**National Commissions Pledge Stronger Collaboration to Advance Human Rights in Pakistan**
In a significant move to address human rights challenges in Pakistan, the Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), Ms. Ume Laila Azhar, met with her counterpart at the National Commission on Human Rights (NCHR) in Islamabad. The meeting emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration, data-driven policymaking, and the activation of commissions at both national and provincial levels.
During the discussions, the NCSW shared key insights derived from its recent research and activities, with a particular focus on data related to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Ms. Azhar highlighted persistent data gaps and the underreporting of gender issues in international indices, such as those published by the World Economic Forum, emphasizing the need for reliable, comprehensive data to guide policy interventions.
Both Chairpersons reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation between NCSW and NCHR, recognizing that coordinated efforts are essential for advancing both women’s rights and broader human rights in the country. They underscored the shared responsibility to ensure that national and international obligations regarding human rights are met effectively.
The meeting also stressed the importance of fully activating both provincial and national rights commissions. According to the participants, empowering these bodies is critical to implementing human rights policies and upholding legal protections throughout Pakistan.
This renewed partnership between the NCSW and NCHR marks a proactive step toward addressing gaps in rights protection and promoting gender equality across the nation.
