Minorities Rights Bill 2025 passed: Pakistan creates autonomous watchdog for religious minorities

The law creates a powerful, autonomous commission with minority leadership, investigative authority, financial independence, and a national action plan It is widely seen as a historic step, to achieve interfaith harmony in Paksitan. A new autonomous statutory commission is established with 18 members led by a minority chairperson. At least 10 members will belong to minority communities, including smaller groups such as Bahá’ís and Kalash. The Commission now holds full authority for suo motu action, investigations, and prosecution referrals. A National Council for Minorities is created to support interfaith harmony and advisory oversight. The Commission will monitor job quotas, education access, and implementation of constitutional rights. A National Action Plan for minority welfare is made mandatory under the new law. Regional sub-offices will ensure minorities get easier local access to services and complaint channels. The Commission will receive a dedicated federal budget, ensuring financial independence and continuity. The scope is limited to non-Muslim minorities only, preventing overlap with general human rights bodies.