Harris Khalique appointed as HRCP secretary general

LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has appointed Harris Khalique as secretary general of the organisation.

Mr Khalique is a leading poet and author, a University of Iowa Honorary Fellow in Writing and a recipient of the President’s Award for Pride of Performance, according to a statement issued by HRCP.

Over the last 25 years, he has successfully led, managed and advised civil society organisations, community development projects, labour rights movements and human rights campaigns in Pakistan, South Asia and Europe.

He has also worked with the Aga Khan Foundation, Amnesty International, Strengthening Participatory Organisation, DAI and various United Nations agencies, among others. He also contributes regularly to the national and international press.

The statement said as secretary general of HRCP Harris Khalique succeeds I. A. Rehman, who retired from the post two years ago. “Mr Khalique will help set HRCP’s institutional goals as Pakistan’s leading human rights organisation, head its secretariat and supervise day-to-day management.  In so doing, he will help carry forward the work of HRCP’s co-founder, Asma Jahangir.”