LAHORE, Feb 10: Punjab Human Rights Department will open offices in 10 districts to take timely cognizance of human rights violations.

Disclosing this at a meeting at Shahdara on Saturday, Human Rights Minister Makhdoom Ishfaq said five offices would be opened in southern Punjab and an equal number in northern Punjab regions.

He said Pakistan had become a role model for its proactive approach and steps taken for the protection of human rights of vulnerable groups and religious minorities.

He said the district level field staff of the department would keep a close vigil on human rights situation besides maintaining liaison with stakeholders and other departments. A positive role of NGOs, mass media, community leaders and legal fraternity was equally important in human rights protection.

The community leaders and media should watch the social behaviour of wacky affluent considering themselves above the law.