RAWALPINDI: President Ayub Khan today [April 21] expressed the hope that the proclamation of the Human Rights Year would lead to an intensification of the universal struggle against injustice and discrimination in all their manifestations.

In a message on the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights this year, which has been designated by the United Nations as the International Year for Human Rights, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s respect for the fundamental human rights and freedoms, the dignity and worth of the human person and for equal rights to all. He said Pakistan would continue to support all international actions to enhance the respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.

The President’s message said: “The year 1968 marks the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The United Nations have, therefore, designated this year as the International Year for Human Rights. We in Pakistan welcome this decision and reaffirm our respect for the fundamental human rights and freedoms, for the dignity and worth of the human person and for equal rights to all, irrespective of race, colour, religion or sex.”

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2018