ISLAMABAD: Human Rights Task Force meeting was held on Friday focusing on progress, challenges and future steps with emphasis on need for legislative action to combat child marriage and improving gender development index.

These observations were made during the Ministry of Human Rights meeting of the National Task Force for the implementation of the Action Plan on Human Rights. The meeting was co-chaired by MNA Barrister Aqeel Malik, who is adviser to the Law Division, Senator Dr Afnan Ullah, and A.D. Khawaja, who is secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights.

The meeting focused on the urgent need for legislative action to combat child marriage, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Punjab. As Sindh had already passed the law, the provincial government was urged to prioritise its effective enforcement. Additionally, the chairperson emphasised the completion of appointments to the Provincial Commission on the Status of Women, with all provinces except Balochistan yet to finalise their appointments.

A subcommittee, headed by Barrister Aqeel Malik, presented a report on Pakistan’s low ranking in the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Gender Parity Report. The report outlined the causes of this ranking and recommended measures to improve Pakistan’s standing in the Gender Development Index. In this regard, the provincial governments were encouraged to establish a gender management information system and to compile annual gender parity reports, following the example of Punjab.

The meeting aimed to review the progress of decisions made in the previous meeting and to assess the implementation of the Action Plan on Human Rights, which was approved by the prime minister in February 2016 and revised in 2020. This comprehensive plan addressed six key thematic areas, focusing on legislative, policy and programmatic measures that aligned with Pakistan’s constitutional requirements and international human rights commitments.

The meeting also touched upon an upcoming EU-funded human rights project to be implemented in Pakistan through UNDP, aimed at further improving the country’s human rights landscape. Provincial governments were asked to identify their priority areas for improvement, in consultation with relevant departments.

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2024