Islamabad: December 12, 2012. (PCP) A Ceremony in commemoration with Universal Human Right Day was held in Islamabad. In welcome address the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Human Rights Mr. Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar highlighted the significance of the Universal Human Right Day and said that the present government can proudly claim about ratifying four International covenants in its tenure, this step has boasted the status of Pakistan among human rights defendant states. These Chief covenants include International covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), UN convention on the rights of persons with disabilities. The Advisor said that as an obligation to these International treaties and covenants Pakistan has worked hard and sincerely to bring the domestic legislation in conformity with these treaties and it is evident from the fact that since 2008 the present democratically elected government has introduced various bills to protect human rights. Two chief bills have been passed to become Acts through consistent efforts of this government and its allies namely; The National Commission on the Status of Women Act 2012, and National Commission for Human Rights Act, 2012. Additionally the advisor said that the Protection Against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act and Criminal Law (Second Amendment) Act, known as Acid Control and Acid Crime (Prevention) Act and Criminal Law (Third Amendment) Act, known as Prevention of Anti Women Practices Act and the Women in Distress and Detention Fund (Amendment) Act were also introduced by the present government. He reiterated that Ministry of Human Rights is constantly striving to provide a conducive environment to institutions and other stake holders to assist the government to provide fundamental rights to all the citizens of Pakistan. The chief guest of the ceremony, honorable Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf said that the present Constitution is the gift of first PPP Government to the people of this Country and rights of the people enshrined in this Constitution have always been upheld by the PPP Government. He further reiterated that we have always had a desire that the motherland is governed by democracy to promote International Standards of Human Rights. Pakistan’s commitment to guarantee all the Human Rights stands projected through ratification of CAT, Convention Against Torture and ICCPR, International Convention on Civil and Political Rights. Moreover he stated that Government is putting its best efforts to translate these steps into practical implementation. He added that the rights guaranteed in ICCPR absolutely coincide with the manifesto of Pakistan People’s Party. We have also taken initiatives at the national level, “Right to Information” & “Right to Education” has been included in the constitution as Fundamental Rights. Amendment in FCR has also been made which will give the people of FATA for the first time the right of appeal against decisions of political agents. The Prime Minister said that policy framework of our Government envisages a society free of injustice, poverty, and intolerance. The honorable Prime Minister also said that the minorities are the integral part of Pakistani society and the Government is committed to address their issues and in this regard the work is in progress on Christian Marriage and Christian Divorce and Hindu Marriage and Hindu Divorce bills. The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of Ministry of Human Rights for promoting and protecting human rights and announced to appoint human rights defenders in near future for further promotion and protection of human rights in Pakistan. The Prime Minster said, we stand committed for the promotion of all fundamental Freedoms and Rights guaranteed in the Constitution of Pakistan and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and that’s the reason Pakistan has been elected recently as member of UN Human Rights Council. The Chief guest honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan also distributed awards among the human rights defenders. The awards were distributed among Justice (R) Majida Rizvi, Late Syed Iqbal Haider, Advocate Naeem Shakir, Ms. Sittara Ayaz, Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa Information Minister Mian Iftikar Hussain, Rukshana Ahmed, Dr. Tahira Kamal, Nargis Zaidi, Rasheed Javed, Noor Muhammad, Yasmin Karim, Zaib-un-NisaMehsud etc. The honorable Prime Minister also lauded the performances of the students of Pegasus school who highlighted the vitality of the human rights and the importance of the Universal Human Right Day.