Minister laments rights violations in Gaza

The human rights are being violated in Gaza, Minister for Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar said on Friday.

The minister made these remarks while speaking at an iftar-dinner hosted by the British High Commission in Islamabad in honour of the leaders of various religions and faiths.

In the event, the Sri Lankan ambassador represented Buddhism, while Dr Savera Prakash, a Hindu woman who contested the recent elections from Buner on a ticket of Pakistan Peoples Party, also participated.

Earlier, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott welcomed the guests to the iftar party.

“Pakistan is a collection of people of different religions and beliefs. The white colour in the Pakistani flag reminds us that there is a great interfaith harmony in Pakistan,” she said. “Our gathering here for dinner and discussing peace and harmony is a clear example of interfaith harmony in the country,” she added.

Minister for Human Rights Tarar, who attended the event as the special guest, while addressing the audience said: “Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with the United Kingdom.”

Discussing the issue of human rights, he said there was a problem of human rights at the global level. “Muslims are facing atrocities in different areas of the world,” he said and demanded that the persecution of Muslims in Gaza must stop.

“Minorities have equal rights in Pakistan. Pakistani constitution gives rights to women and minorities. Interfaith harmony and freedom of belief are essential elements of Pakistani democracy,” the minister said and added that Pakistan was proud of its rich culture and religious traditions.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 30^th, 2024.