ISLAMABAD: Justice Qazi Faez Isa of the Supreme Court on Saturday said though human rights were recognised as fundamental rights in the Constitution and Article 25 gave the right of education to both boys and girls, over 1,000 attacks were made on educational institutions in the country in three years.

He was speaking at a national seminar held at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) female campus in collaboration with the Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights (PCHR) in connection with International Human Rights Day.

The day themed as ‘Dignity, freedom and justice for all’ was observed across the globe on Saturday.

Justice Isa said Islam was an inclusive and non-discriminatory religion, adding that ignorant men dominate women.

Says ignorant men dominate women

“The holy Quran says men are protectors of women. Islam is the best example of giving dignity, freedom and justice to the humanity, irrespective of their caste, creed and colour,” he said.

Justice Qazi Isa was the chief guest while Chief Justice Federal Shariat Court Syed Mohammad Anwar, Minister for Safron Mohammad Talha Mehmood and Federal Ombudsperson Kashmala Khan also attended the event, said a statement issued by the university.

In his opening remarks, PCHR Executive Director Mohammad Shafique Chaudhry said the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was as relevant now as it was on the day in 1948 when it was proclaimed and adopted by the UN.

He said there was a dire need to pay heed towards the protection of human rights. He opined that academic institutions can play a pivotal role in disseminating awareness for protection of human rights.

The Federal Shariat Court chief justice said the universal declaration of human rights was a comprehensive draft having 30 articles and recognised by the Constitution of Pakistan as well.

“We have to be objective, we have to discuss the shortcomings along with the achievements as a nation. The Federal Shariat Court has declared that the domestic violence law does not have any clause contrary to the Islamic teachings.”

Domestic violence is an unethical and inhuman activity that should be ended in Pakistan. Human rights and Islam complement each other. In Islam, domestic violence is prohibited as it teaches that women should be treated with care and respect,” he said.

The minister for Safron said safety of women should be ensured in the country.

“Islam is the religion of peace and prosperity which gives women freedom and dignity. They had participated in wars, bear the burden of economic activities as well.”

Education is the most important source to bring change in a positive manner. The government is trying to ensure effectiveness of institutions by giving them standard training, he added.

The federal ombudsperson stated that people should have awareness regarding their rights and laws.

Dr Rahim Awan, director general Legal Aid and Justice Authority, said there was 1,500-year-old declaration of human rights in the form of Khutba Hujatul Wida and the West adopted the same traits in the form of International Declaration of Human Rights.

IIUI female campus Vice PresidentDr Samina Malik said students from 40 countries were acquiring quality education at the university.

She said the university was on the path of development under a newly-prepared strategic plan.

Dr Farkhanda Zia, director general Shariah Academy, IIUI, said every human being should respect the other human being.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2022