President Asif Ali Zardari has signed the National Commission for Minorities Rights Bill 2025, establishing a statutory body aimed at protecting and promoting the rights of non-Muslim communities in Pakistan. The move marks a significant step toward providing a formal platform for addressing concerns faced by minority groups in the country.
The commission will focus on a range of issues, including forced conversions, job quotas, and workers’ rights, ensuring that minorities have access to support and guidance in matters affecting their social, economic, and cultural lives. While the commission will advise and make recommendations to the government, it will not have punitive powers. Its role is designed to be consultative and facilitative, helping to improve policy and safeguard minority rights.
The bill underwent careful amendments to ensure it does not affect existing anti-Ahmadiyya provisions, addressing concerns raised during parliamentary discussions. It explicitly covers communities including Christians, Hindus, Parsis, Sikhs, and other non-Muslim citizens, offering a dedicated forum to raise issues, report grievances, and advocate for minority welfare.
Experts say the establishment of the commission could strengthen inclusivity and social cohesion in Pakistan by giving minorities a voice in governance and policy-making. Civil society representatives have welcomed the development, noting that a formal body can help monitor challenges faced by marginalized communities and push for reforms where needed.
The creation of the National Commission for Minorities Rights aligns with broader efforts to enhance human rights protections and ensure that all citizens, regardless of faith, have equal opportunities and representation in Pakistan’s social and political landscape.
