PPI Original Text (PPI-OT) – United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit Pakistan

Islamabad, May 31, 2012 (PPI-OT): The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Navanethem Pillay will visit Pakistan from 4 – 8 June 2012 at the invitation of the Government of Pakistan. The visit of the High Commissioner is part of Pakistan’s ongoing cooperation with United Nations human rights machinery.

High Commissioner for Human Rights is the senior most UN official dealing with human rights issues. During her visit she will be meeting with high-ranking Government officials and Parliamentarians and with representatives of civil society organizations.

Earlier, Special Rapporteur on Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Ms Gabriela Knaul visited Pakistan from 19 – 29 May 2012. She held meetings with high level government and judicial representatives in Pakistan including the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Minster of State for Foreign Affairs, Advisor to Prime Minister on Human Rights, Minister for Law and Justice and the Attorney General of Pakistan.

She also visited the Federal Judicial Academy and Sessions Court in Islamabad besides holding consultations with representatives from civil society organizations and the Bar Councils.

The Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression and the Working Group on Disappearances are expected to visit Pakistan later this year.

For more information, contact:
Syed Haider Ali Jafri
Personal Secretary
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government of Pakistan
Tel: +9251 921 0335 and 9056604