Mazari concerned over seizing of Muslims' religious freedom by EU States

ISLAMABAD - Federal Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari expressed her concerns over the violation of basic human rights by some European states and seizing the religious freedom to practice their religion freely and in the form of abuse of Islam by some European states against their Muslim citizens.

She expressed these concerns during a meeting with a delegation of European Union headed by Jean-François Cautain, Ambassador of the European Union in Pakistan here Tuesday. The delegation was comprised of Political Councilor Frank-Olivier Roux and Human Rights Counselor Javeria Kabani and others. High officials of the Human Rights Ministry also attended the meeting.

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She urged the international community to take prompt action in this regard and to play a decisive role not only in seeking an end to the violation but to restore and protect their human rights in the pursuance of the Human Rights European Convention.

Addressing the delegation, Shireen Mazari said that Muslim community has been facing the impediments to practice their religion freely adding that Muslims in some European states had been deprived of their basic human rights. We do have the serious issues in this regard and everyday Human Rights situation is becoming worse, she added.

She further showed her commitment to the effective implementation of the United Nations Conventions in pursuance to the constitution of Pakistan and international commitments. She also apprised the EU Ambassador about the steps to ensure the protection of Human Rights particularly the rights of women, children, and minorities.

The minister said we are working on three further bills including Anti Torture and Custodial Death, Rights of Persons with Disability and Prohibition of Corporal Punishment Bill, the drafts of which have been forwarded to the Law Ministry for vetting and further process to present before the Cabinet. Shireen Mazari said besides the implementation of Hindu Marriage Act, the Ministry had drawn up a new Christian divorce bill for the National Assembly.

The EU Ambassador appreciated the steps of government especially the Ministry of Human Rights for the Protection and promotion of Human Rights and successful awareness campaign about Women’s right to inheritance. Dr Mazari also assured her complete support in this regard.