Karachi: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday called for joint efforts to protect and promote human rights as the core of a just, inclusive and peaceful society.
In his speech on December 10 International Human Rights Day celebrated worldwide, he said that human rights are universal rights and cannot be threatened anywhere.
Reflecting on the UN 2024 theme, ‘Our Rights, Our Future, Now’, President Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the realization of human rights is essential for a stable and prosperous future. He said: “Human rights are not ideals to aspire to, they are essential structures for dignity, equality and justice. The future of any society depends on guaranteeing these rights to all people without discrimination.”
PPP Chairman Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto reaffirmed the party’s firm commitment to protect the constitutional rights enshrined in the Landmark Constitution of 1973. He said that the Quaid-e-Awam’s concept of ‘One Citizen, One Voice’ laid the foundation for empowering the people as the real source of power in Pakistan.
He also praised the legacy of Shahid Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the first female prime minister in the Islamic world who championed human rights through transformative initiatives. These include promoting women’s empowerment, enacting laws to prevent violence and abuse against women, repealing authoritarian-era laws to protect freedom of speech, and preventing racial discrimination by protecting the rights of minorities and workers.
Bilawal praised President Asif Ali Zardari’s historic contribution to human rights during his presidency, especially the 18th Constitutional Amendment which restored the principles of democracy and protected human rights. He highlighted the inclusion of Article 25-A, which provides the right to education as a constitutional guarantee, and the adoption of laws against workplace harassment and domestic violence.
Under the leadership of President Zardari, Pakistan promoted the true spirit of the global Pakistani community and signed several international human rights conventions and treaties. Initiatives such as the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) have provided a social safety net for the disadvantaged, especially poor women, demonstrating the PPP’s commitment to inclusiveness and social justice.
The PPP chairman urged the federal and provincial governments to step up efforts to protect civil liberties, promote inclusive development and ensure equal opportunities for all citizens, especially the vulnerable and marginalized. He urged the youth to actively protect their rights and said their participation is essential to create a bright future.
Bilawal praised the Sindh government for approving the Human Rights Policy and said that it has been implemented by the department to protect and protect human rights.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed his deep concern over human rights abuses around the world, especially in the illegally occupied Indian Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Gaza, and urged the international community to take meaningful action against these injustices and defend the principles -the principles of the Declaration of Human Rights.
It reaffirms PPP’s sincere commitment to protect the rights of every citizen and for Pakistan to realize the ideals of freedom, equality and justice. “DHP firmly believes that the people are the real source of power and their rights cannot be violated,” he said.
