Lahore: While appreciating the government’s efforts to make progress on the National Commission for Minorities Rights (NCMR) Act, 2025, the civil society leaders have expressed reservations regarding the composition might weaken the prospective commission.
In a joint statement, Peter Jacob, Chairperson, Peoples’ Commission for Minorities Rights, Wajahat Masood, Chairperson of the Centre for Social Justice, and Michelle Chaudhry, Director, Cecil and Iris Chaudhry Foundation, have expressed apprehensions about viability of the size of the commission (30) and urged the government to keep the it consistent with other national Commission and balanced representation of Federating units and Provincial government (proposed 14 each).
The statement said that this long-awaited and crucial mechanism for the protection and promotion of the rights of the minorities should now translate into the establishment of an empowered body. The civil society actors hoped that the constitution of this body will entail inclusion of the religious minorities in the policy-making in the country. While the enactment of the NCMR marks a progress, it is our considered view that the mandate and powers of the Commission would have been more effective and at par with those vested in the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), including the Suo Moto capacity and autonomy.
The statement impressed that the appointment process for members of the Commission ought to be transparent, inclusive, and strictly merit-based, ensuring the selection of individuals with demonstrable integrity, expertise, and commitment to advancing human rights in Pakistan.
Nevertheless, civil society organizations hoped that the Government of Pakistan will take all necessary steps to ensure the effective implementation and enforcement of the Jillani Judgment. We trust that existing limitations regarding the Commission’s independence, procedural robustness, and operational efficacy will be addressed through transparent rule-making, adequate and resourcing.
The CSOs also reaffirm their readiness to engage constructively with relevant actors to support the NCMR in carrying out its mandate and to work toward a rights-respecting, inclusive, and pluralistic Pakistan.
