Pakistan: Church Hails Government for Approving Law Protecting Religious Minorities; Civil Society Raises Reservations

Bishop Samson Shukardin, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan, has praised the country’s Parliament for approving the law to establish the National Commission for Minority Rights. The legislation, entitled the “National Commission for Minority Rights Bill 2025,” was passed on December 2, 2025 during a joint session of Parliament, with 160 votes in favor and 79 against, following a lively debate in which Islamic religious parties voiced their opposition.

“It is a very positive step by the Parliament of Pakistan. It took more than a decade to approve the establishment of this commission, but finally it has been done. The creation of this commission means better protection of fundamental rights and greater security for religious minorities in Pakistan,” Bishop Shukardin, OFM, said.

Speaking to Radio Veritas Asia, the prelate added: “It is another great achievement and a step that gives hope to the entire nation. We all hope this law will alleviate the difficulties faced by people belonging to religious minorities and other vulnerable groups, and will contribute to a more just, inclusive, and fraternal society.”

The Bishop noted that the passing of this bill follows a historic 2014 Supreme Court ruling that compelled politicians to establish a special commission to ensure the protection of religious minorities in Pakistan.

“I also appreciate the role of civil society in pressing the government and raising awareness about the 2014 Supreme Court ruling. It is a great success that the Court’s order is finally implemented. We look forward to improvements for Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and other religious minorities in Pakistan,” Bishop Shukardin concluded.

While applauding the government’s efforts, some civil society leaders have expressed reservations regarding the commission’s proposed composition, which they fear may weaken its effectiveness.

In a joint statement issued on December 10, 2025, marking International Human Rights Day, Peter Jacob, Chairperson of the Peoples’ Commission for Minority Rights, Wajahat Masood, Chairperson of the Centre for Social Justice, and Michelle Chaudhry, Director of the Cecil and Iris Chaudhry Foundation, voiced concerns about the commission’s size and representation. They urged the government to align it with other national commissions and ensure balanced representation of federal and provincial units, proposing fourteen members from each.

The statement emphasized that this long-awaited mechanism for protecting and promoting minority rights must translate into the establishment of an empowered and inclusive body. Civil society actors expressed hope that the commission will include religious minorities in policy-making processes and ensure their voices are heard.

They stressed that the appointment process for commission members should be transparent, inclusive, and merit-based, selecting individuals with integrity, expertise, and a commitment to advancing human rights in Pakistan.

Civil society organizations also urged the government to ensure the effective implementation of the historic 2014 Supreme Court ruling, famously known as the “Jillani Judgment.” They called for measures to address existing limitations regarding the commission’s independence, procedural robustness, and operational efficacy through transparent rule-making, adequate funding, and proper resourcing.

Speaking to Radio Veritas Asia, Peter Jacob, a renowned human rights and minority rights activist, said: “I believe the government can address the issues in the legislation to bring it on par with the National Commission of Human Rights and fully utilize the potential of the National Commission for Minority Rights for the benefit of our beloved country.”