ISLAMABAD: The Parliament of Pakistan, in a highly charged joint sitting on Tuesday, passed the National Commission for Minority Rights Bill 2025 after a heated debate and strong opposition protests. The legislation, presented by Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, aims to establish a formal commission dedicated to safeguarding the rights of minority communities across the country.
Despite the bill’s broader objective of protection and inclusion, opposition members objected strongly to Clause 35, alleging that it could indirectly benefit the Qadiani community.
As the bill was presented, opposition lawmakers stood up in protest, chanting slogans and demanding the removal of the contentious clause. They argued that specific parts of the bill conflicted with constitutional definitions and could be misinterpreted in the future. The uproar led to a tense atmosphere inside the House, with security personnel instructed to maintain order as the debate intensified.
Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, addressing the concerns, clarified that the Constitution of Pakistan already guarantees the rights of minorities and that the proposed commission would serve as a formal mechanism to ensure their protection. He emphasized that no provision in the bill contradicted Islamic principles or the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. Tarar reiterated that Pakistan’s laws clearly state that Qadianis are not recognized as Muslims, and no clause in the bill was designed to alter or challenge that position.
The minister further explained that the bill was drafted in compliance with a Supreme Court directive requiring the establishment of a body dedicated to minority rights. Before reaching the joint sitting, the draft went through a parliamentary committee that included minority lawmakers from both houses, ensuring that all viewpoints were considered.
In response to opposition pressure, Clause 35 was ultimately removed from the final version of the bill. This clause would have given the commission the authority to impose penalties, while another provision allowing suo motu action was also eliminated. The removal was requested by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl and later accepted by the government to reach a consensus.
Following the amendments, the House approved the National Commission for Minority Rights Bill 2025 clause by clause. With the bill now passed, the next steps include the formal establishment of the commission, which will work toward improving interfaith harmony, ensuring constitutional protections, and addressing grievances of minority groups across Pakistan.
