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Parliament Passes Minority Rights Commission Bill with Majority Vote
Pakistan’s Parliament approves the National Commission for Minority Rights 2025 with 160 votes in favour. Intense debate erupts as Maulana Fazlur Rehman terms parts of the amendments controversial.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-12-02
Parliament Passes Minority Rights Commission Bill with Majority Vote

The Parliament on Tuesday passed the bill for the establishment of the National Commission for Minority Rights 2025 by a majority vote during a joint session chaired by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.

Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar presented the bill, stating that the legislation fulfills a 2014 Supreme Court directive calling for the formation of a dedicated commission to safeguard minority rights in Pakistan. The bill secured 160 votes in favour and 79 against.

While presenting the bill, Tarar thanked Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his input and amendments, adding that the legislation clearly reaffirms the status of Qadianis as non‑Muslims under Pakistani law.

Fazlur Rehman Raises Constitutional Concerns

Addressing the House, JUI‑F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman cautioned that constitutional amendments must not become controversial. He drew parallels with earlier amendments, arguing that such legislative changes require broad political consensus.

He pointed out that past landmark amendments—such as the 18th Amendment—were achieved after months of negotiation. In contrast, he said, the 27th Amendment did not involve adequate consultation, particularly with the PTI, which he claimed had been informed but not taken into full confidence.

Fazlur Rehman criticized what he described as the introduction of “class‑based privileges” in recent amendments, saying such measures were rejected by the public. He also raised objections to provisions that classify Sharia‑based marriage under 18 as sexual assault and said the Council of Islamic Ideology’s recommendations on transgender issues were ignored.

He questioned the justification behind linking the bill to United Nations requirements, asking: “Have you taken an oath to the Constitution of Pakistan or the United Nations?”

Government Responds: Amendments Accepted

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar addressed the House, emphasizing that the bill had previously been passed by both houses but was sent back by the President with objections.

Dar said the government accepted the amendments proposed by Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Senator Kamran Murtaza, reiterating that Pakistan’s leadership holds deep respect for the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He stressed that important national issues should not be politicized.

“This bill will outlast governments. Governments are not anyone’s inheritance,” Dar said, adding, “Do whatever you want for prisoner number 804, but do not play politics on matters of national importance.”

Bill Marks Major Step for Minority Rights

With the approval of the National Commission for Minority Rights 2025, Pakistan moves toward the institutional protection of minority communities—though debates over constitutional conformity and legislative process continue to shape the political landscape.
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