Islamabad: The Ministry of Human Rights has launched the National Action Plan on Human Rights (NAP-HR) 2026, highlighting the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights through a coordinated national framework. Developed in collaboration with the European Union (EU) Huqooq-e-Pakistan II Project, the plan aims to address both achievements and gaps in previous human rights initiatives.
According to Press Information Department, the launch event brought together key figures including Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law and Justice, and Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry, Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, along with parliamentarians, diplomats, senior officials, representatives from federal and provincial institutions, National Human Rights Institutions, civil society organizations, academia, development partners, United Nations agencies, and human rights defenders. The ceremony marked the formal introduction of the validated NAP-HR 2026, which seeks to build upon past efforts while tackling implementation gaps and emerging human rights priorities.
Barrister Aqeel Malik emphasized the Action Plan as a significant step in reinforcing Pakistan’s human rights framework. He stated that it reflects the Government’s commitment to turning constitutional guarantees into practical and measurable actions, advancing national priorities, and meeting international human rights obligations. Contributions from various stakeholders, including federal and provincial governments, National Human Rights Institutions, civil society, academia, and UNDP Pakistan, were acknowledged in shaping the Action Plan through a consultative process.
Abdul Khalique Shaikh, Secretary, Ministry of Human Rights, noted that the NAP-HR 2026 is the outcome of a comprehensive nationwide consultative process led by the Ministry in collaboration with UNDP under the EU Huqooq-e-Pakistan II Project. As the third iteration of the National Action Plan on Human Rights, it encompasses six thematic areas and 86 action points aimed at strengthening legal and policy reforms, protecting vulnerable groups, promoting human rights education, enhancing institutional capacity, and addressing emerging issues such as digital rights, prisoners’ rights, and climate change.
H.E. Philipp-Oliver Gross, Chargé d’Affaires, Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan, reiterated the EU’s ongoing partnership with Pakistan in bolstering democratic governance and human rights. He stated that the National Action Plan on Human Rights 2026 establishes a practical framework with clear responsibilities and measurable targets to support effective implementation and accountability.
Dr. Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan, expressed UNDP’s commitment to assisting the Government of Pakistan in implementing the Action Plan, emphasizing the importance of human rights evolving to address current realities. The Action Plan offers a coordinated implementation framework for federal ministries, provincial governments, and relevant institutions to advance human rights across Pakistan through measurable actions, improved coordination, and effective monitoring mechanisms.