Netherlands embassy honours journalist with Tulip Award

Islamabad:The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Pakistan hosted its annual Embassy Human Rights Tulip Award ceremony at the ambassador's residence on Tuesday.

This prestigious award recognises outstanding individuals or organisations dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights in Pakistan. This year's recipient is journalist Asad Ali Toor.

In her speech, Ambassador Henny de Vries celebrated Pakistan's human rights defenders, who face many challenges. She emphasised the importance of the many human rights defenders who work tirelessly to protect and promote the rights we hold dear, such as religious freedoms and the freedom of expression.

Upon receiving the award, Toor stated, "Today is the biggest day in my life and career that my work is acknowledged by the international community.

This award will not only encourage me but make me realise the responsibility I carry from now onwards in the journey of reporting on the marginalised, especially living in Balochistan, KP and minorities across Pakistan." The Embassy Human Rights Tulip Award includes a grant for a small human rights project to be implemented by the recipient, further supporting their work in defending human rights in Pakistan.