Karachi: The Peace Council for Human Rights (PCHR) and the Islamic Council for Human Rights (ICHR), in collaboration with the Ibni Sina Institute (ISI) and the World Aging Council (WAC), organized the "Introduction, Training & Certificate Distribution Ceremony" under the theme "Together for Humanity," bringing together national and international stakeholders to promote human rights, interfaith harmony, healthy ageing, and the protection of older persons.
The event marked the first major joint programme following the newly established international collaboration among the participating organizations. It served as a platform to encourage dialogue, cooperation, and collective action aimed at safeguarding the rights, dignity, and well-being of senior citizens while strengthening interfaith understanding.
A diverse audience comprising religious scholars, government representatives, healthcare professionals, academics, civil society leaders, media personnel, and participants from different faiths attended the ceremony. Speakers described the gathering as a significant demonstration of unity and shared commitment to peace, compassion, and humanity.
During the programme, representatives from various religious communities emphasized that all faiths advocate respect for parents, care for elders, and service to humanity. They stressed that promoting peaceful coexistence and mutual respect is essential for building inclusive and harmonious societies.
The ceremony included institutional presentations, professional training sessions, awareness discussions, and certificate distribution. Discussions focused on healthy ageing, home-based healthcare, community support, social inclusion, and the need to strengthen services and protection for senior citizens.
Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Babar Ali, President of PCHR and ICHR, described the initiative as the beginning of a long-term humanitarian movement dedicated to protecting the rights, health, and dignity of older persons. He announced the launch of the "Save the Elders – Save the Seniors" campaign and introduced the vision of "Healthcare at Every Doorstep," encouraging communities to establish home-based healthcare support and caregiver training programmes for elderly family members.
Chairman of PCHR and ICHR, Amin ur Rehman Khan, said that human rights belong to every individual regardless of age, religion, nationality, or background. He noted that protecting the rights of older persons is both a moral obligation and a humanitarian responsibility, while highlighting the importance of dialogue and cooperation in advancing peace and justice.
Dr. Kemal Aydin, President and CEO of the Ibni Sina Institute and the World Aging Council, appreciated the hospitality extended in Pakistan and praised the commitment of all participating organizations. He stated that population ageing is a global challenge requiring international collaboration, innovative solutions, and sustainable action. He also highlighted the potential for Pakistan and Türkiye to work together in promoting healthy ageing, accessible healthcare, social inclusion, and dignity for senior citizens.
Participants supported expanding the initiative through partnerships with national institutions, international organizations, universities, healthcare providers, faith leaders, and development partners to advance the rights and welfare of older persons at regional and global levels.
The collaborating organizations announced plans to continue joint programmes focusing on healthy ageing, community healthcare, caregiver training, research, policy advocacy, interfaith dialogue, and public awareness. The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment to transform collaboration into practical action and ensure that no elderly person is neglected, isolated, or deprived of dignity, healthcare, and social protection.
