On 4 December 2025 in Islamabad, French Ambassador Nicolas Galey held formal talks with Federal Minister for Human Rights Senator Azam Nazir Tarar to explore avenues for bilateral cooperation on human rights initiatives. The discussion focused on strengthening legal protections, improving complaint redress mechanisms and enhancing institutional accountability.
The minister outlined recent progress in reducing human rights violations and said reforms within institutions have led to better performance and oversight. She explained that the ministry is working with relevant agencies to fortify legal safeguards and make the complaints process more effective for victims and marginalized groups.
Senator Tarar described a series of criminal code amendments intended to improve access to justice and reflect the government’s commitment to modern, transparent governance. The minister noted that Parliament is considering the introduction of life imprisonment as an alternative to the death penalty for certain offences, a step aimed at aligning domestic law with international human rights standards.
The minister highlighted the role of independent bodies including the National Commission for Human Rights, the National Commission for Women, the National Commission on the Rights of the Child and the Commission for the Protection of Journalists in safeguarding rights across society. She noted that the National Commission for Human Rights has achieved A status accreditation under international mechanisms, underlining Pakistan’s commitment to human rights norms.
Recent parliamentary approval of the National Commission for Minorities bill was singled out as a positive development, a move the ambassador welcomed as strengthening protections for minority communities. Both sides underlined the need for comprehensive procedures to prevent misuse of laws, including provisions related to blasphemy, with emphasis on impartial investigations, witness protection and fair legal processes to protect vulnerable people.
Ambassador Galey commended Pakistan’s legal and institutional steps and expressed support for continued dialogue. The two agreed to maintain close cooperation on human rights, legal reform and inclusive policy measures that reinforce governance and support sustainable development while protecting fundamental rights.
