Press Release: On November 7th and 8th, the Minority Forum Pakistan held its central meeting, during which the formation of the Central Council was finalized.
The forum reviewed the outcomes of activities carried out during 2024, discussed the challenges faced, and held in-depth deliberations on issues concerning policy and legislation related to minority communities in the current political context, as well as their participation in the political process and the organizational and advocacy agenda for the coming year. During the meeting, the central leadership was elected through consensus.
According to the decision, Augustine Jacob was elected as Central President, Sonia Patras as General Secretary, William Sadiq as Member Sindh, Anil Ghouri as Member Balochistan, Samuel Bashir as Member Punjab & Spokesperson, and Tanveer Ghouri was appointed as Legal Advisor.
The Central Council expressed its commitment to further strengthen the organizational structure, protect minority rights, and enhance the political participation of minorities, particularly in the context of the upcoming local government elections in Punjab and Balochistan.
The participants emphasized the importance of addressing local issues through engagement with local leadership and administrative officials, and continuing advocacy with provincial and national leadership for effective legislation — particularly regarding the National Commission for Minorities, forced conversions and child marriages, implementation of Chief Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani’s judgment, electoral reforms, active participation in local government elections, and implementation of Article 22-A. The forum also underscored the inclusion of youth leadership development and organizational strengthening as key priorities.
In the concluding session, the newly elected leadership reaffirmed their commitment that Minority Forum Pakistan will continue its struggle in an organized and policy-driven manner to ensure effective political participation, equal citizenship, and the protection of constitutional rights across the country.
Samuel Bashir
Spokesperson
Minority Forum Pakistan
