Permanent Mission of Pakistan on Item VI Male voice, statement in English Thank you Chairperson. Pakistan attaches great importance to the rights on questions right national ethnic religious and linguistic minorities we appreciate the important role of the Forum on Minority Issues in addressing important issues pertaining to the minorities through constructive dialogue. The government is committed to fully harness potential contribution of the minorities in all walks of life. The Constitution of Pakistan contains explicit and adequate provisions to ensure that there is no discrimination against minorities in any field. In order to uphold the Constitution commitment there is an exclusive [issue] [to further level] for [experience] social economic uplift and political empowerment of all minorities without any discrimination. The government has also declared the 11 August as minority’s day to highlight the role and contribution of minorities as well as to promote understanding and harmony among all segments of society. Madam Chairperson, as a democratic and progressive state were are fully cognisant of the fact that rights of minority women merit equal attention. In order to fulfil our commitment on protection and promotion of minority women human rights the government of Pakistan continues to take legal and institutional steps. In this connection it is important to mention that Anti-women Practices Act 2011 adopted very recently by the national parliament provides careful social protection for women. The bill has outlined strong punishments for social practices when women were traditionally exploited to settle personal, family or tribal disputes. For the first time the act has proposed a minimum benchmark realising those involved in anti-women practices. In order to end impunity and protect the rights of women including minority women the government has also introduced a number of institution initiatives. Madam Chairperson, the government is committed to politically empower minorities in order to safeguard the rights at the appropriate government structures. Accordingly besides introducing the joint electoral system for minorities at federal and provincial levels, seats have been reserved for minorities. At present two out of 76 women legislators are from the minority communities. In conclusion we are committed to effectively implement these legislative and institutional provisions in order to further promote and protect the rights of minorities including minority women. I thank you.