Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The government has earmarked a total of Rs 306 million for the Human Rights Division under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for year 2017-2018. Out of the Rs 306 million, an amount of Rs 52 million has been allocated for two ongoing projects while Rs 254 million has been earmarked for four new schemes. According to PSDP documents, the ongoing schemes include the Establishment of a National Institute of Human Rights, Islamabad and helpline for Legal Advice on Human Rights Violations, Islamabad. Rs 27 million has been allocated for establishment of a National Institute of Human Rights, while Rs 25 million has been earmarked for helpline for Legal Advice on Human Rights Violations. No allocation from foreign assistance fund has been made. The new schemes include acquisition of land and construction of buildings for the National Institute of Human Rights for which Rs 112 million has been allocated. Rs 100 million has been allocated for another new scheme of construction of working women hostels at G6/2 and G7/3, Islamabad. Similarly, the other two new schemes include implementation of action plan for Human Rights in Pakistan and institutional strengthening of the Ministry of Human Rights. Rs 12 and 30 million have been allocated respectively for the new projects. Estimates of the amount required in the year ending June 30, 2018 for the salaries and other expanses of the Human Rights Division is Rs 320.095 million.