
the Secretary CADD (Capital
Administration and Development
Division) to investigate
the matter and to submit
a factual report of
the whole incident within
two weeks. The copy
of the directions has
also been forwarded
to the DG Federal Directorate
of Education and the
principal of the concerned
college
(Shahid
Rafiq)
Public Relations Officer
Contact # 03225033616
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Islamabad,
the 29th September, 2011
THE ADVISOR TO PRIME
MINISTER ON HUMAN RIGHTS,
MR. MUSTAFA NAWAZ KHOKHAR
HAS TAKEN SERIOUS NOTICE
ON NEWS ITEM PUBLISHED
IN THE DAILY NATION'
26th SEPTEMBER (THURSDAY)
CAPTIONED 'BAILIFF RECOVERS
6 PEOPLE FROM POLICE
TORTURE CELLS'.
The Advisor to Prime
Minister on Human Rights,
Mr. Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar
has taken serious notice
of news item published
in the daily 'Nation'
26th September (Monday)
captioned 'BAILIFF RECOVERS
6 PEOPLE FROM POLICE
TORTURE CELLS'. As reported
in the newspaper that
a bailiff has recovered
six people from two
private torture cells
of police in the areas
of Saddar and Kotli
Loharaan police stations
Sialkot. The matter
is of serious concern
and there is a clear
abuse of authority on
the part of policemen
and SHOs. The Advisor
has directed the District
Police Officer, Sialkot
that the FIR must be
registered against the
police officer/official(s).
He has also directed
for immediate arrest
of culprits and called
for the factual report
and copies of FIRs of
the whole incident must
be sent to his office
within two weeks.
(Shahid Rafiq)
Public Relations Officer
Contact # 03225033616
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Islamabad,
the 29th September, 2011
THE ADVISOR TO THE
PRIME MINISTER ON HUMAN
RIGHTS, MR. MUSTAFA NAWAZ
KHOKHAR HAS TAKEN SCERIOUS
NOTICE ON NEWS ITEM PUBLISHED
IN THE DAILY 'DAWN' 26th
SEPTEMBER (MONDAY) CAPTIONED
'THEFT ACCUSED SUBJECTED
TO TORTURE'.
The Advisor to Prime Minister
on Human Rights, Mr. Mustafa
Nawaz Khokhar has taken
serious notice of news
item published in the
daily 'Dawn' captioned
'THEFT ACCUSED SUBJECTED
TO TORTURE' on 26th September
(Monday) which reported
that the accused Muhammad
Ibraheem resident of Burhan
village, Taxila was arrested
in a theft case. It has
been reported that he
was subjected to severe
torture by the police
officials including SHO
Muhammad Aslam. The matter
is of serious concern
for the Ministry of Human
Rights because it is a
clear misuse of authority
on the part of policemen.
The Advisor has directed
the District Police Officer,
Attock to investigate
the matter and hold inquiry
to ascertain facts of
the case and misuse of
authority. The Advisor
has further instructed
that the case must be
registered against the
responsible persons and
they should be arrested
immediately. He has also
called for a factual report
of the whole incident
by fixing responsibility
of the police official(s)
must be sent to his office
within two weeks.
(Shahid Rafiq)
Public Relations Officer
Contact # 03225033616
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Islamabad,
19th September, 2011
THE ADVISOR TO PRIME
MINISTER ON HUMAN RIGHTS,
MR. MUSTAFA NAWAZ KHOKHAR
DESCRIBED DRONE STRIKES
AS "TARGETED KILLINGS"
OR "EXTRA JUDICIAL
KILLINGS" AND THE
MATTER MAY BE TAKEN UP
WITH THE US AT THE APPROPRIATE
LEVEL
The Advisor to Prime Minister
on Human Rights, Mr. Mustafa
Nawaz Khokhar held a press
briefing on 19th of September
at his office in which
he categorically made
it clear that drone strikes
are not acceptable and
the matter must be reported
to the United Nations
Special Rapporteur on
Extra Judicial, Summary
or Arbitrary Executions.
