ISLAMABAD, Aug 10 (APP):Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights (PCHR) has called for the immediate establishment and activation of the National Commission for Minority Rights to ensure effective protection of religious minorities in Pakistan. The demand was made at a seminar organised by the PCHR at the National Press Club in connection with National Minorities Day, said a press release on Monday. Speakers stressed the need to translate constitutional guarantees and …
PCHR calls for immediate activation of minority rights commission
ISLAMABAD, Aug 10 (APP):Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights (PCHR) has called for the immediate establishment and activation of the National Commission for Minority Rights to ensure effective protection of religious minorities in Pakistan.
The demand was made at a seminar organised by the PCHR at the National Press Club in connection with National Minorities Day, said a press release on Monday.
Speakers stressed the need to translate constitutional guarantees and legislation into practical protection, equal citizenship and meaningful inclusion of minority communities.
PCHR Chairman and MNA Riaz Fatyana said the philosophy of the Pakistan Resolution was to protect minorities from majority domination and ensure their legitimate rights. He urged the government to make the National Commission for Minority Rights functional at the earliest.
Former federal minister and MNA Kamran Michael said minorities were equal citizens of Pakistan and had played a role in the struggle for independence. He said they should not be required to repeatedly prove their patriotism, as Pakistan was their home too.
PCHR Executive Director Shafique Chaudhry said the enactment of the National Commission for Minority Rights Act was an important milestone, but its success depended on effective implementation and extending legal protections to minority communities at the grassroots level.
Other speakers, including PFUJ President Afzal Butt, Pandit Rakesh Chand, HWP-L representative Waheed Javed and civil society representative William Pervez, called for greater tolerance, equal rights and protection of minority communities.
