The Netherlands ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Robert-Jan Siegert, called on Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Federal Minister for Human Rights, in Islamabad on 21 November 2025 to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation and exchange views on ongoing initiatives to promote and protect human rights.
The federal minister welcomed the ambassador and expressed appreciation for the Netherlands’ continued engagement and support for Pakistan’s human rights priorities, while both sides reaffirmed a shared commitment to equality, inclusion and the welfare of all citizens.
The ambassador acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to implement its human rights agenda and commended the government’s constitutional guarantees, including freedom of religion and belief. The minister highlighted Pakistan’s diverse and inclusive society where religious communities enjoy constitutional protection and briefed the delegation on legislative advances such as the National Commission for Minorities Bill, a measure intended to safeguard minority rights and promote interfaith harmony.
The minister also outlined progress under the National Action Plan on Human Rights, noting policy reforms, steps to improve access to justice, implementation of international commitments and measures to strengthen institutions. He underlined the role of independent bodies including the National Commission for Human Rights, the National Commission on the Status of Women and the National Commission on the Rights of the Child, and described ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable groups such as women, children, senior citizens, transgender persons and persons with disabilities.
Both officials expressed their intention to maintain close coordination and constructive dialogue to further advance the promotion and protection of human rights in Pakistan and reaffirmed their commitment to deeper collaboration on these shared priorities.
