IHRO 25th National Human Rights Conference: Qurat ul Ain Ali Khawaja Calls for Ethical Media in Human Rights Advocacy
Islamabad | December 2025 — The International Human Rights Observer (IHRO) organized its 25th National Human Rights Conference at the National Library of Pakistan in observance of International Human Rights Day, bringing together senior government officials, diplomats, human rights defenders, media professionals, academics, and representatives of civil society to deliberate on pressing national and international human rights challenges.The International Human Rights Observer (IHRO) organized its 25th National Human Rights Conference at the National Library of Pakistan in observance of International Human Rights Day, bringing together senior government officials, diplomats, human rights defenders, media professionals, academics, and representatives of civil society to deliberate on pressing national and international human rights challenges.
The conference was graced by Federal Minister and Chairman, Kashmir Committee, Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon as the Chief Guest, while Sardar Masood Khan, former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, presided as the Chair of the Conference. Among the distinguished international guests was Dr. Zuhair Muhammad Hamadallah Zaid, Ambassador of Palestine, reflecting global solidarity on human rights issues.
During the event, DAG Media was awarded the Human Rights Observer Certification in recognition of its sustained contributions to human rights journalism and advocacy. The certification acknowledged DAG Media’s responsible and impactful reporting on Indian-administered Kashmir, domestic human rights concerns, and justice-oriented narratives within Pakistan. The certificate was received by Mr. Umair on behalf of DAG Media Chief Executive Officer Daniyal Akhtar Gujar.
A significant highlight of the conference was the address delivered by Qurat ul Ain Ali Khawaja, Chairperson All Pakistan Media Council, Pride of Pakistan 2025 Awardee, and senior writer at DAG Media, who participated as an honoured speaker. She was the only female speaker representing Azad Jammu & Kashmir, drawing focused attention to the human rights situation in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK). In her address, she emphasized the strategic role of ethical and responsible media being part of IMUN as ambassodor as a guardian of truth, justice, and public accountability, particularly in conflict-affected regions. Other prominent speakers included Dr. Khalid Aftab Sulehri, President IHRO; Ms. Afshan Tehseen, former Chairperson Child Rights Commission of Pakistan; Ms. Amina Janjua, Member National Commission on Human Rights and Chairperson Defence of Human Rights; Mr. J. Salik; Mr. Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani, Chairman Awami Qaat Party; and Kashmiri leaders Altaf Hussain Wani, Abdul Hameed Lone, Sheikh Mateen, Khawaja Farooq, renowned women rights activists Mukhtara Mai and Dr. M. Farzana Bai; Syeda Nousheen Iftikhar, MNA and Chairperson National Heritage and Cultural Committee Division; Malik Wajid Yousif, Deputy Director Anti-Narcotics Force; Mr. Ammar Jaffari, Chairman Digital Initiative and Academy; Ahmed Bin Khalid Advocate, Youth President IHRO.
Academic papers were presented by Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rehman (Defence University), Prof. Muhammad Younis (National Skills University), Prof. Dr. Shahzadi Pakeeza (Fatima Jinnah Women University), Dr. Muhammad Faisal Ali (PIDE), Prof. Asif Rasoon (NUML), Dr. Abdul Haq (National University), and other representatives from various academic and research institutions.
The conference agenda focused on human rights awareness, freedom of expression, protection of women and children, the role of media and civil society, counter-narcotics challenges, and the development of sustainable, rights-based policy frameworks. IHRO, an international NGO holding special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), commended DAG Media for its ethical journalism, transparency, and commitment to human rights advocacy.
The conference concluded with a collective resolve to strengthen coordination among government institutions, civil society, media, and academia to ensure effective protection and promotion of human rights. Participants emphasized the need for sustained policy reforms, ethical media practices, research-based advocacy, and continuous national and international engagement. The way forward calls for shared responsibility, accountability, and proactive action to embed human rights principles at the core of governance, justice, and social development across Pakistan and the region. |