In a critical move to institutionalize the protection of minority rights in Pakistan, a subcommittee of the Senate Human Rights Committee last week approved a highly anticipated bill aimed at creating minority rights agencies in accordance with international standards and regulations.
The subcommittee meeting, which approved the national bill for the minority bill in 2025, was chaired by Sen. Ali Zafar, the panel convener at the House of Congress on Thursday (April 17th).
Pakistan’s constitution ensures equal rights and protection for all citizens, including religious minorities, but in reality there is a continuing disparity. The Constitution protects religious freedom and prohibits discrimination based on religion, but minorities face the sustainable challenges of accessing public services and fully participating in social and economic life. There is also widespread persecution of minority groups.
The bill proposes that the committee “evaluates and monitors the implementation of constitutional assurances and protects minority promotion and protection of rights.” We also review existing or proposed policies or programs to prevent discrimination, protect minorities, and provide recommendations to relevant departments.
The committee, established by the Prime Minister, consists of 13 members, including two minority members from each state. He represents the largest minority of women and the state. Additionally, the committee will include minority members from the federal capital, Islamabad, and one grade 21 officer from the Ministry of Human Rights, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Interfaith Interfaith and Ministry of Interior, respectively.
“The Chairman and all other members shall serve three years of office,” the bill states. “There is a Council established under this Act. The Council shall exercise all its powers, perform all functions, and perform all acts and matters assigned by the Committee.”
The 18-member council will include three Hindu members, including two of the scheduled caste. Three Sikhs. One member of the Bahai community. Two Muslims. A former employee of the Islamic Ideology Council. Representative of the Evacuee Trust Property Board. One representative each from the state’s human rights or ethnic minority issues sector. A member of the minority of Islamabad.
The Commission is authorized to request information or reports from government agencies if it is investigating a violation of minority rights.
“If information or report is not received within the time specified for the purpose, the committee may proceed with investigating the complaint on its own,” the bill states. “We may begin enquiries without compromising what is contained in subsection (1) and if the Commission deems necessary considering the nature of the complaint, we may initiate enquiries without seeking information or reporting.”
Subcommittee members reached a consensus at two key points, according to a statement issued. The nomination of a minority national committee will be finalized within 30 days, and the committee constitution will be completed within 45 days. Secondly, the minimum age for designated members is 35.
“Today is a historic day for the minority that will be remembered forever,” Senator Zafar reportedly told the subcommittee.
Two minority senators – Christian Khalil Tahir and Hindu Danesh Kumar praised the subcommittee for the unanimous approval of the bill. They said the government trusted all stakeholders despite the formation of the committee.
The establishment of a national committee of minorities has long been the demand for civil society and the diverse minority communities of Pakistan. Previous attempts have been made to create such organizations, but many lacked legal support or autonomy, limiting their effectiveness.
The proposed bill, if passed and implemented as expected, will not only provide legal coverage, but will empower the committee to act proactively on the issues facing minority groups.
Pakistan, a Muslim with a population of 96%, ranked 8th on the 2025 World Watchlist, the hardest place to become a Christian.
