Government’s dedication towards improvement of HR situation surprises many, says Zafarullah

Islamabad

Dedication of present government towards the improvement of human rights situation in the country has surprised many who were not expecting such progressive approach from the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz, largely considered a political party with right wing approach.

The government has announced country’s first ever ‘Action Plan for the Improvement of Human Rights in Pakistan.’ Legal Reform Committee has been formulated where laws pending from decades are examined and forwarded to the parliament within days, funds for dissemination of legal aid to needy and vulnerable has been established, the government has allocated funds for the establishment of Institution for Human Rights to create awareness about human rights and Women Empowerment Package is expected to be announced on International Women Day.

An interview with the man behind this activism, State Minister for Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR) Barrister Zafarullah reflects the spirit behind this progressive approach and reveals the future plans under discussion at the Ministry.

The state minister, who has refused to receive any salary or benefit from the government, admits that implementation of human rights was never taken seriously by previous governments but believes that “it is never too late.” Responding to a question regarding general impression that these mechanisms are developed under international pressure, he said that as state minister, fundamental rights guaranteed in Islam and constitution are more important than any international treaty.

“Our religion, culture and constitution give priority to human rights. Protection of fundamental rights is the basis of our constitution. Unfortunately, those rights were neglected in past and the rationale behind this progressive approach of present government is to double the investment of resources and effort to cover the gap created by the past negligence,” he said.

He said that Pakistan lags behind in implementation of human rights as compared to other Muslim countries such as Turkey and Malaysia. “Our people deserve honour, respect and rights and that is the basic spirit behind all these initiatives,” he said adding that according to Islam, state is the guardian of those who are needy and vulnerable.

The state minister said that time-bound Women Empowerment Package is the continuation of ‘Action Plan for the Improvement of Human Rights in Pakistan’ and deals with one section of the Plan. “Similarly, empowerment packages for other vulnerable section will be prepared after extensive consultations with the relevant stakeholders and will be announced accordingly.”

He said the legislation for establishment of national commission for the rights of children and minorities has been prepared and under review of standing committees whereas the MoHR is also considering the demand from Persons with Disability (PWD) to establish a separate national commission for PWDs. “A consultation will soon be called with the representatives of PWDs to discuss different proposals for the protection of PWD rights.”

Answering to a question regarding chances of the duplication of work by different commissions, he agreed that principally there must be only a one institution to protect human rights. “There are many reasons for establishment of separate commissions such as international obligations and need of focused effort for different vulnerable sections.”

To address this issue, he said that the MoHR has already asked all institutions to make their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) so that their role can be clarified. “We plan to set some standards for rationalizing the membership for these commissions. This will also help to minimize duplication of work. Besides that, strengthening and capacity building of these commissions is part of Action Plan for Improvement of Human Rights.”

Within the MoHR, he said, that the ministry will be divided into specialized departments to deal with specific vulnerable section of the society. He said that a summery along with the details of hiring procedures and financial implications has been sent to the Prime Minister for approval.

Talking about the funds allocated by Prime Minister for legal aid, Zafarullah said that Rs100 million has been allocated for this purpose by the Prime Minister. “We are in the process of making terms of reference for the dissemination of these funds.” Under this fund, he said the priority would be given to widow, divorced, orphan and disable whereas cases related to property, dowry, violence, custody, family etc will be given preference.

For dissemination, he said that four-member district level committees would be formed. The committee members will be headed by District Session Judge with three other members including DCO and a representative from district bar association and civil society. He said that to facilitate women in courts, the MoHR has decided to construct waiting rooms in the district courts throughout the country.

About allocation of funds for Institute of Human Rights, he said that Institute will offer short courses on human rights for all stakeholders including lawyers, law enforcers, media and public officer. “My wish is to create a group of human rights defenders in the country,” he said adding that he has also written to Bar Councils to include the subject of human rights in the curricula of LLB.