PESHAWAR, Aug 2: The federal government has distributed cheques worth Rs252,000 as compensation among 29 victims of human rights violations here on Saturday.

This year, the federal government had allocated Rs2 million for the rehabilitation of the victims of human rights violations across the country.

The ministry for law, justice and human rights had received about 20,000 applications for compensation from all over the country. A special committee scrutinized the applications and finalized 250 deserving cases.

A government official Akhtar Ahsan distributed cheques among 29 victims in different parts of the NWFP at a function.

Speaking on the occasion Mr Ahsan said that though the amount was meagre, financial assistance would help the victims to start their lives anew.

He said that the government had established a human rights wing under the ministry of law, justice and human rights in order to ensure necessary remedial measures through relevant government agencies.

Mr Ahsan said that the people must be made aware of their fundamental rights. The print and electronic media should highlight cases of human rights violation, he added.

He criticized the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for exaggerating the facts.

“NGOs tell the international media about law and order situation and human rights violations, which discourages people from coming to our country,” he said.

Directorate of human rights should conduct seminars for mass awareness at the district level. Media could be helpful in altering the mindset of the people, he added.