ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Human Rights has launched the National Action Plan on Human Rights (NAP-HR) 2026, renewing the Government of Pakistan’s pledge to promote and protect human rights through a coordinated national framework.
The plan has been prepared by the ministry in collaboration with the European Union’s Huqooq-e-Pakistan II Project. The formal launch marked the unveiling of the validated NAP-HR 2026, which builds on the progress of earlier national action plans while seeking to address implementation gaps and new human rights priorities.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik, Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry, parliamentarians, diplomats, senior government officials, representatives of federal and provincial institutions, National Human Rights Institutions, civil society organisations, academia, development partners, United Nations agencies and human rights defenders.
Launching the plan, Barrister Aqeel Malik termed the NAP-HR 2026 an important step towards strengthening Pakistan’s human rights framework. He said the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to turning constitutional guarantees into practical and measurable measures, while advancing national priorities and meeting Pakistan’s international human rights commitments.
He also acknowledged the role of federal and provincial governments, National Human Rights Institutions, civil society, academia and UNDP Pakistan in contributing to the plan through an inclusive consultative process.
Secretary Ministry of Human Rights Abdul Khalique Shaikh said the NAP-HR 2026 was the outcome of an extensive nationwide consultation process led by the ministry in collaboration with UNDP under the EU Huqooq-e-Pakistan II Project.
He said the plan, being the third National Action Plan on Human Rights, consists of six thematic areas and 86 action points. These focus on legal and policy reforms, protection of vulnerable groups, promotion of human rights education, strengthening of institutional capacity, and emerging issues, including digital rights, prisoners’ rights and climate change.
Addressing the event, H.E. Philipp-Oliver Gross, Chargé d’Affaires of the Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan, reaffirmed the EU’s continued partnership with Pakistan for strengthening democratic governance and human rights.
“Our cooperation, including under GSP+, is rooted in respect for fundamental rights. The National Action Plan on Human Rights 2026 provides a practical framework with clear responsibilities and measurable targets that will support effective implementation and accountability,” he said.
Dr Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative of UNDP Pakistan, also reiterated UNDP’s support for the Government of Pakistan in implementing the plan.
“Human rights must evolve to respond to the realities people face today. This Action Plan reflects that vision, and UNDP remains committed to supporting the Ministry of Human Rights and its partners in translating this roadmap into meaningful improvements in people’s lives,” he said.
The National Action Plan on Human Rights 2026 sets out a coordinated implementation framework for federal ministries, provincial governments and relevant institutions to advance human rights across the country through measurable actions, improved coordination and effective monitoring mechanisms.
