An article by Kashif Mirza
A long demanded a powerful Commission for Religious Minorities still not functional and not effective. There is not a single Religious Minority representative in Federal Cabinet which raise many questions.
The conditions in Pakistan concerning the freedom of religion and belief remain largely unchanged, with no major improvements; however, there is potential for hope and relief through the National Commission for Minorities Act 2025.
The Act aims to ensure that religious minorities are “enabled to freely practice, express and develop their own culture as it is guaranteed in the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973,”
The demand for a National Commission for Minorities has been a long-standing objective of civil society and the various minority groups in Pakistan. The National Commission for Minorities is intended to advocate for and safeguard the rights of minority populations within Pakistan. Its underway through the National Commission for Minorities Act of 2025.
The Ministry of Human Rights, Ministry of Law and Justice, Ministry of Interfaith Harmony, and Ministry of Interior will also be part of the commission. The chairman and provincial members will serve a three-year term. The Prime Minister will directly oversee both the formation and the functioning of the commission. Additionally, two minority representatives from each province — Pakistani citizens over the age of 35 with demonstrated expertise in human rights advocacy — will be considered for nomination. While preference will be given to parliamentary members, the criteria emphasize practical experience and community involvement.
The commission seeks to guarantee that religious minorities have access to human rights across all areas, including religious, economic, social, and cultural domains, as specified by the national constitution and international treaties and declarations, like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The Constitution of Pakistan emphasizes the idea of equal citizenship without regard to religious differences and pledges to protect minority communities. The issue of religious minorities in Pakistan is understood within the context of social, political, and historical developments that highlight their marginalized position. However, the intricacies of the relationship between the state and religious minorities, especially in terms of equal citizenship, have not been thoroughly explored.
The Constitution of Pakistan includes various clauses aimed at safeguarding the rights of minority groups. These are as follows:
Article 20: This article guarantees all citizens the freedom to practice their religion and forbids any religious discrimination. It also allows individuals to profess, practice, and promote their faith.
Article 22: This article guarantees equal opportunities for all citizens to access public positions and the civil service, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Article 25: This article affirms equal citizenship and rights for all individuals in Pakistan, without regard to religion, race, caste, or sex.
Article 36: This article establishes that non-Muslims also possess the right to freely practice their faith and to create and maintain their religious sites.
Article 37: This article mandates that the government shall foster and safeguard the rights of minorities, including their culture, language, and religion.
Article 38: This article requires the government to offer special protections to minorities and take actions to address their legitimate interests.
These constitutions are designed to safeguard the rights of all citizens, encompassing those from religious minorities. Nevertheless, in reality, numerous obstacles obstruct the effective realization of these constitutional protections. The ensuing discussion will explore some of the major issues encountered by minorities in Pakistan.
The recent flagship report from the National Commission of the Rights of the Child published very comprehensive report to address the minority children. Such reports are eyeopener for all of us.
It is Important that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif must focus on this important but neglected matter.
This Article is written by Kashif Mirza,Sr. Development Practitioner,Policy and Human Rights Activist.
