Pakistan, Netherlands Discuss Human Rights and Bilateral Cooperation

Pakistan and the Netherlands have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting human rights during a high-level meeting between Dutch Ambassador Mrs. Henny Fokel de Vries and Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Law, Justice, and Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar.

The discussions covered legislative measures, policy reforms, and joint initiatives aimed at advancing human rights and fostering collaboration across various sectors. Ambassador de Vries commended Pakistan’s efforts in upholding constitutional rights, including freedom of religion and belief, and acknowledged the government’s commitment to human rights advancements.

Senator Tarar highlighted Pakistan’s diverse and inclusive society, emphasizing that all religious communities are protected under the Constitution. He also shared updates on recent legislative developments, including the introduction of the National Commission for Minorities Bill, a statutory body dedicated to safeguarding minority rights and promoting interfaith harmony.

In addition to human rights discussions, the meeting also touched on sports diplomacy. Ambassador de Vries announced the upcoming visit of Dutch hockey legend Floris Jan Bovelander in April, which aims to strengthen cultural and sports exchanges between the two nations. She also extended an invitation for the Minister to meet the Netherlands’ Human Rights Ambassador during their visit in May, which Senator Tarar welcomed as an opportunity for further cooperation.

Both sides concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation on shared priorities. The Dutch Ambassador expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s hospitality and reiterated her country’s dedication to advancing mutual interests on the international stage.