ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that Islam establishes the concept of equality for all human beings and provides an environment of peaceful co-existence, free of any discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, colour, gender, race and religion. He expressed these views in his message on Human Rights Day, said a press release issued on Sunday. The speaker said that the Last Sermon of Holy Prophet (PBUH) on was the universal declarations of human rights; therefore, respect of human rights was obligatory for every Muslim in light of teaching of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). “Hence the constitution of Pakistan guarantees protection of life and liberty of every citizen regardless of religion, race, creed or colour”, he added. “A progressive, balanced and just society is the one, which ensures that rights of all of its citizens are safeguarded through political, legal, economic, cultural and social instruments and frameworks. For any state to achieve durable peace and foster democracy, it is imperative that it puts in place mechanism, aimed at ensuring that rights of the people are protected,” he said He said that the protection of human rights for all was a prerequisite for establishment of a civilised and progressive society. “We would leave no stone unturned to make this happen,” he added. Published in Daily Times, December 11th 2017.