ISLAMABAD: A government must be responsive and responsible towards the needs of the youth that voted it to power, said MinisterofStateforParliamentary Af fairs Ali Mohammad Khan.

He was speaking at a conference on human rights arranged by an NGO, Network for Human Rights and Justice.

The event was disorganised where guest speal(ers had to plead the audience, mostly youth, for their attention.

At times, the speakers became inaudible due to loud conversations in the audience. A few of the guests rushed through their speeches and it almost prompted walk-outs.

The event was organised to discuss the role of parliamentariansin protection of human rights. But there was no discussion on violations of the rights of women and children and minorities as mentioned in the agenda.

Mr Khan, who was the chief guest, drew attention of the youth towards a minimum charter of human rights such as right to education, right to proper grooming and the right to have family.

He believed that human rights were not guaranteed anywhere in the world. Since the new world order was enforced two decades ago, human rights have become a sham where the powerful trampled the weak.

He lamented the complete disregard for human rights as the UN ignored atrocities committed in the Indian held Kashmir by Indian forces.

`Pakistani military, men,women, children and the elderly, who had no involvement in the 9/11 incident, paid the price and the price was their life,` he added.

He questioned the right of American presence in Afghanistan. `Under what right has Iraq been destroyed? Under what right does Israel commit human rights violations in Palestine?` The minister said Pakistan had to advance on the basis of its driving force which was the youth provided they took pride in their culture and tradition.

He welcomed a request from a representative of the Youth Parliament for access to the parliament where they could be a part of effective law making.

`The youth are welcome whenever they need anything and make suggestions. The government that has been voted into power by theyouth must be responsive and responsible towards the needs of the youth,` he said.

Other speakers invoked references from the holy Quran to emphasise the importance of human rights in Islam.

National Commission on Human Rights (NCHR) Chairman retired Justice Ali Nawaz Chohan urged the government for freedom to fulfil the mandate of his organisation to ensure protection of human rights in the country.

Human rights and ensuring justice is the responsibility of the government. He gave the example of torture that was prevalent in the country in the absence of a law prohibiting afflicting pain and suffering.

He urged the government to establish committees in the Senate and the National Assembly to ensure justice to the citizens.