PPP mindful of human rights obligations: Zardari

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has urged the nation to strengthen peace and democracy and resist violation of human rights to make Pakistan a peaceful and prosperous country.

“I call upon every conscientious person to raise voice against the misuse of some laws against the vulnerable,” President Zardari said in a message on the Universal Human Rights Day The President said the day was an occasion to reiterate resolve to uphold basic human rights of all individuals regardless of caste, creed or any other consideration.

The President said the People of Pakistan and particularly the workers of the Pakistan People’s party instinctively know what human rights are and what their violation means to their bodies and souls.

President Zardari said the workers have learnt it in the course of their struggle for raising the dignity of every individual.

He recalled that when Shaheed Mohtarma Bhutto returned to the country in October 2007 despite dangers to her life she said it was “for the right of men and women to live in security and dignity and in liberty”.

He said the theme of the Day this year “Democracy Peace and Human Rights” underscores the fact that peace, democracy and human rights are vitally interlinked.
“We must defeat militancy, end poverty and work towards equality and non-discrimination as necessary elements for creating a peaceful society.”

President Zardari said the government was determined to fight militancy and alleviate poverty to usher in peace as well as freedom needed for uplift of human dignity in a parched land.

“Our religion Islam also teaches us deep respect for rights of all human beings. It upholds the eternal values of equal rights, social justice and peace, and banishes discrimination on the basis of class, colour or creed.”

President Zardari said the government was also conscious of international obligations to protect and promote human rights.

“We recently ratified the Convention Against Torture (CAT) and the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). We ware fully cognizant of our responsibilities to take practical steps for the implementation of both the Conventions,” he added.

“Let us on this day also spare a thought to the weak, the needy and the deprived whose human rights are most endangered and pledge to extricate them from want and deprivation.”

The President said his thoughts also go to the vulnerable women and minorities- and how women laws have been misused against them.