ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said that the government was committed to provision of equal opportunities to all communities living in Pakistan so that they could excel in different fields of life by protecting their basic human rights.
Addressing a ceremony held here in connection with the observance of International Human Rights Day, the prime minister said that the day highlighted the government’s commitment towards upholding the great cause of human rights and protecting them, besides empowering those communities of the country that needed protection under the challenging circumstances.
“It is our priority and the government is committed to providing opportunities to all on equal basis,” he added.
About 1400 years back, Islam and the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), had enunciated the contours of basic human rights and equality of humans, he said, adding the Founder Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in his historic speech on 11 August, had emphasized upon the equal rights of all citizens regardless of the creed, cast and religion.
The prime minister stressed that today, they committed themselves to do more in this regard to be able to stand with pride in front of nation, posterity and the entire humanity.
“It is a long journey to traverse’, he said, adding that with collective efforts, they should move ahead; thrash out issues and carve out their way for their future generation and to meet the expectations of the people of the country.
The prime minister further recollected that as chief minister Punjab, though it was not his constitutional responsibility, he also supported residents of other provinces with various educational and financial initiatives.
He mentioned the steps taken during his tenures as chief minister which included Punjab Endowment Fund, award of scholarships and laptops on merit, in which all the provinces, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir were included.
He also referred to establishment of center against women violence in Multan, Zaiwer-e-Taleem programme with scholarship in Southern Punjab, and initiatives to end brick kilns child labouer. About 90,000 children were forced to brick kiln labour who were later enrolled in schools, he added.