In a dramatic and chaotic joint session on Tuesday, Pakistan’s parliament finally approved the National Commission for Minority Rights Bill 2025 after hours of uproar, protests, and heated exchanges.
The high-stakes legislation — already cleared by both the National Assembly and Senate — passed with multiple amendments, largely driven by pushback from PTI and JUI lawmakers.
The government repeatedly assured members that the Minority Rights Commission Bill does not conflict with Islamic teachings. Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar reminded the House that the Constitution does not permit any law that contradicts the holy Quran or Sunnah.
“This commission is only for the protection of minority rights. It will not exercise punitive or suo motu powers,” he clarified, adding that Clause 35 — one of the most disputed points — had been abolished.
He noted that the Supreme Court had ordered the creation of such a commission back in 2014, and urged lawmakers to pass the measure without further delay.
Opposition raises religious concerns
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman warned that Pakistan “cannot afford” any legislation perceived as conflicting with Islam. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar echoed the concern, insisting that “no law against Islamic principles can stand.”
Both leaders pushed for key changes to the bill — including the removal of Clause 35 — and their demands were eventually accepted.
Amid the fiery exchanges, the session witnessed comic moments. When Senator Kamran Murtaza complained that Alia Kamran had taken his seat, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq laughed: “Maulana Sahib, look, Kamran Murtaza is not being given a seat by Alia Kamran.”
The lighthearted exchange briefly eased tensions in an otherwise stormy session.
PTI protests disrupt voting
As the House moved toward voting, PTI lawmakers intensified their protest. They surrounded the speaker’s desk, shouted slogans, and tossed copies of the agenda and bills toward the dais.
Despite the disruption, the session continued, and the amended Minority Rights Commission Bill was passed with 160 votes in favour and 79 against. The PPP supported the bill, while JUI opposed it even after its amendments were incorporated.
Key amendments approved
The joint session approved several major changes, including:
Abolition of the commission’s suo motu powers (Clause 12)
Deletion of Clause 35
Acceptance of amendments by Barrister Gohar and Senator Kamran Murtaza
Alia Kamran thanked the House for removing Clause 35, noting that it addressed the opposition’s primary concern.
Fazl warns against controversial legislation
Maulana Fazlur Rehman stressed that constitutional amendments must be based on consensus. He warned that non-unanimous amendments risk creating long-term controversy.
He also argued that certain provisions related to transgender rights were “un-Islamic” and cautioned that treating individuals under 18 differently in legal matters would create complications.
DPM Dar’s statement
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said the bill had already passed both houses and was further improved with amendments guided by Maulana Fazl and Senator Murtaza.
He quipped that political discussions in the country “start with the honour of the Prophethood and end with the release of prisoner number 804,” drawing laughter from the chamber.
Other legislative business
The session also approved several additional bills, including:
The Biological and Toxin Weapons Implementation Bill 2024
The Pakistan Institute of Management, Sciences and Technology Bill 2023
The Ghurki Institute of Science and Technology Bill 2025
A bill for establishing the National University for Security Sciences was introduced. The joint session was adjourned indefinitely afterward.
