Azam Nazeer Tarar

Somalia's Minister of Family and Human Rights Development Khadiija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi met with Pakistan's Minister for Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar in Islamabad to discuss expanding cooperation on human rights and institutional development.

Law and Human Rights Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasized the need for men's active engagement to promote gender equality during the OIC's 9th Ministerial Conference on Women in Islamabad, hosted by Pakistan. He highlighted Pakistan's legal and policy frameworks, including the National Gender Policy Framework and Vision 2025, to advance women's rights and opportunities.

Islamabad will host the OIC's 9th Ministerial Conference on Women from July 12-13, focusing on socio-economic and political empowerment of women in OIC countries. The event, organized by Pakistan's human rights ministry, will feature high-level discussions and participation from 57 member states.

Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling obligations under the EU's GSP+ framework and advancing human rights during a meeting with a European Union delegation. The discussion highlighted legal reforms, progress on human rights initiatives like the National Commission for Minorities and the Protection of Journalists Act, and counterterrorism measures aligned with constitutional law.

Pakistan's Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized the need for updated telecom laws to support 5G and modern technologies, as the 1996 framework is outdated. The proposed Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Bill 2026, approved by the National Assembly, aims to expand digital infrastructure, address regulatory barriers, and increase high-speed internet access. The bill faces controversy over its language, with a special committee recommending revisions.

A committee led by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar recommended significant language changes to the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) Amendment Bill 2026, focusing on clarifying right-of-way provisions and distinguishing between telecom structures. The bill, already approved by the National Assembly, addresses concerns about private property consent and technical accuracy in infrastructure terminology.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar denied the Pakistan Telecommunication Reorganization (Amendment) Bill would infringe on private property rights, stating telecom activity on private premises requires consent. A sub-committee was formed to address Senate objections to clauses allowing free installation of telecom towers in public spaces, while telecom stakeholders emphasized the need for reforms to improve connectivity.

PTI lawmakers protested alleged rigging in Gilgit-Baltistan elections in the National Assembly, while the government reiterated an offer for dialogue on national issues. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasized the need for an 'enabling environment' for talks and stated the Constitution does not permit convicts to lead political parties. Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai hinted at boycotting parliament over unmet demands, including restrictions on PTI founder Imran Khan's meetings.

The government extended an olive branch to the opposition for dialogue on national issues as National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai threatened a boycott over unfulfilled promises. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar addressed opposition demands, including the rights of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, and highlighted constitutional constraints. The opposition criticized government performance and referenced past boycotts, including one lifted to host a Chinese delegation.