The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) officially entered into a collaborative partnership on Thursday, cementing their commitment to advancing human rights awareness and research initiatives across Pakistan. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two entities marked a significant step towards fostering a culture of respect for human rights within academic and research spheres.
The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for joint efforts aimed at empowering academia, researchers, and students with a profound understanding of human rights laws and principles. Among the key objectives are the promotion of human rights literacy through diverse media platforms, the introduction of specialized courses focusing on marginalized communities, and the establishment of dedicated human rights study centers.
Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum, the Executive Director of HEC, and Secretary NCHR, Malik Kamran Azam Khan Rajar, formalized the agreement during a ceremony attended by notable figures from both organizations, including Dr. Bushra Mirza and Ms. Noor Amna Malik from HEC, along with Engr. Muhammad Raza Chohan from NCHR.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum reiterated HEC’s unwavering commitment to nurturing awareness and scholarly inquiry within higher education institutions. He underscored the pivotal role of educators in instilling a sense of social responsibility among students and emphasized the importance of investing in their professional development.
Highlighting the significance of youth engagement in advancing human rights advocacy, Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum emphasized the need for widespread sensitization to human rights policies across the nation. He commended HEC’s ongoing efforts to mobilize youth participation in addressing societal challenges and proposed the development of specialized courses and awareness programs tailored to marginalized groups.
Malik Kamran Azam echoed Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum’s sentiments, stressing the urgency of implementing human rights laws and standards in Pakistan. He envisioned the collaboration between HEC and NCHR as a pivotal catalyst for devising innovative strategies and accelerating the adoption of human rights policies. Emphasizing the importance of inter-institutional dialogue, he called for enhanced audit procedures and cohesive government initiatives to effectively address human rights issues.
In conclusion, both parties affirmed their commitment to fostering a generation well-versed in human rights principles and pledged to work collaboratively towards the realization of a more just and equitable society in Pakistan.