Closing event of the EU funded Huqooq-e-Pakistan Project highlighted the importance of human rights in the relations of the European Union with Pakistan.

European Union representatives, key stakeholders and government officials came together at the final steering committee and the closing event held in Islamabad today [Thursday] to share the journey and results of the project. Initiated in 2019, the Project was a joint initiative between the European Union and the Ministry of Human Rights to support the continued efforts of Pakistan to promote human rights.

The project contributed to strengthen the institutional and policy framework at the federal and provincial levels to promote and protect human rights.

The Project included the development of a five-year strategic vision for the Ministry of Human Rights and the design of human rights policies and implementation frameworks for Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan and Sindh. The project team developed six training modules, which helped increase knowledge and skills of 148 government officers on Pakistan's International Human Rights obligations and what these obligations stand for.

In his closing remarks Federal Secretary Ministry of Human Rights Inamullah Khan commended EU Delegation for greatly contributing towards promotion of human rights in Pakistan. He appreciated the project team for its achievements despite the challenges.

Deputy Head of the Mission of the European Union Thomas Seiler underlined the importance of a continued dialogue of the EU with Pakistan on Human Rights and fundamental freedoms.

He said the EU plans to continue to work together with Pakistan and with human rights institutions at federal and provincial levels as part of the bilateral cooperation, and explore options for a follow-up programme based on lessons learned.