Islamabad – The much-anticipated National Commission for Minorities Bill 2025 was under review in a sub committee meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights under the chairmanship of Senator Syed Ali Zafar, with strong support from government officials and lawmakers alike. The bill seeks to establish a national body dedicated to the protection and promotion of the rights of minorities in Pakistan. This initiative has gained traction in the Senate and National Assembly, with key suggestions being discussed in a series of high-level meetings.
Chairman of the Committee, Syed Ali Zafar, acknowledging the importance of the suggestions presented in today’s meeting stating , “We must ensure that the bill reflects the diverse needs of Pakistan’s minority communities while also adhering to the principles of transparency and fairness,” Zafar stated. He noted that a law formed today will have long-lasting implications, emphasizing the need for thorough deliberation before finalizing the bill.
In response to Babar’s suggestion for a rotational system for the chairperson, Zafar agreed that the system should be based on provincial representation, a proposal that will be incorporated into the final version of the bill. “This ensures that no province is left out in the selection of the chairperson,” Zafar added.
Minister of State Khildas Kohistani Strongly Supports the Bill
Minister of State for Religious Affairs, Khildas Kohistani, expressed strong backing for the bill, urging that its passage should be expedited. “It is crucial for the bill to be passed as soon as possible, as it will significantly enhance the protection of the rights of our minority communities,” Kohistani said. His comments reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring equality and justice for all Pakistanis, regardless of their religious or cultural backgrounds.
Committee Deliberations on Key Provisions
The Senate Human Rights Subcommittee held a productive session where several important suggestions were made regarding the bill. Senator Poonjo Bheel emphasized the need for a highly qualified chairman, suggesting that the selection of the chairperson should be based on the candidate’s experience in high court practice. “The chairman should be someone with substantial legal experience, and the tenure should be fixed to ensure stability,” Senator Bheel remarked. He also suggested that representation from all provinces through a rotational system would be key to ensuring fairness and inclusivity. “It will be revitalized if all provinces get an opportunity to be represented,” he added.
Meanwhile, Senator Danesh Kumar called for the establishment of clear criteria for commission members, including an age limit of 30 years and a rotation system to ensure balanced representation from all provinces. “It is crucial that the commission reflects the diversity of Pakistan’s minority communities,” Senator Kumar stated. His proposal was supported by Senator Gurdeep Singh, who argued that all minorities, including Sikhs, should be represented in the commission, given their historical significance and sacrifices.
MNNA Asfanyar M Bhandara Calls for Action
MNA Asfanyar M Bhandara also contributed to the discussions, emphasizing the importance of symbolic gestures, such as reopening the two temples under the control of the CDA. “This will send a strong message about our commitment to religious freedom,” Bhandara asserted.
Concerns Over Commission’s Structure and Appointments
There were significant concerns raised regarding the structure of the commission and the appointment process. Farhatullah Babar, a senior leader, highlighted the importance of ensuring that the appointment of the chairman be made through a consultative process, rather than by a single individual. “The appointment process should be inclusive and involve input from various stakeholders,” Babar argued. He also suggested that the commission should function like the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), where members are appointed by parliament, rather than being solely selected by the executive.
Babar further raised concerns about the inactivity of the commission when no new appointments are made after the completion of a term. “To prevent the commission from becoming inactive, there should be a clear procedure in place for appointments and renewals,” he said. The committee discussed the need for a fixed tenure for commission members, with Babar proposing that reports from the commission be submitted every six months to ensure ongoing oversight.
The committee is expected to continue its discussions in the coming weeks, with the aim of finalizing the bill for presentation to both houses of parliament. “The suggestions given today are critical to ensuring that the commission will be effective in its mandate to protect the rights of minorities,” Zafar concluded.
With widespread support from key lawmakers and officials, the National Commission for Minorities Bill 2025 stands poised to make a significant impact in strengthening minority rights in Pakistan. The finalization of the bill will mark a crucial milestone in the government’s efforts to uphold the principles of equality, justice, and human rights for all citizens.