ISLAMABAD -UNS: British Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Stephen Doughty, MP, along with a delegation, called on Federal Minister for Law & Justice and Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar in Islamabad.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott and other members of the British delegation were also present.
The meeting focused on matters of mutual interest, with detailed discussions on human rights, minority rights, protection of women and children, human trafficking, prevention of child marriage, the Indus Waters Treaty, and regional peace and security.
During the meeting, Federal Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar specifically raised the issue of India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and highlighted its potential implications for Pakistan’s agriculture, food security, economy and regional stability.
The Federal Minister emphasized that Pakistan is an agrarian country, with a significant proportion of its population dependent on agriculture, while Punjab serves as the country’s major food-producing region. He underscored that the protection and sustainable management of water resources are directly linked to Pakistan’s economy, food security and the well-being of its people.
Senator Tarar maintained that India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty was beyond the mechanism provided under the treaty and stressed that water-related matters should be addressed in accordance with international law and the existing treaty framework.
British Minister of State Stephen Doughty acknowledged the significance of water-related issues and stressed the importance of continued cooperation and engagement. He noted that water and climate change were closely linked to agriculture, human security, and efforts to prevent and respond effectively to natural disasters.
The two sides also exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in the protection and promotion of human rights, including measures to combat child sexual exploitation, human trafficking and forced marriages, and to protect women and children from all forms of exploitation.
Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar briefed the British delegation on Pakistan’s legal and administrative measures in these areas. He highlighted legislation and policy measures aimed at preventing child marriage, noting that the marriageable age has been fixed at 18 years. He further informed the delegation that work was underway to link the marriage registration system with the national database to strengthen age verification and facilitate timely action in cases of violations.
The Federal Minister and the British Minister also discussed opportunities to further strengthen Pakistan-UK cooperation through the exchange of experiences and best practices in the fields of human rights, child protection, women’s rights and the prevention of human trafficking.