Interestingly, up till
now in Pakistan, the debate
has only circled around
the loss of innocent lives
(collateral damage) and
not around the specific
legalities of these strikes
in light of International
Humanitarian Law (Law
of War) and how these
strikes are being viewed
by eminent jurists around
the world. Apart from
being in violation of
Pakistan's territorial
sovereignty, there is
a growing consensus among
international law experts
that these strikes can
be aptly described as
"targeted killings"
or "extra judicial
killings" primarily
because the targets are
being "taken out"
without giving them an
opportunity to defend
themselves in a court
of law. This view is gaining
ground in the international
legal fraternity and is
supported by various international
treaties as well as the
United States' own constitution.
The Advisor mentioned
that one does not have
to be a legal expert to
see that there is blatant
disregard of international
law, customary law, treaties
and conventions by the
American administration.
The moral and legal obligations
are being flouted by the
US administration. America
and its allies cannot
preach respect for Human
Rights when their own
record is questionable
ranging from disrespecting
the environmental treaties
to torturing detainees
and now extra-judicial
killings.
The Advisor requested
that the matter may be
taken up with the US at
the appropriate level.
It must be stressed upon
our partners in the war
on terror that these "extra
judicial killings"
must be stopped forthwith
as these are entirely
counterproductive. He
further requested that
after every such strike
the matter must be reported
to the United Nations
Special Rapporteur on
Extra Judicial, Summary
or Arbitrary Executions.
Since office of the Special
Rapporteur already holds
the view that these strikes
may amount to extra judicial
killings and continues
to take note of these
strikes. Pakistan's official
communication to it in
this regards might prove
to be highly productive.
(Shahid
Rafiq)
Public Relations Officer
Contact # 03225033616
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Islamabad,
13th September, 2011
THE
ADVISOR TO PRIME MINISTER
ON HUMAN RIGHTS, MR. MUSTAFA
NAWAZ KHOKHAR HIGHLIGHTING
HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES IN
MEETING WITH MR. ANDREW.B
SISSON, MISSION DIRECTOR,
USAID PAKISTAN
The
Advisor to Prime Minister
on Human Rights, Mr.
Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar
held a meeting with
Mr. Andrew.B Sisson,
Mission Director, USAID
Pakistan. In the meeting,
the Advisor briefed
the Mission Director
about the proactive
and dynamic role of
the ministry in redressing
the gross violations
of human rights. He
highlighted the recent
developments, initiatives,
and measures taken by
the Ministry of Human
Rights for protection
and safeguard of human
rights. He specifically
mentioned his role in
removing reservations
on ICCPR (International
Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights) and
CAT (Convention Against
Torture) which are essential
for creating a spirit
of a good will in the
World Community and
implementation of these
two instruments in letter
and spirit. He also
pointed out different
legislative bills e.g.
NCHR (National Commission
on Human Rights), NCW
(National Commission
on Women), Women in
Distress and Detention
Fund Bill) for protection
of human rights which
are to be tabled in
the upcoming session
of National Assembly
which shows the sincerity
and commitment of the
government. He also
threw light on issues
like violation of fundamental
rights, violence against
women and children,
unlawful detention of
common people, etc.
Mr. Andrew.B Sisson,
Mission Director, USAID
Pakistan appreciated
the efforts of the Ministry
and the Advisor for
promoting respect for
human rights in Pakistan.
They assured of their
continued support and
cooperation in the cause
of human rights.
(Shahid
Rafiq)
Public Relations Officer
Contact # 03225033616
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Islamabad,
16th September, 2011
THE
ADVISOR TO PRIME MINISTER
ON HUMAN RIGHTS, MR.
