ISLAMABAD – “Pakistan has already signed the Convention Against Torture (CAT) to eliminate torture from society through proper legislation and joining hands with the civil society”, said Mahreen Anwar Raja, MNA of ruling party, at the inaugural ceremony of poster exhibition on the theme of ‘Torture’ at PNCA on Tuesday.
A poster exhibition was organised by SACH under its Rehabilitation programme for victims of torture funded by the European Commission in which students from different institutes represented issue of torture through their creative work.
While speaking at the occasion, MNA Mahreen Anwar Raja shared that the constitution of Pakistan provided ample safeguards to keep off from organised crimes and torture.
She lauded the commendable efforts of SACH for elimination of all sorts of discrimination from society.
The exhibition gave platform to students for expressing sentiments on diverse irritating issues. Their work wonderfully demonstrates their imagination, keen interest and understanding of the issue.
“Things do not change itself, we change”, “Jails in Pakistan have been torture cell for ages” Punished for being a woman” Action speaks loudly than words” “Give us justice” eradicate child labour” “Would not I be able to get education like other children ever” “A hell on earth” are the inspiring messages that grabs the attention of viewers.
In her address Khalida Salimi, Executive Director of SACH appreciated the work of students and shared the 13 years long struggle of SACH for the eradication of torture in Pakistan and support to the victims of torture and their families through multidisciplinary service delivery
She welcomed and congratulated government of Pakistan for signing the Convention Against Torture (CAT) and urged the present government to ratify the United Nations Convention Against Torture (CAT) for elimination of torture from the country.
People from different government departments, civil society and media were present at the inauguration ceremony and appreciated the work of SACH against the issue of torture.
At the end of the ceremony, the chief guest distributed prizes, certificates and shields among the students for creating top paintings and posters on the theme of torture.
Judges for the competition Jamal Shah, Visual Art Director of PNCA, and Professor Hameed Durrani, NCA, Rawalpindi nominated the top five paintings of the competition.
Noorul Ain Masood, who beautifully presented feelings of women secured 1st prize ,while Serene Masood 2nd, Rubaib Javed Yousef 3rd, Mubashira 4th and Nabiha got 5th prize. Special prize was also announced for Afghan children.
Source: The Nation
Date:4/23/2008
