Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated that the government was firmly committed to protecting human rights and promotion of rights of minorities and marginalized sections of society.
The prime minister was briefed that legislation was underway to criminalize enforced disappearance and the process of introducing necessary amendments in Pakistan Penal Code would be completed soon. The meeting was also briefed on progress made towards anti-torture, combating domestic violence and other human rights related issues. Discussing the progress made towards addressing human rights issues, PM directed that steps should be taken to ensure elimination of bonded labour from all parts of the country.
He expressed these views while chairing a high level meeting on GSP-Plus (Generalized System of Preferences) status of Pakistan. The prime minister said ensuring and safeguarding human rights was major plank of Islam and also enshrined in the country’s Constitution. Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari, Information Minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi, Advisor to PM on Commerce Abdul Razaq Dawood, Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan and senior officials attended the meeting.
Moreover, he directed for immediate removal of all kinds of discriminatory sign-boards in Clubs – Islamabad Club, Gymkhana and other public places that restrict free movement of maids, `Aayas’ and domestic servants. Moreover, he directed the Bureau of Statistics to conduct a countrywide survey on child labour and subsequently formulate a comprehensive strategy to extricate such children from poverty and take measures for their education.
PM said that there was no room for terrorists or their facilitators in Pakistan. He made the statement regarding attack on a police compound in Loralai, Balochistan. All three attackers were killed by security forces, while nine people including three policemen were martyred. Prime Minister Khan strongly condemned the attack and praised the swift response of the security forces. He also prayed for the martyred and those injured in the attack. He added that the morale of Pakistan Army, police and the nation was high. “The state will fulfill its responsibility wherever terrorist elements try to raise their head,” he emphasized.
Technology for Economy -Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated that the government was focusing on technology to transform the country’s economy and capitalize human resource potential.
He emphasized that development in all sectors was dependent on adaptation and use of technology that would ultimately improve governance and benefit the masses. He was chairing a meeting of Task Force on Technology Driven Knowledge Economy here at the PM Office. The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Asad Umar, Planning Minister Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, IT Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Advisor on Commerce Abdul Razzak Dawood, ViceChairman of Task Force Professor Dr Atta ur Rehman, Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr Tariq Binori, CEO Ignite Yousuf Hussain, representatives of business community and industrialists and federal secretaries of the ministries concerned.
The Prime Minister was briefed on the ways and means, and the strategy to promote technology driven economy with enhanced allocations for higher education, technical skills development of human resource, promotion of digitalization, promotion of AI (Artificial Intelligence) education and skills. He said the government was committed to improving Ease of Doing Business (EODB) and providing business friendly environment to the business community. Senior Research Manager IBM Kenya Dr Charity Wayua shared Kenya’s experience of improving the EODB.
Published in Daily Times, January 30th 2019.
