The Embassy of the Netherlands organized a significant event in Karachi focused on human rights, held chaired by Henny Fokel de Vries, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Tarek Khan, Honorary Consul General in Karachi. The event brought together a distinguished audience, including Anthony Naveed, Deputy Speaker of the Sindh Assembly, and Rajvir Singh Sodha, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Sindh on Human Rights.
The event marked the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence and advocating for the fundamental rights of individuals across the globe. The Netherlands continues to prioritize the promotion of human rights as a core element of its foreign policy and international relations. Ambassador Henny Fokel de Vries emphasized that for the Netherlands, human rights are not just a policy priority but a critical foundation of a just and inclusive society. The ambassador also highlighted the significance of increasing minority representation in leadership roles, acknowledging Anthony Naveed’s recent appointment as Deputy Speaker of the Sindh Assembly. Ambassador de Vries further shared that the Netherlands Embassy has been deeply involved in youth empowerment initiatives, stressing the importance of fostering dialogue among young people to build a future where human rights are universally respected. “The strength of societies lies in diversity and our shared commitment to upholding the dignity of every individual,” she stated.
Henny Fokel de Vries, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Tarek Khan, the Honorary Consul General in Karachi, and Faisal Zahid Malik, Chairman and CEO of Pakistan Observer, share a moment together.
Among the other notable speakers were Sindh Minister Makhdoom Mehboob uz Zaman, Deputy Speaker Anthony Naveed, and Rajvir Singh Sodha, who addressed the gathering and shared their thoughts on human rights in Pakistan. MNA Mirza Ikhtiar Baig also participated in the event.
The event was attended by human rights defenders, business community leaders, government officials, and members of the public, all engaged in meaningful discussions aimed at reaffirming commitments to human rights and exploring ways to further advance this essential cause.
