By: Waqas Qamar Bhatti
The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees equality, religious freedom, and fundamental rights to all citizens. Despite their historical contributions to the nation’s foundation and ongoing loyalty to the state, religious minorities in Pakistan continue to await the full realization of their constitutional rights.
In this backdrop, the passage of the National Commission for Minorities Rights Bill 2025 by Parliament on May 13 is being hailed as a significant development. The legislation marks both a culmination of decades-long advocacy by minority communities and a tangible move by the state to fulfill its constitutional obligations.
The bill proposes the establishment of an independent statutory body to safeguard minority rights, address grievances, and provide institutional representation. Currently, the bill awaits presidential assent. Under Article 75 of the Constitution, the President must either sign the bill into law or return it to Parliament with objections—no third option is permitted.
Observers emphasize that instead of political rhetoric or blame, the focus at this stage should be on the bill’s potential to usher in a new era of trust between the state and minority communities. Its enactment would not only extend legal protection to the rights of minorities but also signal a genuine commitment to inclusion and pluralism.
The bill is more than a legal document—it reflects a broader vision of the state recognizing the role, contributions, and rights of its minority populations, and working proactively for their welfare and integration.
The Constitution already contains several provisions that call for the protection of minorities, including:
Article 20: Freedom to profess and propagate religion,
Article 22: Protection against religious instruction in educational institutions,
Article 25: Equality of all citizens,
Article 36: Safeguards for the interests of minorities.
Legal experts and rights advocates argue that these provisions require not just symbolic commitments, but practical, institutional measures—such as those proposed in the new bill.
Pakistan’s minorities continue to face challenges in areas like education, employment, religious freedom, protection of worship places, and societal discrimination. In this context, the bill is being seen as a potential turning point, offering a structured mechanism to bridge longstanding gaps between the state and its minority citizens.
If signed into law, the bill is expected to yield several positive outcomes:
1. A greater sense of inclusion and security for minority communities,
2. Strengthened state credibility in delivering constitutional guarantees,
3. A boost to Pakistan’s international image regarding minority rights protections,
4. Renewed trust in state institutions—considered vital for national unity.
Human rights organizations describe this moment as a crucial opportunity for the government and state institutions to reaffirm their commitment to an inclusive and just society. The bill’s passage would mark a symbolic and practical milestone, aligning national legislation with constitutional promises.
As the country awaits the President’s decision, stakeholders remain hopeful that the bill will soon become law—affirming the right of every Pakistani, regardless of faith, to live with equality, dignity, and protection.
Advocates say this would reflect not only the true spirit of Pakistan’s Constitution, but also the aspirations of a progressive, democratic nation committed to justice for all.