ISLAMABAD, Sept 14, 2026: Federal Minister for Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar met Thomas Rachel, Federal Government Commissioner for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Germany, who was accompanied by German Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Ms Ina Lepel.
During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the rule of law, human rights, freedom of religion or belief, minority rights, freedom of expression, child marriage, forced marriage, interfaith harmony and Pakistan’s GSP+ framework with the European Union, besides other matters of mutual interest.
German Commissioner Thomas Rachel appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting peace in the region and its contribution towards the principles of the United Nations and the rule of law. He also expressed interest in Pakistan’s legislative and institutional measures for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Senator Tarar said Pakistan had faced complex security challenges over the past several decades, particularly due to the impact of wars in Afghanistan, terrorism and extremism, which had affected the country’s social, cultural and religious environment. He said Pakistan had paid a heavy human and economic price in the fight against terrorism.
The minister said that despite the challenging security environment, the government was taking measures to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for human rights, freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression, political activities, minority rights, and the protection of women and children.
He briefed the delegation on progress regarding the establishment of the National Commission for Minority Rights. He said that following the relevant legislation, the process for constitution of the commission was underway at the parliamentary level. He expressed the hope that the commission would play an effective and independent role in protecting the rights of minorities.
The meeting also discussed recent institutional developments concerning the rights of journalists, as well as the role of the National Commission for Human Rights and the National Commission on the Status of Women.
Senator Tarar termed legislation aimed at preventing child marriage an important development, saying its primary objective was to protect children, particularly young girls, from early marriage, health-related problems and other social difficulties.
The federal minister described the European Union’s GSP+ framework not merely as a trade facility for Pakistan but also as a useful incentive mechanism for promoting human rights, the rule of law and institutional reforms.
He said the requirements under GSP+ provided an additional incentive for reforms relating to human rights and fundamental freedoms in Pakistan, particularly helping protect the rights of vulnerable, disadvantaged and marginalised segments of society. He said Pakistan did not view GSP+ only from the perspective of trade and business, but also attached importance to its human and social dimensions.
Thomas Rachel emphasised the importance of interfaith dialogue and religious tolerance, saying mutual respect among individuals and communities belonging to different religious and belief backgrounds was essential for global peace.
He said Germany was also home to different religious communities and that improving relations among different faiths required continuous efforts. Religious leaders, he said, had a responsibility to promote respect, tolerance and peaceful coexistence with other religions and groups within society.
Both sides agreed that international cooperation and sustained dialogue were essential for the promotion of human rights, freedom of religion or belief, the rule of law, interfaith harmony and peace.
The meeting concluded in a cordial, friendly and constructive atmosphere.
