Civil Society expresses apprehensions about the autonomy of Commission for Minorities

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.