LAHORE: The International Human Rights Day was observed on Sunday with the commitment to respect individual’s rights. In this regard, a demonstration was held at Liberty Roundabout by Civil Society Network Pakistan which was attended by people from all walks of lives. The participants paid rich tribute to all of those who had sacrificed their lives while performing their duties. A candlelight vigil was also held to pay tribute to Maj Eshaque Shaheed, Additional Inspector General Police Ashraf Noor and many others. The participants demand that the government ensure the fundamental rights of all the citizens without any discrimination. The participants said that Pakistan as a country remained very far away from the purpose of the convention to promote, protect, ensure and provide the basic rights to all its citizen. The human rights violations are still under way especially the issue of honor killing is very critical in Pakistan, they said, adding that they demand equal opportunities for all the citizen and respect for women which is half of the population. “Child labour is another issue and needs a lot of attention. We condemn serious human rights violations in occupied Kashmir, Burma and Ghaza.” Other members of action committee Muhammad Ayub, Sharjeel, Amna Malik, Advocate Waseem addressed the gathering. They also demanded that National Action Plan be implemented in its true letter and spirit. “We also demand the facilities of health, education, energy, environment, employment and clean drinking water and government must respect and focus at human development. We also salute to the electronic and print media who always raise its voice at human rights violations,” they said. In his message regarding International Human Rights Day, the Provincial Minister of Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Khalil Tahir Sandhu said that all human had equal rights and respect, as they were born equal. “They have conscience and wisdom, so they should promote brotherhood. The person who lives in Pakistan deserves all the freedom and rights that are significantly important in Islam,” he said. The minister said that Christian communities in Pakistan were 2% of the population of Pakistan. “Minorities in Pakistan have full independence as their religions and their basic rights are also entitled to equality of every citizen. The government is honored that they have taken historic measures to ensure the protection of minority rights,” he said. “Prisoners belonging to the minority community were provided religious education during their prison terms,” he said, adding that every year, the government of Punjab provided a special grant for the religious festivals such as Christmas, Holi and Devali. “In government jobs, 5% quota has been allocated for minorities. More than 5,000 young people have been given jobs in public institutions. Students belonging to minorities’ community are given special funds every year for scholarships,” the minister saidm adding that the government of Punjab had established a provincial level task force for human rights to ensure the action plan for human rights implementation. Published in Daily Times, December 11th 2017.