ISLAMABAD, Sept 3: A national human rights commission with the representation of the civil society should be formed to check human rights violations in Pakistan. This was stated by Stephen Clark, Information Officer Asia Pacific Forum, in a meeting at the Society for Human Rights and Prisoners’ Aid (Sharp).

Representatives of the Parliamentarians’ Commission for Human Rights, Asia-Pacific Forum, and national human rights commissions of Korea and Sri Lanka attended the meeting.

The Asia-Pacific Forum consists of 17 member states and is planning to enhance its membership.

Mr Sevlakkumaran of Sri Lanka said by establishing a national commission on human rights, Pakistan would be eligible for a fully-fledged membership in the Asia-Pacific Forum and had better representation in the international community.

Liaquat Binori of Sharp said by setting up the commission on human rights, Pakistan would be able to have membership of forums like the APF and keep proper check on human rights violations in the country.