Senate subpanel reviews National Commission for Minorities bill

ISLAMABAD: The much-anticipated National Commission for Minorities Bill 2025 was reviewed on Wednesday 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. 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, acknowledged the importance of the suggestions presented in Wednesday’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.” 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 Farhatullah 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 for Religious Affairs, Khaeldas 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. 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. 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. “The commission must reflect 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. 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. There were significant concerns raised regarding the structure of the commission and the appointment process.