ISLAMABAD (APP) - Federal Minister for Human Rights Syed Mumtaz Alam Gilani termed reviving the status of Ministry of Human Rights into a full fledged Ministry as a remarkable step of government for the promotion of human rights. Ministry of Human Rights under the guidance of President Asif Ali Zardari is fully committed to protect human rights in the country by establishing an independent National Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, said a news release while quoting his message on International Human Rights Day. The ministry was initially created by the great leader Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in 1996 but was downsized later on after the dissolution of the government. Pakistan joins the international community to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which holds the great significance for the entire humanity, Mumtaz Gilani said. The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan contains adequate provision for the protection and promotion of these rights. Islam has the distinction of having given to mankind the first complete charter of human rights and as followers of Islam. Muslims are duty bound to promote and protect these rights. Islam believes in human dignity and treats all human beings equally, he said.It enjoins upon every Muslims to respect the rights of others, irrespective of colour, caste and creed. In pursuance of the last sermon of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and in accordance with the provisions of our own constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, he added. Meanwhile, to rejoice 60th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the 10-day celebrations have started in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The celebrations began on Tuesday as Pakistan Television News arranged different talk shows from its centres in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Quetta to mark International Human Rights day, said a news release issued here. PTV and all private channels presented Human Rights programmes with special reference to conferment of International Award for Human Rights upon Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed by United Nations. Print media will publish messages of President, Prime Minister, Minister of Human Rights and Secretary Human Rights besides publication of special supplements in national newspapers. On Thursday, telecommunication and private mobile companies in collaboration with Ministry of Information and Technology will send messages to millions of people on conferment of Human Rights award upon Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed by United Nations. On the same day, media conference regarding 10 days of celebrations and conferment of International Award for Human Rights on Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed will be held at SAFMA centre, besides seminars on human rights issues in Pakistan by civil society organizations. The ceremony of "Candle Lighting for Peace" would be held at Benazir Memorial Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi. On Saturday, a function by an NGO would be also be held. Telecom and private mobile companies in collaboration with Ministry of Information and Technology will send text messages on Human Rights Day to millions of people living across the country. On Sunday December 14, walk participated by students, NGOs and civil society will be held from China Chowk, Blue Area at 10 a.m. On Monday a meeting of provincial ministers for human rights will be held at the Ministry at 11 a.m to discuss strategies on human rights.