Pakistan has called for the protection of civilians in Gaza, unimpeded humanitarian assistance, and strict adherence to international law, while reiterating the right to self-determination of the Palestinian and Kashmiri peoples.

“The credibility of the international human rights system depended on closing the gap between principles and their implementation,” said Usman Jadoon, Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative, speaking at the United Nations.

He said international law and principles of human rights must be followed universally, stressing that it was not acceptable for such standards to be upheld in one case, while being ignored in another.

“The plight of the Palestinians in Gaza was a defining moment for the international community’s commitment to human rights,” Jadoon said. Stating that the same principle applies to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the “inalienable right to self-determination” of the Palestinian people.

The people of Kashmir had been waiting for the execution of the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council for almost eight decades, he said.

The Pakistani envoy also called on the world community to combat the rising trends of Islamophobia, racism and xenophobia, adding that the religion, ethnicity or identity of a person should not define his or her human dignity.

Jadoon said the international community should bridge the gap between its human rights promises and the realities on the ground.

He said that dignity should not be defined by power, justice should not be defined by politics and development should not be defined as privilege.

He urged for the universal, consistent and non-discriminatory application of human rights principles, highlighting the importance of translating international pledges into action on the ground.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has stated that the payment of the second installment of Hajj dues for the pilgrims of the government program for Hajj 2027 would begin from October 5.

The ministry spokeswoman said government plan pilgrims can pay the second installment from October 5 to 20. Payment will be made using Pak Hajj app or Digital Hajj Portal.

Pilgrims have been asked to make the payment of second instalment within allotted time. In case of non-deposit of dues by due date, Hajj application shall stand canceled.

The ministry said the fee previously deposited will be reimbursed to the account of the pilgrim after cancelation of an application.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has also made it essential for submitting a medical fitness certificate before payment of second installment. Pilgrims are required to upload the certificate through PAK HAJJ APP or Digital Hajj Portal.

The ministry spokeswoman appealed to pilgrims under government schemes to fulfill all the appropriate formalities by the deadline.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has observed that Pakistan’s system needs a reset as some government departments and organizations have emerged as impediments to successful performance.

Addressing the business community in Lahore, Naqvi called upon businessmen to support the government in bringing changes in the existing system.

The minister admitted that there are regular complaints to the government regarding federal ministries and institutions, and that attempts were being made to rectify problems when practicable.

“Some departments and institutions have become hurdles to our performance,” Naqvi said, adding that the administration was striving to remedy such deficiencies.

He said the country’s system needed to be reset and that such a process could not be undertaken without the cooperation and support of the business community.

Naqvi hoped the reset of the system will lead to a dramatic improvement in the situation.

The interior minister also discussed Iran’s economic development despite decades of international sanctions and drew lessons that Pakistan may perhaps learn.

He said the country has been looked on as one ravaged by conflict, by individuals who hadn’t even been to Iran. But those who had been with him on recent excursions were startled at the level of growth they saw there.

Iran had established strong domestic production skills, especially in the car industry, despite decades of sanctions, Naqvi said.

He highlighted the need for Pakistan to work for export-led growth and reduce dependence on imports by enhancing local manufacturing.

“I invite the business community to come forward with suggestions to increase exports and reduce imports through more domestic production.”

“If Iran can do this despite sanctions for 30 to 40 years, we can do a lot more,” Naqvi added, asking Pakistan to take a leaf out of its neighbour’s economic book.