A/HRC/22/12 69. Ecuador acknowledged the constitutional reforms and improvements of the judiciary and of the National Commission on Women. It encouraged the prompt establishment of the National Human Rights Commission, and ratification of two international human rights instruments. It welcomed Pakistan’s cooperation with United Nations bodies. Ecuador made recommendations. 70. The Adviser to the Prime Minister on Human Rights responded to questions by clarifying the role of the National Human Rights Commission and its resources. The Commission will, inter alia, monitor the general human rights situation in the country; inquire into complaints of human rights violations; visit places of detention; review laws and recommend new legislation; and develop a national plan of action for the promotion and protection of human rights. The Adviser said that in order to ensure independence of the Commission, it has been made fully financially autonomous. 71. The Adviser on National Harmony stated that everyone was free to practise their faith and religion, as stated by the founder of Pakistan. He said that there was no organized intolerance toward religious minorities in Pakistan. Most cases of excess against members of minority communities were on account of personal animosities. He said that any violation of the rights of minorities had always been condemned by religious and political leaders. The Adviser said that the extremists were targeting not just the minorities but also the vast majority of Muslims who were moderate and did not subscribe to their extremist agenda. 72. On the issue of blasphemy, the Adviser said that there was a misunderstanding that this law was used to target only minorities. The majority of cases registered under this section had been against Muslims. The Government had taken measures to prevent possible misuse or abuse of the blasphemy law. An independent judiciary, free media and vibrant civil society also provided an effective safeguard against any misuse of the blasphemy law. 73. The Chairman, National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights, said that Pakistan strongly believed in the freedom of the press. Journalists were often targeted by extremists and terrorists and faced hurdles in performing their functions due to the very nature of their work. However, all cases of intimidation got immediate media attention and were duly addressed by the Government, the Parliament and the judiciary. 74. A delegation member said that poverty was a daunting challenge as it posed a major hurdle in the realization of the people’s potential. Pakistan had a fairly elaborate network of direct and indirect social-protection mechanisms that included employment-based guarantees, direct transfers and market-based interventions. 75. Pakistan had made efforts to create an enabling environment for the elimination of child labour through raising awareness among stakeholders and the masses, improvement in legislation, mobilizing resources for child-labour programmes and institution-building. Child Labour Units have been established at the federal and provincial levels to exclusively run and monitor child labour programmes throughout the country. 76. Egypt noted the recent constitutional amendment and welcomed the establishment of a human rights commission, and measures to strengthen the National Commission on Status of Women. It enquired about the incorporation of ratified international human rights treaties. It shared concerns over impacts of extremism and intolerance. Egypt made recommendations. 77. France welcomed the moratorium on executions, the adoption of legislation strengthening women’s rights and the visit undertaken by the Working Group on Disappearances. It remained concerned about persistent enforced disappearances, acts of religious intolerance, child labour and violence against women and girls. France made recommendations. 10