By Samuel Bashir
“Humans cannot be judged based on their religion, race, or belief, because the right to respect is the birthright of every human being”-Nelson Mandela
When minorities are afraid to speak and the majority refuses to listen, the foundations of social harmony begin to shake. In Pakistan, the rights of minorities have been discussed for a long time, but practical steps have always been weak and ineffective. Perhaps a new journey is beginning in 2025 to fill the same space. The establishment of the National Commission for Minority Rights, which is now being identified through the Act of Parliament.
It will not be merely an institution, but a promise, equal treatment of minorities, protecting their religious, social, and human dignity. The purpose of the commission is not just to make reports, but also to convey real issues to the houses of the government and propose a possible solution.
The law of 2025 provides legal protection to the Commission.
The structure of the commission has been arranged so that every major minority community is represented.
In the process of selection of members, transparency and neutrality are based so that representatives do not speak the language of the government, but become the true voice of their community.
Not only religious identity is sufficient for competence, but a record of experience, honesty and public service has also been made compulsory.
In the law, the commission has been termed “autonomous”, but the question is, will it be to the extent of sovereignty or to the extent of words?
Budget approval is still in the hands of the Finance Ministry.
The recommendations of the Commission were not given the mandatory implementation status.
If the Commission is limited to giving advice, it can become another useless institution.
The spirit of the Constitution of Pakistan, the UN Human Rights Charter, and Quaid -e -Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s August 11, 1947 speech, all testify that every citizen in Pakistan, regardless of any religion, deserves equal rights.
The time has come for these promises not to be just in the books. The National Commission for Minority Rights has to be empowered.
Provide investigative powers to the Commission. The government should be obliged to implement its recommendations.
Protecting the rights of minorities is not only a problem of minorities, but it is a measure of the moral foundations of any nation.
The establishment of the National Commission for Minority Rights must have brought new hope. But to make this hope a reality, there will be a constant struggle, political intention, and social awareness.
Note: Samuel Bashir is an academician, minority rights activist, and a former Minority Councillor from Rawalpindi District Government
