TAXILA, Dec 6: Federal Minister for Human Rights Syed Mumtaz Alam Gilani has said the government will establish a human rights commission which will then set up human rights courts at the district and tehsil levels across the country.

He was talking to journalists after attending a function held in connection with the 41st anniversary of the founding of the PPP here on Saturday.

PPP MNA Fouzia Habib, Member of Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly Shagufta Butt, PPP Rawalpindi chapter President Sardar Shoaib Mumtaz, PPP Taxila chapter President Malik Najeebur Rehman, Raja Mohammad Khusro, President Peoples Unity PIA Labour Union Hadayat Khan and former president of POF Workmen Association Tariq Butt were also present on this occasion.

Mr Gilani said the commission would help curb violation of human rights at the grassroots level. He said the government was aware of human rights violations and was taking necessary steps to protect the rights of the citizens. He said formation of an independent human rights ministry was the vision of Benazir Bhutto.

He said his ministry would legislate on human rights soon.

He said the ministry would play its role for the recovery of around 600 missing persons according to the list provided by various NGOs. He said Dr Afia’s case would also be taken up with the US authorities.

Mr Gilani said the rights of labourers working in various industries in Taxila and Wah Cantonment would be protected and no one would be allowed to remove them from service. He said the human rights cell would soon start working in Taxila.

Responding to another question, he said: “The government is committed to providing all rights to women as per Islamic laws so that a society based on justice could be evolved where women’s rights are fully protected.”

Speaking on the occasion, MNA Fouzia Haibib said the party was founded to secure the self-respect of the people of Pakistan, adding that Benazir Bhutto had given people the courage to fight for their rights.