MUSTAFA NAWAZ KHOKHAR
MEETS MR. HAZEM HUSSAIN
ABU SHANAB, AMBASSADOR
OF PALESTINE, EXPRESSING
DESIRE TO VISIT GHAZA
STRIP ALONG WITH THE
GROUP OF HUMAN RIGHTS
MINISTERS OF THE MUSLIM
WORLD IN ORDER TO SHOW
SOLIDARITY AND HIGHLIGHTING
HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
AND SUFFERINGS AT THE
INTERNATIONAL ARENA.
Mr. Hazem Hussain Abu
Shanab, Ambassador of
Palestine in Pakistan
called on the Advisor
to Prime Minister on
Human Rights, Mr. Mustafa
Nawaz Khokhar on 16th
of September at his
office. In the meeting,
the Ambassador presented
the souvenir to the
Advisor. While condemning
the atrocities committed
by Israel, the Advisor
mentioned that the relations
between Pakistan and
Palestine have always
been solid, brotherly
and on strong footings.
He fully supported the
proposal of the creation
of an independent viable
Palestinian state according
to the international
documents and resolutions.
The Advisor also mentioned
support of Pakistan
for the right of self-determination
of the Palestinians.
He told him that the
Pakistanis are totally
against the Israeli
occupation of Palestine.
The Ambassador apprised
the Advisor of the current
situation and developments
of the Middle East and
specifically the peace
process between Palestine
and Israel. The Ambassador
also briefed about the
ongoing international
efforts to attain peace
in the region, and to
implement related agreements.
The Palestinian Ambassador
said that he would look
forward for the visit
of the Advisor to Prime
Minister on Human Rights,
Mr. Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar
to Ghaza Strip along
with the Group of Human
Rights Ministers of
the Muslim World and
he thanked the Advisor
and the people of Pakistan
for their continued
support to the Palestinian
cause.
(Shahid
Rafiq)
Public Relations Officer
Contact # 03225033616
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Islamabad,
the 6th September, 2011
A wreath laying ceremony
regarding the Pakistan
Defence Day was held at
the tomb of L. Naik Muhammad
Mehfooz Shaheed at Pind
Malkan currently known
as Mehfooz Abad. Brig
Rana Muhammad Latif along
with other respectable
personalities was also
present at the occasion.
The Advisor to Prime Minister
on Human Rights, Mr. Mustafa
Nawaz Khokhar also participated
in the function. While
addressing the audience
present at the occasion,
the Advisor said that
Pakistan is facing multiple
challenges of terrorism
and security threat. In
order to overcome these
challenges, it is important
to keep in mind the sacrifices
rendered by those who
laid down their lives
for the defence of the
country. These examples
create an environment
of patriotic passion and
pride. It reminds us that
the defence of Pakistan
is in safe hands. The
6th of September should
also be a day of thanksgiving.
We should all pray for
the safety and solidarity
of Pakistan and also that
God gives us the strength,
courage and determination
to protect and safeguard
the freedom and honour
of our homeland.
(Shahid
Rafiq)
Public Relations Officer
Contact # 03225033616
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Islamabad,
the 26th August, 2011
The Honourable Advisor
to Prime Minister on
Human Rights, Mr. Mustafa
Nawaz Khokhar has given
financial assistance
on behalf of the President
and the Prime Minister
worth Rupees One Hundred
Thousand to Mr. Jamal
Tarraki by delivering
him cash amount at his
office. Mr. Jamal Tarraki
was the cameraman who
filmed the Kharotabad
incident footage and
faced serious threats
to his life in Baluchistan.
Earlier the Advisor
visited Baluchistan
as a member of a fact
finding mission in June,
2011 and recommended
that the Police officials
involved in the incident
should be proceeded
against in accordance
with the law of the
land and the inquiry
into the incident should
be initiated.
The Advisor has also
committed to give him
a job here in Islamabad.
Moreover, Mr. Jamal
Tarraki will be given
Human Rights Award on
Human Rights Day celebrated
on 10th of December
to commemorate Universal
Declaration of Human
Rights.
(Shahid
Rafiq)
Public Relations Officer
Contactno:03225033616
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