UN-linked body, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, has declared the National Commission for Human Rights of Pakistan as an A-status National Human Rights Institution.

Despite it being extremely rare for commissions to attain A status in the first round, Pakistan's NCHR has been accredited with this highest grade in its first try. It is also the only country to have attained new A status in this year's session.

This status grants NCHR a seat at the Human Rights Council, and other UN bodies-a historic first for Pakistan.

The Chairperson of NCHR, Rabiya Javeri Agha, said NCHR is proud to have secured accreditation as an A-status institution and we thank our members, team, civil and international partners such as UNDP for their support.

The A status accreditation affirms globally that Pakistan is taking human rights institutions seriously as per international commitments.