Pakistan Underscores Commitment to Minority Rights and Interfaith Harmony in Engagement with UN Special Rapporteur
Pakistan Underscores Commitment to Minority Rights and Interfaith Harmony in Engagement with UN Special Rapporteur
Islamabad, April 8, 2025 – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, Professor Nicolas Levrat, held a meeting with the Federal Minister for Law & Justice and Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, at the Ministry of Human Rights, Islamabad. The meeting focused on Pakistan’s continued efforts to safeguard minority rights, promote interfaith harmony, and strengthen legal and institutional protections for marginalized communities.
During the discussion, the Federal Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s active engagement with the United Nations human rights mechanisms, noting that the UN Special Procedures are a vital pillar of the global human rights architecture. He emphasized the country’s constructive cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), UN Treaty Bodies, and Special Procedures Mandate Holders (SPMHs). Professor Levrat appreciated Pakistan’s progress in advancing minority rights and broader human rights protections and acknowledged the government’s continued engagement with international mechanisms.
Highlighting key national initiatives, the Minister underscored Pakistan’s commitment to advancing religious inclusion and interfaith harmony through protective legislation, inclusive national observances, and equitable policy frameworks. He made specific reference to the Jaranwala incident, emphasizing the State’s prompt response and resolve to bring perpetrators to justice while providing necessary support and solidarity to the affected communities.
The Minister also acknowledged the role of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) as a central institutional mechanism in promoting and protecting the rights of minority groups and addressing their grievances in a systematic and responsive manner.
He further stated that the Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, places priority on the protection of minority rights and remains firmly committed to improving Pakistan’s ranking on the Human Rights Index through inclusive, rights-based governance.
In the spirit of transparency and constructive international engagement, the Minister conveyed Pakistan’s openness to dialogue and cooperation with UN mandate holders. He affirmed that any expressions of interest regarding country visits would be considered in line with national protocols and commitments.
The Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the global human rights agenda, grounded in constitutional guarantees of equality and non-discrimination. Both sides reiterated their resolve to strengthen cooperation in promoting minority rights through constructive dialogue and mutual engagement.
