Govt committed to protecting rights, dignity of older people, DG MoHR
Islamabad: Foundation for Ageing and Inclusive Development (FAID), in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Rights (MoHr), held a two-day National Seminar on Ageing 2025, centred on policy progress and dialogue. With the theme “Bridging Policy, Practice, and Research”, the seminar brought together policymakers, academics, researchers, development partners, and older people to deliberate on Pakistan’s demographic transition and the urgent need for inclusive ageing policies.
Syed Moeez Kakakhel, CEO (FAID), welcomed the guests and shared FAID’s mission and vision for advancing the welfare and rights of older people. He emphasized the critical role of research in shaping evidence-based policies and encouraged scholars to explore areas such as the care economy, silver economy, gerontology, and intergenerational initiatives to support the development and implementation of policies that safeguard older people’s rights.
Muhammad Arshad, Director General (International Cooperation), Ministry of Human Rights, graced the opening as the Chief Guest.
In his remarks, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of older people in line with the ICT Senior Citizens Act, 2021, and Pakistan’s international obligations.
Govt committed to protecting rights, dignity of older people, DG MoHR
FAID launched its report “Towards Inclusive Ageing: A Review of Laws, Demography and Social Protection Initiative in Pakistan” by Prof. Dr Asghar Zaidi and Waqar ul Hassan, while researchers from across the provinces, including Dr. Jameel Chitrali, Dr. Samina Vertejee, Dr. Uzma Ashiq, Dr. Nargis Abbas, and Dr. Rukhshanda Jamel, shared perspectives on intergenerational initiatives, healthy ageing, social protection, and age-based discrimination.
The second day emphasized evidence-based policymaking, with experts such as Dr. Aneela, Dr. Ali Abbas, and Dr. Mumtaz presenting on older women’s rights, climate change, and social inclusion. A roundtable with policymakers identified priority research areas and strengthened collaboration with Senior Citizens Councils.
The seminar urged faster implementation of senior citizens’ laws, set research priorities with universities, expanded FAID’s ageing library, and reinforced cross-sector partnerships. FAID and
MoHR reaffirmed their commitment to a national ageing framework, ensuring older people’s rights and inclusion in Pakistan’s development agenda.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
