London / Islamabad – In a significant development for human rights in Pakistan, Parliament has passed the long-awaited National Commission for Minorities Rights Bill 2025, paving the way for the establishment of a statutory body mandated to protect the rights of non-Muslim communities. 

The bill was approved in a joint session of Parliament with 160 votes in favour and 79 against, following heated debate and strong resistance from several religious parties. Despite intense sloganeering and walkouts, legislators proceeded with the clause-by-clause approval, marking a milestone for Pakistan’s Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and other minority groups. 

The bill’s passage comes more than a decade after the Supreme Court’s landmark 2014 judgment, which ordered the formation of a dedicated minority rights commission following deadly attacks on minority communities. Continuous advocacy from civil-society organisations and human-rights defenders had long demanded implementation of that ruling. 

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar told Parliament that the bill “clearly defines minorities” and that “no legislation contrary to the Quran and Sunnah is possible.” Opposition parties raised objections to certain clauses, and after negotiations a controversial provision was removed, paving the way for approval. 

The commission is expected to monitor rights violations, investigate abuses, examine complaints, inspect prisons and police stations, advise the government on policy, and review the implementation of laws relating to religious minorities. 

Christian and Hindu groups have voiced growing concern over forced conversions, coerced marriages, discrimination, police inaction, and the persistent misuse of blasphemy laws—issues rights advocates say require urgent institutional oversight. The creation of a statutory commission is seen as an essential step in addressing these long-standing grievances. 

Commenting on the development, Nasir Saeed, Director of CLAAS-UK, said he welcomes the bill’s passage “even though it comes more than ten years after the Supreme Court first directed the government to establish such a commission.” He noted that many organisations, including CLAAS-UK, have campaigned for years for this body, following the Supreme Court’s 2014 judgment issued after severe attacks on minorities. “It is encouraging to finally see progress,” Saeed said. 

He emphasised that the new commission must be established without delay and must not become symbolic or ineffective. “It should work actively to address forced conversions, coerced marriages, abductions, discrimination, and the misuse of blasphemy laws—issues that continue to cause immense suffering to minority communities in Pakistan,” he said. Saeed added that the commission must operate transparently, include genuine representation from minority groups, and uphold constitutional protections for all citizens. 

“This is a long-awaited development,” he continued. “My hope is that the commission will play a meaningful role in alleviating the hardships faced by Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and other vulnerable groups, and contribute to a more just and inclusive future for all Pakistanis.” 

 About CLAAS-UK 

The Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance & Settlement (CLAAS-UK) is a Christian organisation providing legal aid, advocacy, and humanitarian assistance to persecuted Christians in Pakistan.