ISLAMABAD: In a significant legislative milestone, the Pakistan Minority Rights Bill was passed with a clear majority during the joint session of Parliament on Monday. Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq presided over the historic sitting, where Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar introduced the bill aimed at establishing the National Commission for Minority Rights 2025. The bill received 160 votes in favour and 79 against, reflecting strong parliamentary support despite political disagreements.
Historic Step Toward Institutional Protection of Minorities
While presenting the Pakistan Minority Rights Bill, the law minister noted that the legislation fulfills a long-standing 2014 Supreme Court directive seeking a dedicated commission to safeguard minority rights in Pakistan. He acknowledged political contributions, including amendments proposed by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and his party members, emphasizing that the law clearly reaffirms existing constitutional positions, including the classification of Qadianis as non-Muslims.
The passage of the Pakistan Minority Rights Bill represents a renewed effort to align Pakistan’s domestic legal framework with fundamental rights and improved governance, while still maintaining constitutional boundaries defined by Parliament and upheld by courts.
Concerns Raised Over Constitutional Process and Amendments
Addressing the joint session, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed concern that the legislative approach surrounding the Pakistan Minority Rights Bill may mirror past controversies seen before the 18th Constitutional Amendment. He stressed the need for broader political consensus, recalling how the 1973 Constitution and subsequent reforms were achieved through inclusive dialogue, even when leaders held overwhelming parliamentary majorities.
He argued that the 27th Constitutional Amendment—linked in debate with the Pakistan Minority Rights Bill—was moved without adequate consultation and allegedly grants privileges to certain individuals that the public does not endorse. Fazlur Rehman warned that such provisions risk deepening class divisions rather than promoting justice or national unity.
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Debate Over Religious Guidelines and UN Alignment
The JUI-F leader also criticised the government for not incorporating proposals submitted by the Council of Islamic Ideology, even after a full year of deliberations. He questioned legislative choices, such as declaring pre-18-year marriages as sexual offenses and revisions tied to transgender rights, both of which the Council had objected to.
Referring to the wording in the preamble of the Pakistan Minority Rights Bill, he questioned whether Parliament is obliged to follow Pakistan’s Constitution or the expectations of the United Nations. He insisted that his opposition was based on religious and constitutional considerations rather than emotional or political motives, warning that Pakistan must avoid blindly adopting Western frameworks.
Government Defends Pakistan Minority Rights Bill as Balanced and Necessary
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar defended the Pakistan Minority Rights Bill, emphasizing that earlier concerns raised by the President had been addressed. He stated that amendments submitted by Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Senator Kamran Murtaza were incorporated to ensure the bill remains balanced and constitutionally sound.
Dar highlighted that respect and devotion to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) transcends political divides and should never be exploited for political gain. He urged parties not to use sensitive national matters for point-scoring, adding that governments are temporary but national interest must remain supreme. In a pointed remark, he referenced “prisoner number 804,” noting that political battles should not overshadow critical legislative responsibilities.
