On 2 December 2025, Pakistan’s Parliament—meeting in a joint sitting of the National Assembly and the Senate—approved the National Commission for Minority Rights Bill 2025. The bill, introduced by Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, seeks to establish a permanent national body dedicated to safeguarding the rights of non-Muslim citizens. The legislation secured 160 votes in favour, while 79 members opposed it, reflecting active debate around its scope and impact.

Purpose of the Commission

The bill aims to give minority communities stronger constitutional protection and ensure their rights are upheld in practice. The commission’s core responsibilities include:

Ensuring that Article 20, which guarantees freedom of religion, is implemented in both letter and spirit.

Reviewing existing laws, government policies and administrative actions affecting minority groups, and suggesting reforms where needed.

Investigating complaints of rights violations, documenting findings and presenting reports to Parliament.

Composition and Appointment Process

Under the law, the commission will comprise 16 members, including:

Two minority representatives from each province,

One representative from Islamabad, and

Three ex-officio members from:

National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR)

National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW)

National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC)

All appointed members will serve three-year terms. The Prime Minister will make the appointments. The chairperson must be at least 35 years old and have a strong, credible background in human-rights work.

Powers and Responsibilities

To ensure effective oversight, the commission is granted significant authority, such as:

Summoning individuals and recording statements under oath.

Requesting official records from government departments.

Visiting police stations, prisons and detention centres to review the treatment of minority citizens.

Taking suo-motu notice of rights violations, recommending legal action, and providing temporary relief to victims.

Preparing detailed annual and special reports for Parliament and coordinating with international human-rights bodies.

Debates, Amendments and Concerns

During debate, Clause 35 became controversial. Some parliamentarians feared it could restrict the commission’s powers. The JUI-F proposed an amendment to remove the clause, and the House approved it.

Opposition members also raised questions about the bill’s timing and its relationship with existing religious-affairs laws. The government clarified that the bill complies with the Supreme Court’s 2014 directives and does not conflict with the Quran or Sunnah.

Implementation Plan

The commission must be operational within 60 days of the bill becoming law. A four-member parliamentary committee will recommend the chairperson. If the committee cannot agree on one name, the Prime Minister will select the chairperson from among the proposed candidates.

Public and Political Response

Human-rights organisations, including the HRCP, have welcomed the bill’s passage and urged quick presidential assent to ensure formal implementation. However, some religious-political groups expressed reservations—particularly on matters they believe may affect the Ahmadiyya community.

Conclusion

The National Commission for Minority Rights Bill 2025 represents a major step toward institutionalising protection for Pakistan’s religious minorities. Its effectiveness will depend on swift implementation, the independence of the commission and the government’s willingness to address concerns raised by civil-society groups and minority communities. If carried out sincerely, the commission could play a crucial role in promoting equality, justice and inclusion across the country.