Pakistan, UK agree to continue cooperation on Human Rights, protection of women and children
British Minister of State Stephen Doughty called on Federal Minister for Law and Justice and Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on Tuesday, with discussions focusing on human rights, protection of women and children, human trafficking, prevention of child marriages, the Indus Waters Treaty and regional peace and security.
British Minister of State Stephen Doughty called on Federal Minister for Law and Justice and Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on Tuesday, with discussions focusing on human rights, protection of women and children, human trafficking, prevention of child marriages, the Indus Waters Treaty and regional peace and security.
The British High Commissioner and other members of the British delegation were also present during the meeting.
The Federal Minister raised the issue of India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and its potential implications for Pakistan’s agriculture, food security and regional peace and security.
Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar said a large segment of Pakistan’s population was associated with agriculture, while Punjab served as the country’s food hub.
He stressed that protection of water resources was directly linked to Pakistan’s economy, food security and the well-being of its people.
The minister said India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty was beyond the procedures provided under the agreement. He emphasized that water-related matters should be addressed in accordance with international law and the existing treaty framework.
British Minister of State Stephen Doughty acknowledged the importance of water-related issues and emphasized the need for continued cooperation and engagement.
He said water and climate change were directly linked to agriculture, human security and preparedness for and effective response to natural disasters.
The meeting also discussed measures to prevent child sexual abuse, human trafficking and forced marriages, besides strengthening the protection of women and children.
Senator Tarar said Pakistan had legislation in place to prevent child marriages and that the legal marriage age had been set at 18 years.
He said work was under way to link the marriage registration system with the national database, which would enable verification of age and facilitate timely action against violations.
The Federal Minister also briefed the British delegation on measures being taken to combat human trafficking, including immigration controls, airport screening and pre-visa clearance mechanisms.
He said efforts were also under way to centralize and automate access to criminal records and relevant information.
The minister said timely exchange of crime-related information with relevant countries would be made more effective through mutual arrangements.
Both sides agreed to continue cooperation on human rights, protection of women and children, prevention of human trafficking and other matters of mutual interest.