Interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding and advancing human rights, emphasizing its constitutional obligation and guiding principles.
In his message marking the International Day of Human Rights, he highlighted the nation’s democratic traditions, civil society, media, and legal institutions as pillars supporting an unwavering dedication to the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
On the occasion of Human Rights Day, Jilani stated that Pakistan aligns with the global community in acknowledging the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR), describing the declaration as a source of inspiration for humanity’s continuous efforts to foster universal respect and adherence to human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Addressing this year’s theme, “Freedom, equity, and justice,” the foreign minister expressed Pakistan’s celebration of progress in realizing these shared ideals and emphasized the need to contemplate the risks stemming from impunity violating these foundational norms.
Jilani recognized festering and unresolved conflicts as significant obstacles to achieving lofty ideals such as freedom, justice, and equity. He stressed on the impact of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have further exacerbated structural inequalities globally.
Pointing out the rise of discrimination, intolerance, and new forms of racism, including Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred, the foreign minister called for sustained and coherent global responses to promote a culture of peace, particularly in the face of misinformation spread through new technologies.
On the 75th anniversary of the UDHR, Pakistan highlighted the inalienable right to self-determination, echoing the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and UDHR.
Jilani expressed solidarity with the people of the Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir and occupied Palestine, condemning the occupying powers’ blatant disregard for international human rights and humanitarian law. He pledged ongoing moral, diplomatic, and political support for the Kashmiri and Palestinian peoples’ resistance against occupation, championing their right to self-determination.
