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Edhi nominated as NGOs spokesman for HR convention

ISLAMABAD: Abdul Sattar Edhi has been nominated as spokesman of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for the inaugural session of human rights convention to be held here on March 31.

This was decided at a planning and consultative meeting of human rights organisations convened by Dr. Attiya Inayatullah, National Security Council member and chief co-ordinator of the human rights convention.

Among those who attended the meeting were Minister for Minority Affairs Derick Cyprian, I.A Rehman (HRCP), M A Joseph (EIGA), Hina Jeelani (AGHS), Ansar Burney (Burney Trust), Zareena Jilani (SPARC), lawyer for human rights, Zia Awan, Naheeda Mehbub Illahi (HRSP), Karamat Ali (PILER) and Mehbub Sada (CSC).

The meeting exchanged views on the theme, cross-cutting issues relating to women, children, minorities, dignity of labour and participating level of the convention.

Dr. Attiya Inayatullah informed the participants that the government recognises creating a human rights environment within the broader democratic culture.

She assured the participants that human rights package expected to be announced by Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf at the convention will be prepared with the consultation of human rights bodies in the country. APP