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Senate Subcommittee Clears Bill for Minority Rights Commission
A historic step for minority rights: Senate subcommittee clears bill to establish a national commission and council to safeguard religious minorities in Pakistan.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-17
Senate Subcommittee Clears Bill for Minority Rights Commission

ISLAMABAD – In a historic move, a Senate subcommittee chaired by Senator Ali Zafar has approved a bill proposing the establishment of a National Commission on Minority Rights in Pakistan. The development is being hailed as a long-overdue step toward institutionalising protections for the country’s religious minorities.

According to the draft bill, seen by Dawn.com, the commission will “assess and monitor the implementation of constitutional guarantees and safeguards for the promotion and protection of the rights of minorities.” It will also be tasked with reviewing existing and proposed policies to prevent discrimination, as well as offering actionable recommendations to relevant government departments.

The commission will consist of 13 members, including:

  • Two minority members from each province — one woman and one representative of the largest minority community in that province.
  • One minority member from Islamabad
  • One grade 21 officer each from the Ministry of Human Rights, Ministry of Law and Justice, Ministry of Interfaith Harmony, and the Interior Ministry.

Members, including the chairperson, will serve a three-year term, the bill specifies.

Minority Council Also Proposed

In addition to the commission, an 18-member Minority Rights Council will also be established. It will assist and execute functions delegated by the commission. The council will comprise:

  • Three Hindu members, including two from the scheduled caste
  • Three Christian members
  • Three Sikh members
  • One member from the Baháʼí community
  • Two Muslim members
  • One ex-officio member from the Council of Islamic Ideology
  • A representative from the Evacuee Trust Property Board
  • One representative each from the provincial Human Rights or Minorities Affairs Departments
  • One minority member from Islamabad

Oversight and Investigative Powers

The bill grants the commission the authority to demand information or reports from government institutions while investigating potential violations of minority rights. If relevant information is not received within a specified time, the commission is empowered to proceed with inquiries independently. It may also initiate investigations without prior requests for data, if the nature of the complaint warrants it.

“This is a historic day for minorities — a day that will be remembered forever,” said Senator Zafar while addressing the subcommittee.

Human Rights Groups Applaud Step

Human rights organisations both within and outside Pakistan have long urged the government to enact legal protections for religious minorities. On National Minorities Day in August last year, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan’s National Interfaith Working Group — composed of faith leaders, lawyers, journalists, and activists — issued an open letter calling for comprehensive legislative measures.

The bill is now expected to move forward in the Senate for further approval and eventual implementation.
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