LAHORE, July 27: The Pakistan People's Party has established a human rights wing to serve as a watchdog to monitor the state of the rights of the people in all walks of life with a particular focus on the poor and the deprived.

Party chairperson Benazir Bhutto has appointed Senator Latif Khan Khosa and MNA Fauzia Wahab as wing's co-chairpersons. They will work in the field in coordination with human rights organizations, trade unions, lawyers, teachers and other sections of society.

Senator Khosa told newsmen on Tuesday that the wing would launch a major drive against violation of rights, mobilizing various sections of society, particularly the rural population, to reach the lowest tiers and ultimately culminating in a movement. He said it would work even for the eradication of inhuman customs which were prevalent in tribal areas and the rural society, particularly 'karo kari' and 'vani'.

Flanked by PPP Senator Sajjad Bokhari and party leader Mian Jahangir, tipped as the Punjab convener of the wing, Khosa said: "We want to mobilize public opinion in a way so as to change the mindset of the people and usher in an enlightened society which detests all crimes against humanity."

He said the People's Lawyers Forum would have to play an effective role in mitigating the sufferings of the people by free legal aid to those who complained about the violation of their rights.

The wing, according to Mr Khosa, was setting up a senate secretariat to receive complaints and follow them up for redressal at all levels. The wing also demanded release of Asif Ali Zardari.

It condemned the appointment of retired army officers in civil services ignoring rules and regulations of the federal and provincial public service commissions. It also supported the struggle of tenants of Okara military farms and condemned "the vilification campaign" against Ms Benazir Bhutto.