Leaders from Christian and Hindu communities have criticized Pakistani authorities for their failure to form a commission to protect the rights of religious minorities despite nearly five months after the parliament passed a related law. Pakistan’s parliament passed the National Commission for Minorities’ Rights Bill 2025 on May 12. The law was hailed as a landmark move to safeguard the rights of minorities in a country criticized for violations of religious freedom.
The criticism came as media reports suggest the bill has been in limbo after being returned by President Asif Ali Zardari to the Ministry of Human Rights for review. In a report released on Oct. 10, the Catholic bishops’ National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) expressed disappointment over the limbo.
The report titled “Thousands of Slips Stand Guard” cited administrative hurdles and political apathy as major causes for the delay in forming the proposed 30-member minorities commission. The NCJP urged the government to ensure the commission enjoys independence.
It further urged the government to re-table the bill, ensure amendments comply with the Paris Principles, the standards for the credibility and effectiveness of National Human Rights Institutions adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1993.
