UNDP resident representative Samuel Rizk, accompanied by deputy resident representative Van Nguyen, met Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar in Islamabad to review progress under the Rights Pakistan II initiative and deepen cooperation between the ministry, UNDP and the European Union.
The meeting examined progress across the four pillars of the programme, including strengthening national human rights institutions, improving government human rights architecture, promoting human rights education at higher education institutions, and advancing the business and human rights agenda in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Officials discussed ongoing work to modernise the Human Rights Information Management System (HRIMS) and to reinforce the National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-up (NMIRF) so Pakistan can better meet its international treaty obligations. The project is also supporting development of a national action plan on business and human rights (NAP-BHR) to foster responsible private sector practices, gender equality and sustainability.
Delegates noted that the programme will assist the ministry in preparing a human rights due diligence framework, strengthening monitoring and verification systems, and aligning national standards with international commitments and GSP+ requirements. The federal minister welcomed the technical support from UNDP Pakistan and the EU and said the project reflects the government’s firm commitment to protecting constitutional guarantees and international obligations.
Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar reiterated the ministry’s resolve to pursue policy reforms, institutional capacity building and public awareness measures to consolidate human rights protections. Both sides expressed hope that continued partnership with UNDP Pakistan and the European Union will bolster human rights, social justice and sustainable development across the country.
