Lahore
Punjab Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Khalil Tahir Sindhu has said that the government is committed to protecting the rights of minorities as well as human rights, and a number of concrete steps have been taken besides legislation and execution of special initiatives for the purpose. He stated this while addressing a Christmas dinner hosted in honour of ambassadors and diplomats of different countries. Ambassadors and dignitaries of different countries attended also participated in the event.
The Punjab minister welcomed the participants and said that Jesus Christ’s message of love, peace and harmony reminds the people of the commitments to promote justice for all and care for the downtrodden. The Punjab minister mentioned the special steps taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to provide proper opportunities of welfare and development to the minorities. He said that 27 conventions had been signed with the European Union and a task force developed to collaborate with local communities at the district level in all 36 districts of Punjab to monitor human rights violations. He also talked about ban on hate speeches and hate material and propagation of violence through the exploitation of religion in line with National Action Plan.
Khalil Tahir Sindhu said that the chief minister had designated a special cabinet committee to fulfil the requirements of the GSP-Plus status of Pakistan. Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan Mr Jean Francois appreciated the spirit and gesture of the provincial minister for human rights and minority affairs.
He also appreciated the government efforts for protection of human rights and other similar measures for welfare of minorities. He said, "We are working closely for betterment of different segments of society in Pakistan."