ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said the government had established the “National Action Plan on Human Rights” to empower women, protect children and promote the rights of marginalized and vulnerable segments of society, adding that implementation of Pakistan’s first “National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights” was also underway to ensure responsible business practices and protection of workers’ rights.
In his message on the International Day of Living Together in Peace, observed on May 16, the prime minister said these policy measures were laying the foundation for a just, cohesive and equitable society.
He said Pakistan joined the global community in observing the day, which highlighted the importance of building a peaceful, harmonious and united society at both national and international levels.
The prime minister said the vision of peace and harmony was rooted in the principles laid down by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who emphasized honesty, fair dealing and contribution towards peace and prosperity within and beyond Pakistan’s borders.
He said the government remained committed to practical measures aimed at building a peaceful, tolerant and united society where every citizen could live with dignity without discrimination based on color, race or religion.
The premier said Pakistan’s Constitution guaranteed protection against all forms of prejudice, including provincial, ethnic, sectarian and regional biases.
Highlighting Pakistan’s cultural and social diversity, he said the country’s multiple languages, cultures and traditions reflected its societal strength, while initiatives such as the “Message of Pakistan” sought to eliminate ideological and practical extremism through positive national narratives.
Shehbaz Sharif said the government was also promoting tolerance, unity and harmony through the “Human Rights Awareness Program” and strengthening institutional mechanisms through the activation of the National Commission for Human Rights.
He said “District Human Rights Committees” had been established in provinces to promote social harmony at the local level, while initiatives such as the “National Strategy to Prevent Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence” and the Minority Welfare Fund were also being strengthened.
The prime minister said legislative reforms, including the “ICT Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Act 2026,” the “ICT Prevention of Child Marriage Act 2025,” and the “National Commission on the Rights of Minorities Act 2025”, reflected the government’s commitment to eliminating harmful customs and violence in society.
Calling on youth, religious leaders and civil society to play their role in promoting tolerance, empathy and forbearance, the prime minister urged citizens to work together for a peaceful and harmonious Pakistan and world.
