Joint sitting of Parliament passes National Commission for Minorities Rights Bill

The joint sitting of Parliament on Tuesday passed the National Commission for Minorities Rights Bill, 2025.

The bill was moved by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, who stated that its purpose is to safeguard the rights of non-Muslims.

Tarar mentioned that the Supreme Court in 2014 had directed to form a commission that works for the rights of non-Muslims.

He said the commission to be established under this bill will provide a platform to the non-Muslims to send their grievances to the government for redressal.

Formation of National Minority Commission supported

The joint session was presided by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, during which the opposition also chanted slogans on certain occasions.

The law minister stressed that the bill contains nothing contrary to the Quran and Sunnah and that there should be no politics on it. He said Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) emphasised protecting the rights of non-Muslims. “Our constitution also provides for the rights of non-Muslims,” he added.

During the debate on the bill, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman cautioned against introducing such laws to prevent their potential misuse for unlawful gain and demanded that the house be informed why the bill was being presented, Aaj News reported.

Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Barrister Gohar Ali Khan stated that legislation should protect minorities but stressed that no law against Islam should be approved. He urged for a comprehensive debate on the bill to ensure transparency.

PPP deplores delay in establishing Minorities Commission

Senator Kamran Murtaza of JUI-F objected to some sections of the bill, specifically Section 35 and Clause H of Section 12, arguing that their implementation could potentially affect the existing powers of the courts.

Law Minister Tarar clarified that the powers of the courts would remain intact, and proposals to grant or retract suo motu powers to the commission were also being accepted.

Maulana Fazl then warned: “The law minister is perhaps unaware of the clever tactics of the Qadianis; they exploit such things and then distance themselves. We should not get involved in these kinds of issues at all. I request that this new Pandora’s box not be opened here.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has invited the opposition to sit with the government for bringing improvement in any law, Radio Pakistan reported.

Responding to the points raised Fazl at the joint sitting of the parliament today, Dar emphasised that there should be no politics on sensitive matters. He said the amendments proposed by the JUI-F to improve the National Commission for Minorities Rights Bill were openly accepted by the government.