The Ministry of Human Rights held a ceremony in Islamabad today to observe the International Day of Older Persons, drawing civil society representatives, community leaders, partner organisations and senior citizens. Federal Minister for Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar paid tribute to older persons as custodians of the nation’s heritage and urged a renewed commitment to their dignity and welfare.
The Minister highlighted that respect for elders is rooted in Pakistan’s cultural traditions and reinforced by Islamic teachings, quoting the Hadith: “He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young ones and respect to our elders.” He said the Government of Pakistan under Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is focused on strengthening legal and institutional frameworks that protect older persons.
Concrete measures under the ICT Senior Citizens Act, 2021 were outlined, including the establishment of a Senior Citizens Fund and the development of Darul Shafqat, a dedicated old-age home in the capital. Senator Tarar described these initiatives as steps toward ensuring social protection, access to services and a safer environment for older persons in Islamabad and beyond.
The Minister stressed that legislation must be matched by societal commitment, calling on families to provide time, care and companionship, since family support remains the strongest safeguard of dignity in old age. He urged community leaders and volunteers to play an active role in promoting inclusion and respect for the elderly.
Addressing emerging risks, the Minister noted that climate change and extreme weather events disproportionately affect vulnerable groups and emphasised the need for policies that consider the specific challenges faced by older persons during disasters. He also appreciated the tireless work of civil society, volunteers and community workers as essential to building a compassionate and inclusive society.
The ceremony reinforced a national message that protecting the rights and welfare of older persons requires coordinated action across government, families and communities to translate laws like the ICT Senior Citizens Act into meaningful support on the ground.
