Diverse Panel Assembles to Oversee Minority Rights in Pakistan
In an effort to bolster the protection of minority communities, Pakistan’s parliament has enacted the National Commission for Minorities Rights Bill 2025. This decision marks a significant legislative move aimed at fostering inclusivity, although it has attracted criticism due to limitations placed on the commission’s investigative powers.
Passed on December 2 during a joint session of the National Assembly and Senate, the bill establishes an 18-member commission to oversee minority rights. This body will include a diverse group of experts: three Christians, three Hindus, a Sikh, a Baha’i, a Parsee, and two Muslim human rights experts. However, the commission’s authority has been curtailed, as it cannot initiate inquiries or summon officials independently, a feature that was originally part of the earlier version of the bill.
The selection process for the commission involves nominations from each of Pakistan’s provinces, with a representative also being chosen from Islamabad. These appointments, with a tenure of three years, will be made by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Despite its formation, the revised legislation has ignited debate over its efficacy due to the absence of key powers such as inspecting detention centers or summoning witnesses.
The bill, initially proposed on May 12, faced resistance from President Asif Ali Zardari, who returned it to Parliament for further discussion. The opposition, led by parties such as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), expressed dissatisfaction when Federal Minister for Law and Human Rights, Azam Nazeer Tarar, presented the bill for a vote.
In the parliamentary session, Tarar addressed concerns, stating, “neither the law and the Constitution, nor our conscience allows us to make a proposal that contradicts the Quran and Sunnah.” He highlighted that amendments were made to ensure compliance with religious and constitutional standards. The bill garnered the support of 160 members, while 79 opposed it.
Emphasizing the importance of the commission, Tarar remarked, “This is a commission for non-Muslims. Our Hindu, Christian and Parsi brothers are as good of Pakistanis as we are.” He also referenced a 2014 Supreme Court ruling by former Chief Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jilani, which advocated for the creation of such a commission.
Under Article 75(2) of the Constitution, the revised bill will now await the President’s assent, which must be granted within 10 days, or it will be considered automatically approved.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has welcomed the legislative initiative, stating on X, “Noting that the legislative debate and amendments reflected some political friction, we intend to review the bill closely but emphasize that the proposed commission must protect all religious minorities equally, without exception or hierarchy.” The HRCP further stressed the need for the commission’s mandate to align with constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and non-discrimination.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
