Task Force on Human Rights reviews progress, charts roadmap for gender equality and minority protection

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Mar, 2026) The 9th meeting of the Provincial Task Force on Human Rights was held here under the chairmanship of Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora, focusing on effective enforcement of human rights across Punjab.

The meeting reviewed the draft notification for establishing a Provincial Steering Committee to implement the National Action Plan on business and Human Rights and agreed to finalize it promptly.

The minister directed departments concerned to adopt a coordinated strategy with clearly defined responsibilities.

Discussions were held on Pakistan’s low ranking in the Global Gender Gap Report, with a decision to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for improvement. Departments were also instructed to expedite the publication of the Gender Parity Report 2023-24 and make the Gender Management Information System fully operational.

The minister said that protection of women’s rights and promotion of gender equality remain top government priorities.

The progress of the draft Punjab Interfaith Harmony Policy was reviewed, with a decision to present it before the relevant forum for early approval.

Minority Cells established in 40 provincial departments will be strengthened to enhance their effectiveness.

The Task Force also deliberated on a pilot project for providing free legal aid in prisons under the Punjab Legal Aid Agency, directing concerned departments to present a detailed implementation roadmap. The Minister stressed that free legal assistance to deserving prisoners is essential for human rights protection.

Implementation of mandatory facilities for differently abled persons in public and private buildings was reviewed, with departments instructed to ensure disability-friendly infrastructure. Expressing concern over a one-and-a-half-year gap since the last meeting, Minister Arora directed that meetings be held regularly, with the next scheduled for June. At least three meetings will now be convened annually, all agenda-based and result-oriented, with a dedicated Monitoring Cell to oversee implementation and track progress.