ISLAMABAD: Human Rights Minister Kamran Michael on Friday said that the government is committed to protecting rights of women and minorities and numbers of steps have been taken to ensure them their due rights.
He said, Chairperson for National Commission on Status of Women has been appointed along with 13-member of the Commission. “The Commission has held its first meeting and on way to guide the government occasionally on issues pertaining to women rights,” he said. The minister said that the government would fully consider for implementation the recommendation presented to it by the Commission.
The minister said that he held a meeting with visiting European Union Commission and informed them about measures being taken by the government. When asked about concerns by European Union, he said, we have our own priorities and committed to women rights. However, we are not bound to any observations by European Union.
He said that the government has already passed laws on protection of women from rape and honor killing while awareness campaigns have been launched to educate both male and female segments of society about women rights. The minister also mentioned to setting a toll free helpline (1099) for women who fall victim to any discrimination. “This number is installed at Ministry and immediate action is taken on receiving any complaint about discrimination.”
He said, “addressing women complaints and grievance is our priority and there is no compromise on it.”
