A/HRC/8/42 Page 4 Pakistan highlighted that accountability and transparency were important pillars of their society and that there was a need to create necessary checks and balances between national institutions. Regarding the judges of the higher judiciary who have been released from detention, Pakistan noted that a committee of experts was looking into the question of their restoration. 8. Pakistan highlighted that, in the past five years, terrorism and extremism have endangered national security and violated the human rights of its citizens, (figures relating to deaths and injuries by its security forces in the global fight against terrorism were provided). It stated that strong military action was not enough to win the war on terror, and that the solutions lie in the promotion of democratic values, political and economic opportunities and strengthening the rule of law. Pakistan stated that it was focusing on tribal areas, and pursuing the reform of Maddrasahs. In addition, Pakistan noted that its security forces were trained in international human rights law and necessary precautions were taken to avoid collateral damage and civilian casualties as well as access to prisons and detainees was granted to ICRC. It will, however, investigate and remedy any alleged human rights violations in the pursuit of the war on terrorism. 9. Pakistan highlighted its wish to create a citizen-centric society and government and that it has developed together with a market oriented economy a welfare state with safety nets for the under-privileged and the poor. Government’s resolve to fight violence and terror, generate productive employment and ensure good governance by providing basic facilities to the common man was reiterated. Noting the considerable decrease in poverty in recent years, it stated that 25 per cent of the population still lives below the poverty line. The reduction of poverty being an absolute priority, Pakistan highlighted measures that would be carried out in the health, education and food sectors. Pakistan stated that the challenge was to translate its promising economic performance in poverty alleviation, health and education improvement as well as employment and housing. 10. To deal with the gender issue, priority areas highlighted include: (a) mainstreaming political and economic empowerment of women. Providing figures relating to the participation of women, inter alia in State institutions, Pakistan stated that a national employment policy for women would be enunciated, aimed at facilitating job creation and women’s wider participation in the economy; (b) to put an end to “honour killings”, through faithful and effective application of the 2004 Criminal Law Act, which was a step taken in the right direction; (c) to remove abuses of the Hadood laws that violate women’s rights, noting the 2006 Prevention of Anti-Women practices (Criminal Law) Act, designed to end these practices and 2006 Amendments, which bring the laws relating to Zina and Qazf in line with the objectives of the Constitution and the injunctions of Islam; (d) to take legal and administrative measures to attack domestic violence and, (e) to build the capacity of the Ministry of Women Development. 11. Pakistan noted its strong focus on the protection of the rights of children. It highlighted that it was one of the co-initiators of the 1990 World Summit for Children that led to the accelerated ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It’s National Commission for Child Welfare and Development together with the ILO and UNICEF has taken a number of steps for the progressive elimination of child labour and their rehabilitation. Pakistan also referred to its strong segment of youth population (over 60 per cent under the age of 25) and expressed commitment to utilize this potential aptly by massively investing in their basic, higher as well as technical and vocational education. 12. On the issue of minorities, Pakistan noted that in addition to being an integral part of the society and enjoying equal civil and political rights, the new Government had expressed its resolve to continue to safeguard their rights and ensure their representation in all national institutions, through affirmative action, as well as review statutes which lead to discrimination. In relation to labour, Pakistan noted that it had announced the restoration of labour unions and was examining any laws that undermine the interest of labour, to bring them in line with the ILO legal framework. It also referred to the recent increase in the basic pay scales.