Pakistan establishes Benazir Bhutto Human Rights Fund

Islamabad, Dec.20 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has announced the establishment of a human rights fund for the protection and promotion of human rights in the country.The Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Human Rights Fund will be set up with an initial amount of 10 million rupees, Gilani said.

He also said that five civil awards will be given to outstanding performers in the field of human rights.

Two of these awards will be given to human rights organisations and remaining three to human rights activists every year.The name of recipients would be announced each year on December 27 on the eve of 'Youm-e-Shahadat' of Benazir Bhutto, and the award will be conferred by the President on August 14 on the eve of Independence Day, Gilani said.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the 10-day celebrations on the conferment of International Award for Human Rights to late Benazir Bhutto by the United Nation (UN), Gilani said: "Honoring of Human Rights award to Benazir Bhutto has further strengthened the commitment of the government towards protection and promotion of human rights in the country."

Gilani claimed that his government in Pakistan is giving due attention to curb any violation of human rights.

"Human Rights Monitoring Committees are being established at provincial and district levels with powers to curb any human rights violation in their respective areas," he said.