On April 17, 2025, the Senate Subcommittee on Human Rights in Pakistan approved a bill to establish a National Commission for Minority Rights, aligning with United Nations standards. The commission will monitor the implementation of constitutional safeguards for minorities, review policies to prevent discrimination, and provide recommendations to relevant departments.
The commission, to be established by the Prime Minister, will consist of 13 members, including two minority representatives from each province—one woman and one from the largest minority group in that province. Additionally, there will be one minority member from Islamabad and one grade-21 officer each from the Ministry of Human Rights, the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Ministry of Interfaith Harmony, and the Interior Ministry. The chairperson and members will serve a term of three years.
An 18-member council will be formed under this act, comprising representatives from various minority communities, Muslim members, and ex-officio members from the Council of Islamic Ideology and the Evacuee Trust Property Board, among others. The commission will have the authority to request information from government institutions regarding minority rights violations and may initiate inquiries independently if necessary.
Senator Ali Zafar, Convener of the Senate subcommittee, described the approval as a historic day for minorities in Pakistan. Human rights organizations have long advocated for stronger protection of minority rights, and this bill aims to address those concerns.