The seminar on "Situation of Human Rights In Pakistan and Role of Academia" was organized by the Department of Sociology of PMAS-AAUR in collaboration with Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Department of the Punjab government and International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) on May 12, 2010.

Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood Khan, Vice Chancellor, PMAS-AAUR was the chief guest on the occasion. While addressing on the occasion he said the principle of universality of human rights is the cornerstone of the law of international human rights and all states have ratified at least one, and 80% of states have ratified four or more, of the core human rights treaties. "All human rights are inalienable and they should not be taken away, except in specific situations and according to due process. These rights are indivisible, whether they are civil and political rights, such as the right to life, equality before the law and freedom of expression," he said. Dr. Khalid Mahmood said human rights indicators are tools for states to assess their own progress in implementing human rights, formulate rights-based public policies and programmes and make precise information available to civil society. He said all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and non-discrimination is a cross-cutting principle in international human rights law.

IIUI, Vice President, Parveen Qadir Agha, while addressing, said academicians have to play their due role in the society to ensure protection of human rights of others and also teach them to the students. She said education covers political, economic, social, ethical, moral and cultural issues and is vital in changing the attitude of people towards dealing with conflicts. "Some of the root causes are absence of the rule of law, the injustices in society, and exclusion of individuals and groups from participation in fields of social, economic and political issues," she said. Parveen Qadir Agha said although education imparts teachings of tolerance and other people’s rights to live, yet it is only beneficial if it is incorporated into everyday lives.

Arshad Bin Ahmad, secretary human rights and minority affairs department, said the government is trying hard to provide basic human rights to each and every citizen and "we need support and cooperation of the people without which no programme or initiative can be successful."

Qazi Afaq Hussain, additional secretary at establishment division, said Islam advocates peace and harmony through provision of basic human rights to individuals in the society.

In the seminar students also performed tableau on situation of human rights in pakistan and role of academia . Those who also spoke on the occasion included Dr. Azra Khanum, chairperson of department of sociology at UAAR, Prof. Dr. Nazrul Islam, dean of social sciences IIUI and Dr. Saif Abbasi, chairman of department of sociology IIUI.