Australian High Commissioner Mr. Neil Hawkins met today with the Minister for Law And Justice And Human Rights Mr. Azam Nazeer Tarar.

During the meeting, a broad range of issues including bilateral relationships, upholding human rights, and strengthening the rule of law came under discussion. The honorable Minister shared that the Ministry of human Rights has requested Provincial Governments to strengthen Provincial Commissions on the Status of Women by financial and human resource allocation in order to improve Pakistan’s standing on gender parity index. He further added that the Ministry of Human Rights is also striving for structural reforms to protect rights of minorities. Mr. Hawkins acknowledged the efforts of Pakistan’s Government for protecting minority rights. Nevertheless, H.E. emphasized the protection of journalists as an important pillar of freedom of speech which are acknowledged by the Minister. Mr. Hawkins pointed out the pivote role of children rights in human rights framework. The Minister added that the harmonization of the age of children for marriage is important to tackle child protection issues.
The honorable Minister also emphasized the adoption of an inclusive approach for mainstreaming of the vulnerable segments of the society particularly transgender community of Pakistan. In the end Both agreed to continue support for promotion of tolerance, religious freedom and respect