Islamabad (HRNW)– The National Commission for Minority Rights Bill 2025 was passed by a majority vote in a joint session of Parliament, with 160 members supporting and 79 opposing. Opposition members staged a walkout after raising heavy slogans.
The PPP supported the bill, while PPP’s Qadir Patel and Senators Abdul Qadir and Aimal Wali Khan opposed it. The opposition chanted slogans including “Long live the Prophet Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, Allah is Great.” Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar wore headphones to manage the disruption.
Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar stated that the bill safeguards minority rights and clarified that no action will affect prisoner number 804. Clause 35 of the bill was deleted following an amendment moved by Alia Kamran (JUI-F), which was approved by majority vote, and the bill was passed clause-wise.
Several other bills were also approved, including:
- Convention on Biological and Toxin Weapons Implementation Bill 2024
- Pakistan Institute for Management Sciences Technology Bill 2023
- National University of Security Sciences Islamabad Bill 2023
- Akhuwat Institute Kasur Bill 2023
- Gharki Institute of Science and Technology Bill 2025
- National Assembly Secretariat Employees Amendment Bill 2025
During the session, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar emphasized that the commission aims to protect the rights of non-Muslim minorities, referencing a 2014 Supreme Court ruling that recommended the formation of such a commission. Opposition leaders expressed concerns over clauses affecting Qadianis, while the Minister reassured that no legislation would contravene the Quran and Sunnah. The joint session was eventually adjourned indefinitely.
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