Parliament Passes National Commission for Minority Rights Bill 2025 Amid Walkouts and Heated Debate has become one of today’s most searched political stories as the joint session witnessed intense arguments, walkouts, and sharp divisions. Despite the chaos, lawmakers approved the bill with a strong lead of 160 votes against 79.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq chaired Tuesday’s joint parliamentary session, where the debate over the National Commission for Minority Rights Bill 2025 grew increasingly charged. Many members tore copies of the bill before walking out, prompting the session’s adjournment for an indefinite period.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar assured the House that the bill did not contradict the Quran or Sunnah. He said the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) leadership had already been briefed and reassured. Tarar stressed that protecting minority rights is a constitutional duty, not a political weapon.
JUI-F’s Kamran Murtaza demanded the removal of Clause 35, raising concerns about possible misuse. Tarar agreed to delete the clause if it helped build consensus and urged all parties not to politicise the legislation.
Opposition lawmakers chanted “no, no” as voting began. PPP’s Abdul Qadir Patel abstained and then walked out.
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman supported minority rights but criticised the drafting of certain laws. He maintained that no legislation can override Islamic principles. PTI’s Barrister Gohar echoed the same view while affirming the need to protect minorities.
Clause-by-Clause Review Underway
After approving the motion, Parliament moved to a detailed clause-by-clause examination of the bill. Tarar referenced past judicial overreach and highlighted reforms that limited excessive suo motu actions. Lawmakers are now debating each clause to ensure strong and comprehensive protections for Pakistan’s minority communities.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman urged Parliament to follow a consultative approach and avoid making the Constitution controversial. He cited the extensive nine-month consultation process of the 18th Amendment as a model of consensus-driven reform.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar reminded lawmakers that both Houses had already passed the bill and that the President had only returned suggestions. He criticised attempts to politicise the minority rights bill or give it an unnecessary “religious touch.”
Dar praised the Law Minister’s clarity and invited further consultations for improvements if needed.
Other Bills Passed
The joint session also approved several additional bills by majority vote. These included:
• The Implementation Bill 2024 for the Convention on Biological and Toxin Weapons
• The National Assembly Secretariat Employees Amendment Bill 2025
• The National University of Security Sciences Islamabad Bill 2023