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ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (APP):The National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) on Thursday launched the “Situational Analysis of Children from Minority Religions in Pakistan,” a comprehensive report underscoring the challenges, inequalities, and policy gaps affecting children from minority faith communities across the country.
The event brought together legislators, policymakers, child rights advocates, and civil society representatives to deliberate on strategies for fostering inclusion, equality, and protection for every child—irrespective of religion or background, said a press release.
In her welcome remarks, NCRC Chairperson Ayesha Raza Farooq emphasized that every child—regardless of religion, caste, or background—must enjoy equal rights and opportunities in Pakistan. She reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to advancing equality, inclusion, and non-discrimination in line with Pakistan’s constitutional and international obligations.
Chairman of the One-Man Commission on Minority Rights, Dr. Shoaib Suddle, stressed the importance of effectively implementing the legal safeguards that protect religious minorities, especially Article 22 of the Constitution of Pakistan. “Justice and equality must move beyond rhetoric to become lived realities for all citizens, especially vulnerable children,” he noted.
Delivering the keynote address, Chairperson of the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, lauded the NCRC’s initiative for shining a light on the lived experiences of children from minority religions. She stressed that the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights would translate the Report’s findings into policy actions. She asserted that collective action—through education, awareness, and stronger enforcement of laws—is vital to ensuring their protection and empowerment.
The event also featured a panel discussion with distinguished speakers, including NCRC Member (Minorities/Sindh) Pirbhu Lal Satyani, education consultant Zeeba T. Hashmi, former National Commission for Minorities member Albert David, National Commission on the Status of Women member Sister Mariam Parveen, and Arshad Mehmood Deputy Team Lead, Aawaz II, British Council. The session was moderated by NCRC Program Coordinator Maham Afridi.
Panelists discussed issues such as equality, education, gender discrimination, child marriage, and socio-economic exclusion. Albert David emphasized that true equality lies in embracing a shared national identity rather than being confined to divisive labels of “majority” and “minority”, while Zeeba Hashmi advocated for comparative religious studies to promote mutual respect and choice in education.
The event concluded with a collective reaffirmation of commitment among participants to strengthen institutional mechanisms, promote inclusion and equality, and ensure that every child in Pakistan—regardless of faith—enjoys equal protection, dignity, and opportunity.