Daily Times

LAHORE: Government officials, human right activists, lawyers, representatives of civil society and journalists have expressed their resolve to continue to raise their voice for the protection of human rights. They made this commitment here on the last two days of a workshop on human rights, which was organised by Freedom Gate Pakistan (FGP) with the support of German think tank Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF).

The workshop selected 25 participants from various cities of Punjab and Islamabad who had a background in human rights, law, civil society, academia and journalism. Saeed Akhtar Ansari, Director General, Punjab Government Servants Housing Foundation (PGSHF) underscored the need for working together to uphold human rights. He said the strong in society were exploiting the weak. He said the media did not report good news needed to be trained in ethics.

He agreed with a participant that there was a need for reforming the education system which should not produce parrots through cramming. Education should be provided in a way that students acquire knowledge and properly understand their subjects of study. Naheed Gul Baloch Additional Director General Parks and Horticulture Lahore said that human rights and duties were co-related and everybody should follow one’s duties. She said that the media, civil society and other relevant segments of the society can play a significant role regarding raising awareness of human rights. “We all have to perform our own duties with dedication and commitment” she said.

She said that education and awareness could make a difference and bring change in the society with persuading people to comply with laws and discharge their obligations. Asma Kiran Freedom Gate scholar and Principal, Grafton College, Jhelum moderated and Urooj Raza co-moderated the workshop.

Head of administration FNF and coordinator of the event Muhammad Anwar said that FNF was committed to promoting liberal values, ideas and policies in Pakistan. “We work through political education, consulting, training, publications and dialogue,” he said.

In the workshop, issues related to human rights, fundamental rights, rule of law, and the power of democracy were dwelt at length. Presentations made by participants on various aspects of human rights in Pakistan were highlighted and discussed. All the participants also pledged that they would raise issues of human rights with their professions.