A/HRC/8/42 Page 3 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its second session from 5 to 19 May 2008. The review of Pakistan was held at the 6th meeting on 8 May 2008. The delegation of Pakistan was headed by H.E. Ms. Fauzia Wahab, Member of the National Assembly. For the composition of the delegation, composed of 10 members, see annex below. At its 10th meeting held on 14 May 2008, the Working Group adopted the present report on Pakistan. 2. On 28 February 2008, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Pakistan: Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia and Ghana. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Pakistan: (a) A national report submitted in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/2/PAK/1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/2/PAK/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR, in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/2/PAK/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Canada, Denmark, Latvia, Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands, and was transmitted to Pakistan through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the Universal Periodic Review. I. SUMMARY OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE REVIEW PROCESS A. Presentation by the State under review 5. At the 6th meeting, on 8 May 2008, H.E. Ms. Fauzia Wahab, Member of the National Assembly introduced the national report. Pakistan noted that its creation was the result of Muslim renaissance in South Asia in the first half of the twentieth century, which led to a vision based on a modern, moderate and democratic polity that would uphold all human rights and foster respect for the rights of women and minorities. Pakistan’s Constitution is built on the principle of equal rights and equal treatment of all citizens without distinction, guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, includes economic and political justice, independence of the judiciary, prohibits trafficking of human beings, contains provisions for the representation and participation of women, the rights and interests of minorities, as well as just and humane conditions of work. 6. Pakistan is a state party to several human rights instruments and, consistent with its pledges made to the Human Rights Council, at the time of its election, it ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) in April 2008. Elaborate groundwork has been done for the establishment of an independent Human Rights Commission, which will be established in accordance with the Paris Principles. A decision in this regard by the Federal Cabinet is on the anvil. Pakistan has a Ministry of Human Rights which monitors and addresses human rights violations. In addition, the core Human Rights Education Curriculum is being incorporated in different subjects at school. 7. Pakistan has recently completed its transition to full democracy. Tribute was paid to Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who became victim of a cowardly act of terrorism, for her life long struggle and contribution to uphold the principles of human rights and democracy. Pakistan noted that the transition to democracy augurs well and that the process of coalition building is complete.