Asif Ali Zardari
President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Message on the International Human Rights Day, 10th December 2024
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Today, we are commemorating International Human Rights Day to reiterate our commitment to promoting and protecting human rights at every level of our society. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, reflects the principles enunciated by Islam. The Constitution of Pakistan also guarantees fundamental rights to all its citizens and we remain steadfast in advancing human rights to empower our people.

Pakistan is cognizant of the importance of protecting the rights of all segments of society, including women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and minorities. It is my firm belief that democracy, peace, freedom, and human rights are intertwined, and protecting people’s rights is indispensable to building a stable and prosperous country.

Despite challenges, we are committed to implementing legal, economic, and social frameworks to safeguard human rights and minimize violations. Pakistan, in collaboration with Provincial Governments, UN Agencies, and civil society organizations, is working to protect vulnerable communities. Initiatives like the National Commission for Human Rights, the Women Empowerment Package, the Action Plan for Human Rights, and the Toll-Free Human Rights Helpline (1099) reflect Pakistan’s commitment to protecting human rights. Pakistan is also continuously undertaking legal and administrative reforms to fulfill its international obligations and safeguard the rights ofits  people. 

On this International Human Rights Day, we should not forget our brothers and sisters in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), who have been subjected to the worst forms of state terrorism and are being deprived of their social, political and economic rights. We also strongly condemn the ethnic cleansing and genocide of the Palestinian people by Israel in Gaza and other Occupied Palestinian territories.  We urge the international community to take practical measures to end the barbarism of Israel in Palestine. 

On this day, let’s pledge to fulfill our shared responsibility to protect and promote human rights to create a society based on equality, justice, and human dignity. 

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آصف علی زرداری
 صدر مملکت اسلامی جمہوریہ پاکستان
کا انسانی حقوق کے عالمی دن  پر پیغام، 10 دسمبر 2024ء
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