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Cyprian to raise Kashmir issue at HR moot in Geneva

ISLAMABAD: The Minister for Minorities, Derick Cyprian will apprise the delegates of different countries about gross violations of human rights in occupied Kashmir at the 56th session of the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva from April 10 to 14.

The minister will also highlight the steps the present government is taking to protect the rights of minorities.

The Minister for Minorities who is leaving here for Geneva on Monday morning in the first phase of his visit to three European countries, said that he would represent the government at the 56th session of Human Rights Commission. Later, he would visit Italy and England.

Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, Derick Cyprian said that he would highlight all the steps which are presently being taken for promotion of peace and harmony, religious tolerance and eradication of all kinds of discrimination.

Derick Cyprian said that the constitution of Pakistan provides for religious freedom, guarantees fundamental rights, equality of status, freedom of thoughts and expression, belief, faith and worship, "The present government is implementing this in letter and spirit," he said.

He said that he would also meet Pope John Paul II in Vetican City (Italy) on April 19 and would also take this opportunity in apprising him the gross human rights violation in Kashmir and will request him to utilise his influence and good offices to exert pressure on India to immediately halt atrocities in occupied Kashmir.

He said that he would also request Pope John Paul II to exert pressure on India to initiate an immediate dialogue with Pakistan for solving the long outstanding issue of Kashmir on the basis of right to self-determination.

The minister said that he would also carry a personal letter from the Chief Executive to be delivered to the Pope John Paul II. PPI