ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office termed Israel’s statement, criticising ‘human rights situation’ in Pakistan during United Nations session ‘politically motivated’.

In statement, FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch noted that Pakistan’s Universal Periodic Report process which involves review of human rights records of UN member states was adopted unanimously in session of UN Human Rights Council. “Several states and civil society organisations commended Pakistan on progress achieved in promoting human rights,” statement said.

Meanwhile, FO spokeswoman said Israel’s “Politically motivated statement is fundamentally at variance with otherwise positive tone of session and statements made by vast majority of states”. “Given Israel’s long history of oppression of Palestinians, Pakistan can certainly do without its advice on protecting human rights,” statement added.

During session, Israel’s Permanent Representative to UN Adi Farjon said country was “Deeply concerned about overall human rights situation in Pakistan where enforced disappearances, torture, crackdown on peaceful protests and violence against religious minorities and other marginalised groups remain prevalent”.“Israel believes that it is essential that Pakistan heeds our recommendations to take all appropriate steps to prevent arbitrary arrests, torture and other ill-treatment and bring perpetrators of such acts to justice,” she added.

Published in The Daily National Courier, July, 12 2023

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